損
DECREASE
Be still, lessen the power of the
ego, and misfortune will be avoided.
It is a fact of life that times of decrease come upon us: our resources are limited, difficulty surrounds us, and our egos generate angry and unhappy emotions. Nonetheless, such times are good for us. If we respond to them by quieting our egos and turning sincerely to the Higher Power for help, we emerge from the period of decrease stronger, healthier, and wiser.
When we discover that we are unable to achieve our goals, our egos become infuriated. We are tempted to harden into anger and bitterness, to lash out, to desperately and aggressively grab for control over the situation. If we do this, however, we only push our own salvation further away.
The I Ching counsels a withdrawal into stillness now. The image is that of a spring reverting to the inside of the mountain during a time of drought. By returning to its quiet center during the time of decrease, it avoids evaporating and exhausting itself in vain. You would be wise to follow this example. To try to force progress by arguing, manipulating, or making excuses will only bring your own downfall. Instead, disengage from your inferior elements—however passionately they seek expression—and turn to the Sage for guidance and assistance.
The hexagram Sun issues a call to sacrifice negative feelings, accept the powerlessness of the ego against the currents of life, and return to contemplation of the principles of the Sage. In stillness and meditation we enrich the higher parts of ourselves and thus bring an end to the time of decrease.
FIRST LINE
Give aid to others where you can do so with a proper attitude: without seeking recognition, and without unbalancing them. Strive to have a gentle and detached influence.
SECOND LINE
To truly help others, you must maintain your own dignity. Everyone is decreased if you indulge in what is inferior.
THIRD LINE
By relinquishing an inferior element you make room for a superior one. The Deity arrives when we disengage our egos and ask for his help.
FOURTH LINE
By correcting your bad habits and cultivating innocence, you draw others to you. Good fortune is widespread.
FIFTH LINE
Nothing can prevent success from coming to those who follow the good, the true, and the innocent at every turn.
SIXTH LINE
Through stillness and innocence one gains an increase. Be generous and benevolent with others and still greater increases will follow.
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