Hexagram #41
损 sǔn
Decrease
艮 Gen (Mountain)
earth · Keeping Still
兑 Dui (Lake)
metal · Joyous
Decrease combined with sincerity brings supreme good fortune without blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers to undertake something. Two small bowls may be used for the sacrifice.
At the foot of the mountain, the lake. The superior person controls anger and restrains instincts.
First (Bottom)
Going quickly when one's tasks are finished is without blame. But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others.
Second
Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one can increase others.
Third
When three people journey together, their number decreases by one. When one person journeys alone, they find a companion.
Fourth
Decreasing one's faults makes the other hasten to come and rejoice. No blame.
Fifth
Someone does indeed increase them. Ten pair of tortoises cannot oppose it. Supreme good fortune.
Sixth (Top)
If one is increased without depriving others, there is no blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers to have somewhere to go.