Decrease (Sǔn)

Judgment

损：有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。

Plain Meaning：Decrease with sincerity: supreme fortune, no blame; two bowls suffice for the offering—substance over abundance.

Image (Great Commentary)

山下有泽，损；君子以惩忿窒欲。

Line Texts

• 初九已事遄往，无咎，酌损之。

  Finish your task and hasten to help—no blame; weigh how much to give.

• 九二利贞，征凶，弗损益之。

  Steadfastness furthers, advancing is ominous; benefit without self-loss.

• 六三三人行，则损一人；一人行，则得其友。

  Three walking lose one; one walking gains a friend—balance in giving and taking.

• 六四损其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。

  Reduce your failing swiftly—joy follows; no blame.

• 六五或益之十朋之龟，弗克违，元吉。

  Gifted a tortoise worth ten pairs of shells, not to be refused—supreme fortune.

• 上九弗损益之，无咎，贞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。

  Benefiting all without decreasing any—no blame, steadfast fortune; winning hearts beyond one’s house.

Symbolism

A lake below the mountain: decrease, restraint and letting go.

Life Lesson

Curb anger and desire; sacrificing now, with sincerity, benefits the long run.

Modern Application

A time to cut costs and curb wants; sincerity over show.

Words of Caution

Too many breeds friction—know what to let go.