The I Ching Speaks!
41. Sun / Decrease ---------- ---- ---- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- below Tui The Joyous, Lake ---------- The Judgement Decrease combined with sincerity Brings about supreme good fortune Without blame. One may be persevering in this. It furthers one to undertake something. How is this to be carried out? One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice. The Image At the foot of the mountain, the lake: The image of Decrease. Thus the superior man controls his anger And restrains his instincts. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Going quickly when one's tasks are finished Is without blame. But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others. Nine in the second place means: Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, One is able to bring increase to others. 23. Po / Splitting Apart ---------- ---- ---- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- below K'un The Receptive, Earth ---- ---- The Judgement Splitting Apart. It does not further one To go anywhere. The Image The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. Thus those above can ensure their position Only by giving generously to those below.