Hexagram 23 of 64
Splitting Apart剝
The mountain rests on the earth. Those above strengthen those below, and so keep their home secure.
- Upper
- Mountain
- Lower
- Earth
- Order
- 23 / 64
不利。有攸往。
Judgment: It does not help to go anywhere.
山附於地，剝；上以厚下，安宅。
Image: The mountain rests on the earth. Those above strengthen those below, and so keep their home secure.
In plain words
The situation: The ground is wearing away and things are slipping.
What you can do: Make no big moves. Protect what matters and wait.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上九碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。A great fruit uneaten. The noble person gains a carriage; the small person's house is stripped.In shortThe last good fruit remains; the steady gain support, while the self-serving lose their footing.
- 六五貫魚，以宮人寵，无不利。A string of fish. Favor comes through the palace ladies. Nothing fails.In shortBring people together in good order and treat them well; the situation can turn favorable.
- 六四剝牀以膚，凶。The bed is split up to the skin. Misfortune.In shortThe damage is now close to you; things are unfavorable, so step back and protect yourself.
- 六三剝之，无咎。Stripping away, yet no fault.In shortIn a declining situation, break away from the bad side; that brings no real harm.
- 六二剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。The bed is split at the frame. Steadiness is lost. Misfortune.In shortThe erosion is spreading upward; without support or principles it turns bad, so stay alert.
- 初六剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。The bed is split at the leg. Steadiness is lost. Misfortune.In shortThe base is starting to wear away; if you drop your principles, things turn bad, so be careful.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.