Cast the I Ching · Hexagram 41 of 64
Hexagram Forty-One
损
Decrease
The lake given to the mountain: deliberate reduction that concentrates what remains.
The lake at the mountain’s foot gives up vapour to the heights — decrease below enriching above. This hexagram reframes reduction as an act with direction: simplifying, giving, cutting back are transfers, not losses, when done sincerely. Its counsel is voluntary decrease before involuntary — curb anger and appetite, offer the two small bowls with a full heart, travel lighter. What is sincerely reduced returns later as increase; that is the paired hexagram’s promise.
On wealth
Trim expenses and holdings by choice, sincerely and early; concentration now sets up the later increase.
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