Yi: Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water. Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man, if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he furthers himself by discarding them.

Do you feel a surge of upward momentum lately? It feels as though things that were stagnant are finally moving, and opportunities are appearing one after another. “Yi” represents wind and thunder stimulating each other—a symbol of expansion, progress, and a life in a phase of abundant growth.

Psychologically, this is a lesson in self-improvement and behavioral change. When the environment favors growth, the highest wisdom is to “imitate good and discard faults.” Are you willing to drop old defensive patterns and actively adopt healthier ways of being? This increase is not just about external wealth or status, but the expansion of your internal character. It is a time for “great action”—as long as you remain sincere, this energy will carry you across the “great waters” of life’s challenges.

Practice seizing this upward momentum. Do not hesitate out of fear of failure, and do not let luck turn into greed. True increase occurs when your growth also benefits those around you. When you have a “sincere heart of kindness,” your good fortune becomes stable and long-lasting. Trust that when you begin to refine yourself and pursue excellence, the universe conspires to push you forward.

Laozi said: “The Way of Heaven is to benefit and not to harm.” Yi represents nature’s principle of “decreasing the above to increase the below.” Heaven is never stingy; it directs energy where growth is most needed. Modern life focuses on personal gain, but Taoism teaches that true increase starts from the foundation. Don’t just look at the fruit; nourish the soil. By decreasing selfish desires and increasing inner virtue, your life naturally becomes rich and solid. Flow with nature’s rhythm; that is the greatest gain.