Sun (Decrease) shows the mountain above the lake. The lake gives off moisture to the mountain – it 'decreases' itself to make something higher fertile. This is the principle of investment: One forgoes short-term consumption for long-term gain. It is about reducing things to the essentials. Less is more. If one has little but offers one's heart sincerely (like two small bowls of rice), that is worth more than a magnificent but empty ritual. Declutter your life to make room for the new.

DecreaseSacrifice

Decrease. If you are truthful, you have exalted success without fault. One can persist in this. It is beneficial to undertake something. How does one put this into practice? Two little bowls may serve for the offering.

Reduction

Sun teaches us: To grow, one sometimes has to cut back first (pruning).

Operative Resources

Essentialism. The art of separating what matters from what doesn't.

System Blocks

Attachment – the fear of letting go of the old, even when it weighs you down.

System-Hacks

Less is more.

Minimalism: Throw away 5 things today.
Fasting: Give up one habit today (sugar, social media).

Image

At the foot of the mountain lies the lake: the image of Decrease. So the noble one tempers his anger and reins in his urges.

Shadow Challenge

Shadow: Scarcity thinking – Fear of loss, stinginess, or the feeling of being 'robbed'.

Strategy

Simplify your life. Give voluntarily. Sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term gain. Master your impulses.

The Lines

Beginning: Helping (Balance)To go quickly once one's affairs are done is no fault. But one must consider how far one may diminish others. You may help, but without losing yourself in it. Don't take on too much.
Level 2: Self-Protection (Boundaries)Persistence is beneficial. To undertake something is harmful. One can increase others without diminishing oneself. Conserve your strength. Say no.
Level 3: Focus (Intimacy)When three people wander, their number shrinks by one. When one wanders, he finds his friend. Real connection needs focus. Three is one too many.
Level 4: Healing (Improvement)If one reduces one's failings, the other comes quickly and is glad. No fault. Others take pleasure in helping when you work on yourself. Be willing to learn.
Level 5: Fortune (Blessing)Someone increases him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot prevent it. Exalted good fortune. Unexpected help from above/outside.
Conclusion: Win-Win (Success)One increases him without diminishing him. No fault. Persistence brings good fortune. You serve the whole so fully that everyone benefits.

Reflection Journal

What can I give away or leave out today to become inwardly richer?