Sequence of the Gua
Relieving continues to excess; surely something is to be lost. Thus, after Relief, Decreasing follows.
Commentary on the Symbol
At the foot of the Mountain, there is a Lake. It is an image of Decreasing. In correspondence with this, the superior person controls his anger and restrains his desire.
Decision
Decreasing. Being sincere and truthful: supreme good fortune, no fault. Appropriate to be steadfast and upright. Favorable to have somewhere to go.
How is it to be used? Two bamboo trays can be used for offering.
Commentary on the Decision
Decreasing. To decrease what is lower is to increase what is above. The way is to benefit the above.
Decreasing and being sincere and truthful there will be supreme good fortune without fault. One can be steadfast and upright. It is favorable to go somewhere.
How can the principle of decreasing be used? With truthfulness and sincerity two bamboo trays can be used for sacrifice. But employing two bamboo trays should be decided in accord with the time.
There is a time for decreasing the firm and increasing the yielding. Decreasing and increasing, being full and being empty, these take place in accord with the conditions of time.