Increase (Yì)

Judgment

益：利有攸往，利涉大川。

Plain Meaning：Increase: it profits to have somewhere to go and to cross the great water—benefiting those below wins favor.

Image (Great Commentary)

风雷，益；君子以见善则迁，有过则改。

Line Texts

• 初九利用为大作，元吉，无咎。

  Well-placed to do great things—supreme fortune, no blame.

• 六二或益之十朋之龟，弗克违，永贞吉。王用享于帝，吉。

  Gifted a great tortoise, heaven’s favor unrefused—lasting steadfast fortune.

• 六三益之用凶事，无咎。有孚中行，告公用圭。

  Using increase for troubles—no blame; sincere and central, reporting with the jade tablet.

• 六四中行，告公从，利用为依迁国。

  Walking the middle, the prince consents—fit to relocate and rely upon.

• 九五有孚惠心，勿问元吉。有孚惠我德。

  A sincere, benevolent heart—supreme fortune without asking; kindness returned.

• 上九莫益之，或击之，立心勿恒，凶。

  None will benefit him; some attack—an inconstant, grasping heart brings misfortune.

Symbolism

Wind and thunder reinforcing: increase, initiative and self-improvement.

Life Lesson

Turn gains into action and give back; adopt the good, mend faults.

Modern Application

In a growth phase, advance and benefit others; don’t only take.

Words of Caution

Grasping without giving ends in attack and abandonment.