The Cycle of Generosity and True Abundance
Hexagram 42 (I/Increase) represents the reversal of the previous state. If Decrease was about sacrifice, "Increase" is about Redistribution—taking from the surplus above to strengthen the foundation below. It paints a picture of a thriving society where resources flow downward, stabilizing the nation and encouraging bold action, as symbolized by the phrase "Beneficial to cross the great stream."
The hexagram divides the world into "Receivers" and "Givers," teaching the proper conduct for each. The lower half represents those who receive benefit. The I Ching insists that receiving is not a passive act; it requires Active Gratitude. Whether it is the initial spark of opportunity (Line 1) or the divine luck symbolized by the "Ten Pairs of Tortoises" (Line 2), those who gain must work harder and solve crises (Line 3) to justify their good fortune.
The upper half represents the benefactors. The ideal leader (Line 5) possesses a sincere heart (Chung), distributing kindness to the people and receiving supreme good fortune in return. He is supported by the loyal minister (Line 4) who acts as a conduit for this grace.
However, the hexagram ends with a severe warning against Greed. The Top Line depicts a figure who seeks increase without end and refuses to give back. Because his heart is unstable and selfish, he is eventually "struck by the people."
Summary: I teaches the Law of Reciprocity. Those who give generously will ultimately gain, while those who hoard greedily will ultimately lose. Together with Hexagram 41, it reveals that Decrease and Increase are not opposites, but fluid phases in a single cycle of transformation: we diminish the ego to increase the world, and in doing so, we are increased.
