Transformation · lines 2, 4, and 6
Loss, Then Gain becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder over the mountain takes form as the second, fourth and top lines move. Both judgments speak. The starting hexagram treats loss as a teacher: understand the mistake, act to correct it, and give success time; the old text advises care three days before and after a beginning. 62 Success in Small Matters says this is a time for small achievements, not great ones, and that reaching beyond your means wastes effort. Read together, they ask for repair on a human scale. Don't try to undo everything at once or prove yourself with a grand gesture. Fix the next thing, then the one after. Live within your present resources and let modest successes pile up. The person who rebuilds slowly and carefully tends to keep what they rebuild. Overreaching now could reopen the wound.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 18 Loss, Then Gain
You've made mistakes that have brought you into decline; still, admitting it and making the corrections needed will lead you back to success. Take time to reflect on what caused the loss and, once you've acted, give success time to arrive.
Great success. It is favorable to cross the great river. Three days before the first day, three days after the first day.
- The judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
- Line 2 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
Your losses come from weakness, from not persevering. Reflecting and taking up the path again with resolve will bring success.
Setting right what the mother spoiled. Constancy will not do.
- Line 4 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
If you show a weak character and keep letting stronger personalities lead you, you won't succeed.
Indulging what the father spoiled. Going on: distress.
- Line 6 of 18 Loss, Then Gain
If you have high goals, beyond purely personal interests, and let them drive you, you'll succeed.
Serving neither kings nor lords; holding one's own work high.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 18 Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 4, and 6
Other transformations of Loss, Then Gain
- 27Nourishmentlines 1, 2, and 3
- 30The Flamelines 1, 2, and 4
- 38Oppositeslines 1, 3, and 4
- 35Advancelines 2, 3, and 4
- 37The Tribelines 1, 2, and 5
- 61Inner Integritylines 1, 3, and 5
- 20Observinglines 2, 3, and 5
- 1Activitylines 1, 4, and 5
- 33Leaving Behindlines 2, 4, and 5
- 6Conflictlines 3, 4, and 5
- 36Darknesslines 1, 2, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 1, 3, and 6
- 2Passivitylines 2, 3, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 1, 4, and 6
- 40Clearing Obstacleslines 3, 4, and 6
- 5Inactionlines 1, 5, and 6
- 39Held Backlines 2, 5, and 6
- 29Waterlines 3, 5, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.