42. Increase (益)

Six in the Third Place is yin, yielding, neither central nor correct, and not someone who ought to obtain increase.

However, encountering the time of increasing the lower and dwelling atop the lower trigram, there is the image of increasing it through unfortunate events: for warning and stirring to action are precisely the means to increase it.

For the diviner, only after acting like this can there be freedom from blame. Furthermore, it warns him to have confidence, walk in the center, and report to the prince using the jade token (gui). Using the jade token is the means to convey trust.

Increase through unfortunate events: desiring him to be distressed in mind and troubled in thought, so as to hold it fast.

The third dwells atop the lower trigram, above the common people; it is a local governor or magistrate. Dwelling in a yang position and responding to firmness, situated at the extreme of movement, it dwells above the people and is resolute and determined in bringing increase.

Resolute in bringing increase, using this in unfortunate events brings no blame. 'Unfortunate events' refers to emergencies, perils, and extraordinary crises.

The third dwells atop the lower trigram; being below, it should receive orders from above—how could it act on its own initiative to bring increase?

Only in times of extraordinary perils and disasters may it weigh circumstances, respond to emergencies, throw itself forward without regard for itself, and vigorously protect the people; thus it is without blame.

If a subordinate acts entirely on his own authority, the superior will surely harbor jealousy and suspicion; though in dire misfortune righteousness permits action, one must possess sincere confidence and one's actions must accord with the Central Way—then sincere intention will reach the superior, and the superior will trust and support him.

Acting on one's own without supreme sincerity in serving the ruler and loving the people is certainly unacceptable; even if there is sincere intent, if one's actions do not accord with the Central Way, that too is unacceptable.

The jade token (gui) is an object used to convey trust; the Rites says that when a grand master holds a jade token on a mission, it is to manifest trust. In all sacrifices, audiences, and diplomatic missions, jade tokens are used to communicate sincerity and trust.

Possessing sincere confidence and attaining the Central Way, one can cause the superior to trust him; this is like reporting to the prince using a jade token. His sincerity can reach the superior.

For those dwelling below, the way of taking action properly requires possessing confidence and walking in the center; furthermore, the third is a yin line and not central, hence this meaning is brought forth.

Someone might ask: 'Since the third is yin and yielding, why is it interpreted conversely as resolute and decisive in managing affairs?'

The answer is: Though the substance of the third is originally yin, dwelling in a yang position means it conducts itself with firmness; responding to firmness means its will is set upon firmness; dwelling at the extreme of movement means it is resolute in execution.

Using this to practice increase, what is it if not resolute? The Changes takes what is predominant as the meaning, so it does not discuss its original substance.

Six in the Third Place's increase is uniquely usable in unfortunate events because it 'holds it fast,' meaning it firmly takes sole responsibility for the matter.

Dwelling below, one ought to receive instructions from above, yet it takes sole responsibility; only in rescuing the people from calamity and delivering the times from urgent distress is this permissible.

It is an expedient measure for dealing with urgent perils and sudden crises; hence it attains freedom from blame. In normal times, it would be unacceptable.

Dwelling in a yang position with a yin line, it seeks increase; hence it says 'Increase it.'

When increase does not come from outside, but one brings it about oneself, things do not support it; therefore in humility there is execution, while in rescuing from misfortune there is pardon.

Dwelling in a yang position with a yin line, atop the lower trigram, its strength is extreme. Using this to rescue the declining and endangered, things rely upon it; hence 'using it in unfortunate events' brings 'no blame.'

If one can ensure that increase is not for private ends, with the will set upon delivering difficulties, strength not reaching arrogance, and not losing the Central Way, then reporting to the prince with this, the ruler of the state will entrust him; the ritual of using the jade token fully embodies this principle.

Hence it says, 'Possessing confidence, walking in the center, report to the prince using a jade token.' A prince is the highest of ministerial ranks.

In general, affairs that suffice to be applied to all under heaven are addressed to a king; those second to the greatest affairs of the world are addressed to a prince.

The talent of Six in the Third Place does not suffice to report to a king, but suffices to report to a prince and be permitted the use of a jade token. Hence it says, 'Walking in the center, report to the prince using a jade token.'

Using it to carry out relief in unfortunate events, one is then able to hold it fast.

'Six in the Third Place' through 'report to the prince using a jade token.'

The Sub-commentary states: Six in the Third Place occupies a yang position with a yin line, unable to be humble and retiring; it is one who seeks increase, hence it says 'Increase it.'

'When increase does not come from outside, but one brings it about oneself, things do not support it.' If judged by the way of humility, by principle it deserves execution; if excused on the grounds of rescuing from misfortune, its intention is pardonable.

However, this Six in the Third Place 'occupies a yang position with a yin line, atop the lower trigram, its strength is extreme.'

Using this to rescue the declining and endangered, it is what things rely upon; therefore 'using it in unfortunate events' allows it to escape blame; hence it says, 'Increase it; using it in unfortunate events, no blame.'

If one can seek increase not for personal ends, with the will set on delivering from difficulties, exercising strength without reaching arrogance, and adapting to the time, one possesses sincerity and attains the Central Way; hence it says, 'Possessing confidence, walking in the center.'

Using this virtue of 'possessing confidence and walking in the center' to hold a jade token and report to the prince, the prince will surely entrust him with the task of rescuing the declining and endangered; hence it says, 'Report to the prince using a jade token.'

Commentary on 'Dwelling in a yang position with a yin line' through 'report to the prince using a jade token.'

The Sub-commentary states: In reporting to a king, one should use civil virtue to harmonize and govern, bringing peace to the people of the world; one ought not constantly rely on rescuing from misfortune with a narrow and confined will.

The Sub-commentary states: Regarding 'Holding it fast': this clarifies that unless it is to rescue from calamity, one must not seek increase; applying it to unfortunate events, one can then hold fast to one's achievement.

Six in the Third Place, third line, Lower-Lower: Without trace and without track, far and near it is hard to find in the end. Do not sail a boat upon a dry sea; why labor in vain and waste your effort?