Hexagram 42: Increase (益 Yì) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 42 (益 Increase)?

I Ching Hexagram 42, 益 (Yì), represents Increase. It is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Thunder (震 Zhèn) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 42 mean?

The Image states: 'Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man: if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 42 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Increase manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 42 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 42 (Increase) follows Hexagram 41 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

益

Yì — Hexagram 42

Increase

Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Thunder (震 Zhèn) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 42, 益 (Yì), represents Increase. Formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Thunder (震 Zhèn) below, this hexagram teaches about increase. The core message: Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 42 is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Thunder (震 Zhèn) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.

— I Ching, Increase

The Image

Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man: if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame.\nLine 2: Someone does indeed increase him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune.\nLine 3: One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince.\nLine 4: If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital.\nLine 5: If in truth you have an open heart, do not ask. Supreme good fortune. Truly, virtue will be recognized as yours.\nLine 6: He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune.

Modern Application

Hexagram 42 is the hexagram of genuine growth — Wind above Thunder means the storm's energy is guided by gentle, steady progress. Unlike mere accumulation, true Increase means becoming more, not just having more. The hexagram teaches that the superior person responds to increase by imitating good and correcting faults — growth in character, not just circumstance. The image of crossing the great water signals that this is a time of bold progress. The lines trace different aspects: undertaking great deeds (1), receiving unexpected help (2), growing through adversity (3), leading others (4), sincerity bringing recognition (5), and the warning against those who take without giving (6).

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