42. Increase (Increase)
Giving from above to enrich below, with wind and thunder lending their support. Fortune is strong and help is at hand — act decisively, push forward, and the rewards will be generous.
Plain-Language Translation: Favorable to move forward, and favorable to cross the great river.
Plain-Language Translation: Yi — decreasing what is above to increase what is below, so that the people rejoice without limit; those above willingly descend among the people, and this principle shines brightly. It favors moving forward, since centrality and correctness bring cause for celebration. It favors crossing the great river, since it moves like a wooden boat gliding freely over water. There is movement within and gentle compliance without, and so the benefit advances day by day without limit. Heaven bestows and earth generates, and their benefit to all things follows no fixed pattern; the way of increase, in every case, moves forward together with the times.
Plain-Language Translation: Wind and thunder stir each other on, picturing increase; the noble person moves toward what is good on sight and corrects a fault the moment it's found.
Modern Application Guide
Career: Fortune is on your side and support is at hand — a good moment to act decisively and push into new territory.
Relationships: Both sides are giving more to the relationship — a good stretch for deepening the bond and growing together.
Wealth: The return on effort looks strong — a good time to seize the moment and scale up your plans.
Health: The body responds well to new habits right now — a good time to start a new health routine.
Line-by-Line Detail
元吉无咎，下不厚事也
Things are just getting underway; strength is still building, and the moment to show it openly hasn't arrived.
或益之，自外来也
Sitting in the inner middle position, a gentle, cooperative approach suits best — this is a supporting role, not a leading one.
益用凶事，固有之也
You're at a transition point between inner and outer, feeling soft amid a shifting situation — a little unease is natural here.
告公从，以益志也
You're close to the center now, in a sensitive, receptive spot — supporting the effort suits better than leading it.
有孚惠心，勿问之矣。惠我德，大得志也
You're in the central, honored position — a key stage to lead and earn the trust of others.
莫益之，偏辞也。或击之，自外来也
You've reached the peak or the tail end of this situation — success at its height can turn, so stay alert even now.