What this hexagram is about
A lake at the foot of the mountain, the lower diminished to enrich the higher — the image of decrease. Let the decrease be measured and well-placed: curb anger and check desire, give up the small to gain the great — for within decrease there is gain.
The Judgment 卦辞
损，有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。
With sincerity, supreme good fortune, no fault; one may persevere. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. What is its use? Two simple bowls may serve for the offering.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：山下有泽，损；君子以惩忿窒欲。
A lake lies below the mountain, diminishing; so the noble person curbs his anger and restrains his desires.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
已事遄往，尚合志也。
Setting the task aside and hastening on — still in keeping with the shared will.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top弗损益之，无咎，贞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。
To diminish nothing by design and yet bring increase — decrease at its limit turning to gain, its benefit reaching all under Heaven — there is no fault; hold to the right, and good fortune; it is fitting to have somewhere to go. So broad is the allegiance one wins, it is no longer bounded by a single house.
Six in the fifth place或益之十朋之龟，弗克违，元吉。
One is given a great tortoise worth ten strings of cowries — a rich gift of Heaven's help — that cannot be refused; the highest good fortune.
Nine in the fourth place损其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。
To decrease one's own faults and failings, so that they swiftly mend, to one's joy — there is no fault.
Nine in the third place三人行，则损一人；一人行，则得其友。
When three walk together, opinions tangle, and one must be taken away; when one walks alone, going single-mindedly, he gains, instead, a like-minded companion.
Nine in the second place利贞，征凶，弗损益之。
It is fitting to hold to what is right; to press on rashly brings misfortune. There is no need to diminish oneself for show — to keep to one's proper part is itself a help to those above.
Initial Six已事遄往，无咎，酌损之。
Having finished one's own affair, to hurry off and help another — for aid should be timely — there is no fault; but weigh how much to give, and act within one's means.