䷨ Reduction sǔn
Core Meaning
The Hexagram of Reduction reveals the wisdom of letting go and gaining. If you let go, you gain. The Reduction hexagram emphasizes: proactive giving should be swift, 'hasten to finish what needs to be done' means to complete one's duties; maintaining a central and correct position without rash action, 'it is beneficial to be firm, going forward brings misfortune' means upholding righteousness leads to good fortune; relationships should be exclusive, 'when one walks alone, they find their companion' means focus leads to sincerity; resolving troubles quickly, 'reduce your infirmity' means to swiftly remove problems; sincerity will be rewarded, 'ten pairs of tortoises' means sincerity will certainly bring great blessings; selfless benefit to others is the highest, 'do not reduce, but augment' means benefiting others without harming oneself. The wisdom of the Reduction hexagram lies in: curbing anger and restraining desires, reducing one's negative emotions and excessive desires; acting moderately, 'considerately reduce' not excessively; taking sincerity as the foundation, 'sincerity' is more important than material possessions. Modern people seek too much, and thus need the Reduction hexagram: to understand what to take and what to give up, moderate desires, and sacrifice oneself for others.
The Judgment
Reduction. If you are sincere, there will be great good fortune, and no blame. You may be firm. It is beneficial to go somewhere. How is this used? Two small bowls can be used for sacrifice.
Interpretation:
The Hexagram of Reduction symbolizes decrease. If you have sincerity in your heart, there will be great good fortune, and no blame. You can uphold the right path, and it is beneficial to go forward. How is the way of reduction manifested? Two small bowls for offering sacrifices are sufficient; the emphasis is on sincerity, not on abundance.
The Image
Below the mountain is a lake: Reduction. The superior person curbs their anger and restrains their desires.
Structure
The Hexagram of Reduction (Sun) has Lake (Dui) below and Mountain (Gen) above, forming the image of a lake beneath a mountain. A deep lake underneath a mountain allows the lake water to seep into the mountain, where the lake reduces itself for the benefit of the mountain. This is the image of 'Reduction'. The Reduction hexagram emphasizes reducing what is below to benefit what is above, reducing oneself to accomplish others. 'Two small bowls can be used for sacrifice' means that sincerity is valued in offerings, not abundance. 'Curb anger and restrain desires' means to reduce one's anger and desires. Reduction is not merely a loss, but a purposeful relinquishment for a greater gain. Reduction and augmentation are relative; extreme reduction will inevitably lead to augmentation, which is a natural law. Reducing oneself to benefit others is a virtue, but reduction must be moderate, 'considerately reduce it,' not excessively.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
First Nine: Hasten to finish what needs to be done. No blame. Considerately reduce it.
Nine Two: It is beneficial to be firm. Going forward brings misfortune. Do not reduce, but augment.
Six Three: When three walk together, one is reduced. When one walks alone, they find their companion.
Six Four: Reduce your infirmity (illness or fault). Then joy will quickly come. No blame.
Six Five: Someone may augment you. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot prevail against it. Great good fortune.
Upper Nine: Do not reduce, but augment. No blame. Firmness brings good fortune. It is beneficial to go somewhere. Obtain ministers without home.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In career development, you must understand giving and taking. 'Curb anger and restrain desires' is fundamental; control anger and greed. When it's time to give, be decisive, 'hasten to finish what needs to be done' means to complete your responsibilities, and 'considerately reduce' means to give moderately. Maintain a righteous path, 'it is beneficial to be firm' means adhering to principles, and 'going forward brings misfortune' means reckless advancement will fail. Cooperation should be exclusive, 'when three walk together, one is reduced' means too many partners can lead to confusion, and 'when one walks alone, they find their companion' means focused cooperation is truly sincere. Problems should be resolved quickly, 'reduce your infirmity' means to promptly remove hidden dangers. Sincere efforts will be rewarded, 'ten pairs of tortoises' means even a small gift holds great meaning if the heart is sincere. The highest state is 'do not reduce, but augment,' meaning you can benefit others without harming yourself, which is true capability. Remember: 'Two small bowls can be used for sacrifice;' success is not about material abundance but about sincerity and focus.
❤️ Relationships
Relationships require giving and letting go. 'Curb anger and restrain desires' is most important; control temper and excessive demands. Be proactive in giving, 'hasten to finish what needs to be done' means to quickly complete what is required. Uphold boundaries and principles, 'it is beneficial to be firm' means love with principles, and 'going forward brings misfortune' means unconditional indulgence will lead to failure. Relationships should be exclusive, 'when three walk together, one is reduced' means having multiple partners will surely hurt someone, and 'when one walks alone, they find their companion' means focusing on one person leads to genuine connection. Conflicts should be resolved promptly, 'reduce your infirmity' means to quickly resolve issues without delay. Sincere giving will surely be rewarded, 'ten pairs of tortoises' means even a small token of affection holds great sentiment. The ideal state is 'do not reduce, but augment,' growing together and achieving mutual success in love, not merely one-sided sacrifice. Remember: relationships value sincerity, 'two small bowls can be used for sacrifice,' meaning intentions are more important than material things.
🎯 Decision Making
Decisions require understanding what to take and what to give up. 'Reduction and augmentation, fullness and emptiness, move with the times' are natural laws. 'Curb anger and restrain desires' is a prerequisite; be calm and restrain desires when making decisions. Be decisive in giving, 'hasten to finish what needs to be done' means to quickly complete what is required, and 'considerately reduce' means to appropriately let go. Uphold the middle way, 'it is beneficial to be firm' means righteousness brings good fortune, and 'going forward brings misfortune' means reckless advancement will fail. Focus on key points, 'when one walks alone, they find their companion' means concentrating resources on crucial areas. Resolve problems quickly, 'reduce your infirmity' means to address issues promptly when discovered. Sincerity will bring rewards, 'sincerity brings great good fortune' means honesty is fundamental. The highest state is 'do not reduce, but augment,' finding a win-win solution. Remember: 'Two small bowls can be used for sacrifice;' it's not about how much you invest, but whether it's appropriate.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest warning of the Reduction hexagram is against excess. 'Considerately reduce it' admonishes moderation; excessive sacrifice will harm oneself. 'When three walk together, one is reduced' warns that overly complex relationships will inevitably cause harm to someone, so one must learn to choose. 'Going forward brings misfortune' reminds that only by upholding righteousness will there be benefit; reckless advancement will lead to failure. 'Having no constancy in your heart' is the most dangerous: Upper Nine's insatiable greed will inevitably lead to attack. Be wary of: excessive self-sacrifice leading to loss of self, insatiable greed inviting disaster, wanting everything without understanding what to take and what to give up, and insincere giving. Remember: Reduction must be 'sincere' and based on honesty, Reduction must be 'firm' and uphold principles, and Reduction must be 'considerate' and moderate. True reduction is wise relinquishment, not foolish sacrifice.
Applicable Scenarios
The Reduction hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Fan Li's successful retreat exemplifies the wisdom of the Reduction hexagram. After assisting King Goujian of Yue in restoring his kingdom, he understood 'when the birds are gone, the good bow is put away,' and proactively 'reduced' his high position, 'curbing his anger and restraining his desires' without clinging to power. He wrote to Wen Zhong, advising him to retire, 'hastening to finish what needs to be done' and then leaving after completing his mission. Wen Zhong did not listen, 'going forward brought misfortune' by continuing as an official, ultimately leading to his death. Fan Li 'did not reduce, but instead augmented,' leaving the court to achieve a legendary commercial career, becoming 'Tao Zhugong.' He 'alone found his companion,' taking Xi Shi and traveling afar, focusing on business. 'Sincerity brought great good fortune;' he dispersed his wealth to help the poor three times and became wealthy three times. 'Two small bowls can be used for sacrifice;' no amount of wealth is better than freedom. This is precisely the wisdom of the Reduction hexagram: understanding how to let go, knowing when to retreat, curbing anger and restraining desires, and thereby gaining more.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Reduction hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: