Decrease ䷨

“Refactor down — reducing complexity to increase essential strength.”

decreasesacrificesimplificationreductionsincerityrestraint

Trigram Composition

Upper Trigram

☶

☶ Mountain (Gen)

Lower Trigram

☱

☱ Lake (Dui)

Binary Structure

Line 6

Yang (1)

Line 5

Yin (0)

Line 4

Yin (0)

Line 3

Yin (0)

Line 2

Yang (1)

Line 1

Yang (1)

Binary: 110001

Hexagram Meaning

䷨

The Oracle Speaks

Mountain over lake — the lake evaporates to nourish the mountain. Decrease below to increase above. Sincere sacrifice brings supreme good fortune. Two small bowls may be used for the sacrifice — simplicity in offering is valued. Reducing complexity to increase stability. The refactor that removes features to make the system stronger.

The Six Lines — Changing Line Oracles

When a line is “changing” (old yin or old yang), its oracle activates. These texts reveal the specific mutation occurring at that position in the hexagram.

Line 1 (Yang — solid) — Bottom

Going quickly when one's tasks are finished is without blame. But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others. Help swiftly, then leave. But consider the cost to others.

Line 2 (Yang — solid)

Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one is able to bring increase to others. Give without depleting yourself.

Line 3 (Yin — broken)

When three people journey together, their number decreases by one. When one person journeys alone, he finds a companion. Trim the team to find the right partner.

Line 4 (Yin — broken)

If a man decreases his faults, it makes the other hasten to come and rejoice. No blame. Self-improvement attracts allies.

Line 5 (Yin — broken)

Someone does indeed increase him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Supreme good fortune. When the universe increases you, nothing can stop it.

Line 6 (Yang — solid) — Top

If one is increased without depriving others, there is no blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers to undertake something. Growth that costs no one — pure value creation.