Hexagram 42: Increase
Wind above thunder — growth that comes from observing the patterns of nature and acting accordingly
Published July 18, 2026
Key Takeaways
- True increase comes from below — benefiting the people at the base creates lasting prosperity for all
- The structure gives: the lower trigram (thunder) moves upward, the upper (wind) scatters benefits downward
- Increase is not hoarding but circulation — wealth and knowledge grow through use, not accumulation
- The key teaching: when you see increase, ask who is being benefited at the bottom
The Direction of True Growth
Yì is one of the most fortunate hexagrams in the I Ching. Its structure — wind above thunder — shows the upper element (wind) scattering the energy of the lower element (thunder) across the land. The Image says: 'Wind and thunder — the image of increase. Thus the noble person, seeing what is good, follows it. Seeing what is wrong, corrects it.' Growth comes from alignment: doing more of what works, less of what doesn't.
The Judgment states: 'Increase. Going forward brings success. It benefits to cross the great river.' The 'great river' is any significant undertaking. When Increase is the hexagram, the time is right for bold action. But the source of the increase is specific: it comes from above to below. The upper lines of the hexagram are yin (empty), symbolizing that those in power make room for those below to grow.
The key insight: Yì is not about accumulating more but about creating conditions where growth happens naturally. The ruler who empties themselves (the upper trigram is yielding) allows energy to flow upward from the people. Increase that only enriches the top while impoverishing the bottom is not true increase.
The Movement of Benefit
The lines of Yì trace the proper flow of benefit. The first line describes the foundation: 'It furthers to carry out a great undertaking. Supreme good fortune.' When conditions are favorable for increase, the best response is bold action. The second line describes reciprocal benefit: 'Increase through offering gifts. The spirits accept them.'
The third line warns: 'Increase through unfortunate events — no blame if you are sincere.' Sometimes increase comes through difficulty. Loss can teach more than gain. The fourth line describes the ideal of the leader: 'Walking in the middle and reporting to the ruler.' The one who receives increase must use it responsibly, staying centered and communicating with those above.
The fifth line is the heart of the hexagram: 'With sincere heart, you are blessed. Do not ask — supreme good fortune. There is sincere recognition of your virtue.' When increase comes from the right source, it is recognized without seeking. The sixth line warns against selfish hoarding: 'Nourishing others without purpose — this brings harm.' Increase that does not benefit others ultimately destroys itself.
Modern Application
Yì offers a powerful framework for evaluating growth — whether in business, career, or personal development. The first question to ask: who is being benefited at the bottom? Sustainable growth distributes its benefits; unsustainable growth concentrates them at the top. An organization that enriches its leadership while underpaying its workers is not truly increasing.
For personal development, Yì teaches that the best growth comes from alignment with your nature, not from forcing results. The wind and thunder do not struggle to create increase — they simply follow their nature, and the increase happens naturally. When you find yourself in a period of genuine growth, recognize it and act boldly. When growth requires struggle and depletion, question whether it is true increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 42 (Yì) mean in the I Ching?
Yì represents true increase — growth that benefits all levels, not just the top. Its structure of wind above thunder shows the scattering of benefits from above to below. The hexagram teaches that sustainable growth comes from creating conditions where others can flourish.
What is the difference between true increase and mere accumulation?
True increase (Yì) distributes benefits across all levels — it flows from top to bottom and enriches the whole system. Mere accumulation concentrates resources at the top while the bottom stagnates. The hexagram warns that increase that does not nourish others ultimately destroys itself.
What does 'crossing the great river' mean in Hexagram 42?
The 'great river' represents any significant undertaking — a major project, a life change, or a bold decision. When Yì (Increase) is the hexagram, the time is right for such action. The conditions for success are present, and proceeding with confidence is appropriate.