Hexagram 41, Sǔn (Decrease): Line 2
损卦九二 · 山泽损 · 中文版
九二:利贞,征凶,弗损益之。
The line (Legge)
The second NINE, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject to maintain a firm correctness, and that action on his part will be evil. He can give increase (to his correlate) without taking from himself
Small Image commentary
'It will be advantageous for (the subject of) the second NINE, (undivided), to maintain his firm correctness:' - his central position gives its character to his aim.
象曰:九二利贞,中以为志也。
In plain words
It is favourable to be steadfast; setting out brings misfortune; without decreasing oneself, one can increase the other. The second line is strong and central; by keeping to the middle it gives the fifth line the best help, with no need to sacrifice itself. The Small Image says keeping to the middle is its aim.
Applying it to your situation
If you want to help someone, this line suggests that sometimes keeping yourself well is the best help. How could you help without sacrificing yourself?
Position
A solid (yang) line in the second place, which is a yin (even) place, so it is not in its proper place. It holds the centre of the lower trigram. Its partner is line 5; one is yin and the other yang, so they respond to each other.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Sǔn changes into Hexagram 27 Yí (Nourishment). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·损之颐.
The hexagram
Hexagram 41 Sǔn (Decrease). The Judgment: In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.
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English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.