Hexagram 42 · Increase

益 · Yì

Hexagram 42, Increase (益, Yì), is one of the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching (Book of Changes). It is formed by Thunder below and Wind above. Its judgment reads, in the Chinese original: “利有攸往，利涉大川。”. In the classical tradition this hexagram is associated with increase — gain that benefits. This page collects its structure, judgment, Image and six line texts for cultural study.

Structure

Lower trigram: Thunder (震) — arousal and decisive motion
Upper trigram: Wind (巽) — gentleness and quiet penetration
Symbol: ䷩ · Name: 益 (Yì) · Number: 42 of 64

Judgment (Chinese original)

The Image (Chinese original)

The Six Lines (Chinese original)

1. Bottom line (yang) (初九)
   利用为大作，元吉，无咎。
   The Image says: “元吉，无咎”，下不厚事也。
2. 六二 (六二)
   或益之十朋之龟，弗克违。永贞吉；王用享于帝，吉。
   The Image says: “或益之”，自外来也。
3. 六三 (六三)
   益之用凶事，无咎；有孚中行，告公用圭。
   The Image says: 益“用凶事”，固有之也。
4. 六四 (六四)
   中行，告公从，利用为依迁国。
   The Image says: “告公从”，以益志也。
5. 九五 (九五)
   有孚惠心，勿问元吉。有孚惠我德。
   The Image says: “有孚惠心”，“勿问”之矣；“惠我德”，大得志也。
6. Top line (yang) (上九)
   莫益之，或击之，立心勿恒，凶。
   The Image says: “莫益之”，偏辞也；“或击之”，自外来也。

FAQ

What is I Ching Hexagram 42?

Hexagram 42 is Increase (益, Yì), one of the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching. It is formed by Thunder below and Wind above, and belongs to the classical Chinese textual tradition.

What is the judgment of Increase?

The judgment of Increase reads, in the Chinese original: “利有攸往，利涉大川。”. Its Great Image reads: “风雷，益。君子以见善则迁，有过则改。”. Translations vary by edition; the judgment and the Image are the core texts for understanding the hexagram.

What does Increase symbolize?

In the classical tradition, Increase is associated with increase — gain that benefits. It is studied as cultural symbolism — a lens for reflection — not as a prediction of fortune or future events.