Hexagram 23
•
剝 (Bō)
•
Bō
Splitting Apart
Splitting Apart (剝 (Bō)): Upper Mountain, Lower Earth. It does not pay to undertake anything. Yield patiently while old foundations dissolve.
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Earth
⚖ The Judgment
It does not pay to undertake anything. Yield patiently while old foundations dissolve.
✧ The Image
Mountain rests upon earth; superiors bestow generous gifts to secure their base.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 23 (Splitting Apart / 剝 (Bō)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Mountain above and Earth below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Splitting Apart; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.