Tinh Menh Do
Hexagram No. 41 ䷨

Decrease (Sun)

Symbolizes reduction, purposeful loss, restraining personal desires to achieve greater spiritual or overall benefits.

Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Line 5
Line 6

6-Line Structure

I Ching Interpretation

Symbolism & Structure

The Hexagram has the Lower trigram as Doai (Trach/Softness/Joy), the Upper trigram as Can (Son/Stopping/Toughness). The hexagram image shows the reduction of the Yang line below to fill the Yang line above. This is the statue of 'To harm the lower and benefit the upper' (less below and more above). In society, if the lower people voluntarily reduce their share to take care of the big picture (Upper), the system will be sustainable. The word 'Loss' does not have a negative meaning of loss, but of adjustment to reach a state of balance.

Philosophy & Virtues

The philosophy of the Patriarch hexagram teaches that: 'Damage, karma, original sand, emptiness, virility, profit and karma pass away'. Having (sincere) trust is very good. The key point is 'Two bowls of rice can be enjoyed' (two bowls of rice are enough to worship). Gods and people's hearts do not value lavish gifts but respect sincere hearts. The gentleman who encounters the Sun hexagram must 'suppress anger and suppress desire' (suppress anger, suppress greed). Reducing selfishness is the best way to increase virtue.

Line by Line Analysis

1st Line

Hao So Cuu: 'For happiness to pass away, there is no end to it, there is nothing wrong with it'. When you're done, go right away to help others, there's no mistake. You have to think about how much to reduce to suit your ability. Help others but don't harm yourself too much.

2nd Line

Hao Cuu Nhi: 'Losing the virgin, conquering the enemy, what's the use of raising trouble'. Maintaining integrity is good, but moving forward in a hurry is bad. No need to hurt yourself to still help others. This is help based on sustainable strength.

3rd Line

Hao Luc Tam: 'If three people act, one person will be destroyed; The most effective action, the best result is equal to it'. Three people traveling together will lose one person; A lone traveler will find you. Law of balance: Too much will be excess, solitude will find communion. Emphasize specialization.

4th Line

Hao Luc Tu: 'No worries, no worries, no worries'. Reducing your bad habits makes others happy to help. When you correct yourself, noble people will appear. No error.

5th Line

Hao Luc Ngu: 'What's the benefit, what's the point of going back and forth? Someone came to help and offered a precious turtle (treasure) for ten dong, which he couldn't refuse. Due to the virtue of humility, one receives great blessings. Great sand.

6th Line

Hao Thuong Cuu: 'There is nothing to gain, nothing to do, virginity, benefit and friend to wander, gain god to no one'. Do not harm others but benefit yourself and the world. Reaching the glorious realm that everyone can benefit from, there is no longer a boundary between giving and receiving.

General Discussion

The Damage Hexagram reminds: If you want to receive more (Ich), you must first know how to reduce (Damage) the redundant and ugly things in your soul.

Divination & Guidance

Work & Affairs

We are at a stage where we need to invest or suffer a little to build our reputation. Don't be too meticulous in calculating immediate benefits. Generosity and sincerity will bring big contracts later.

Morning Advice

Start your day by helping someone or cutting down on unnecessary spending. A little 'less' materially will bring mental relief.

Love & Relationships

Relationships require ego sacrifice on both sides. Don't be too rigid and require the other person to follow your wishes. A little yielding (Self-denial) will bring lasting happiness.

Dau Nam

The year is more about cultivating and accumulating merit. There may be unexpected expenses but that's a waste of money. Please accept it happily because it is the compensation of destiny.

Career & Success

It's not the time for brilliant advancement. You should act as a support person, perfecting your skills. Your dedication is being observed and implicitly recognized by your superiors (moment 5).

Wealth & Business

A bit poor due to spending or investment. However, this is an 'investment for the future'. Avoid games of chance. Use money to help people, blessings will come back later.

Health & Well-being

Need to 'less' overeating and worrying less. Pay attention to diseases related to the digestive system due to overeating. Carrying out a body detox regimen will be very good.

Luu Y Dac Biet

When casting the Hexagram, remember: 'The more you give, the more you receive'. But giving must come from sincerity, not bribery or bargaining with the gods.

Strategic Insights

Risk Analysis

The biggest risk is 'needless harm'. If you remove core things (such as health, morality) just to exchange for vanity, that is a tragic mistake. In addition, line 3 reminds of division if you do not know how to keep consistency.

Strategy

If you do the opposite (Greedy, just wanting more): You will be like a swamp that is too full and causes flooding, or a mountain that is too high and causes landslides. The Hexagram teaches that those who only know how to receive but do not know how to give will soon be eliminated by fate.

Previous No. 40: Deliverance (Xie) Next No. 42: Increase (Yi)
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