23. Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)

Trigrams

Above

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Below

☷ Kūn (Earth)

Symbolic Meaning

剝 (Bō) symbolizes splitting apart or decay. This hexagram represents a time when things are falling apart or being stripped away. It advises patience and waiting for better times rather than trying to resist the natural cycle of decline.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"剝，不利有攸往。"
(Bō, bù lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Splitting apart. It is not favorable to undertake anything."

This hexagram warns against taking action during a time of decline or decay. It advises patience and acceptance of the situation. Resistance will not bring success, and it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山附於地，剝。上以厚下，安宅。"
(Shān fù yú dì, bō. Shàng yǐ hòu xià, ān zhái.)

"The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. The superior person maintains a firm foundation below and keeps peace in their dwelling."

The image of a mountain resting on the earth suggests stability, but also decay at the edges. The superior person focuses on maintaining stability and peace within their environment, even as the outer world may be falling apart.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ zú, miè zhēn xiōng.)

"Splitting at the legs of the bed. Perseverance leads to misfortune."

This line speaks of the foundation being weakened, symbolized by the legs of a bed splitting. Trying to persevere in such a situation will only lead to further misfortune. It advises caution.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ biàn, miè zhēn xiōng.)

"Splitting at the frame of the bed. Perseverance leads to misfortune."

This line describes further decay, with the bed's frame splitting. Continuing to push forward in such circumstances only leads to more misfortune. It advises letting go and not trying to fix what cannot be saved.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"剝之无咎。"
(Bō zhī wú jiù.)

"Splitting apart. No blame."

This line describes a situation where decay is inevitable, but no blame falls on the person experiencing it. It advises accepting the situation and not trying to fight against natural decline.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"剝牀以膚，凶。"
(Bō chuáng yǐ fū, xiōng.)

"Splitting at the flesh of the bed. Misfortune."

This line suggests that the decay has reached a critical point. The situation has deteriorated to the point of no return, and misfortune is unavoidable. It advises accepting the loss and moving on.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"貫魚以宮人寵，无不利。"
(Guàn yú yǐ gōng rén chǒng, wú bù lì.)

"A string of fish. Favor comes to the palace maid. Everything is favorable."

This line speaks of a positive turn. Although decay and decline may be present, there is still hope for favor and positive outcomes. It suggests that even in difficult times, opportunities for success remain.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。"
(Shuò guǒ bù shí, jūn zǐ dé yú, xiǎo rén bō lú.)

"The large fruit is not eaten. The superior person receives a carriage. The inferior person tears down their hut."

This line describes a division between those who succeed and those who fall. The superior person is rewarded and moves forward, while the inferior person loses everything. It advises maintaining integrity and avoiding self-destruction.