Hexagram 23: Bo

Judgment

不利。有攸往。

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

The judgment says this is no time to set out anywhere. Things are being worn away from the bottom up, so the sensible move is to hold your position.

Image

山附於地，剝；上以厚下安宅。

(The trigrams representing) the earth, and (above it) that for a mountain, which adheres to the earth, form Po. Superiors, in accordance with this, seek to strengthen those below them, to secure the peace and stability of their own position.

Line 1 · 初六

剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。

The first line, divided, shows one overturning the couch by injuring its legs. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness, and there will be evil.

The bed is being stripped starting with its legs, the foundation. This is the first loss of what is correct and steady, and trouble follows.

Line 2 · 六二

剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。

The second line, divided, shows one overthrowing the couch by injuring its frame. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness, and there will be evil.

The damage has climbed from the legs to the frame, and more of what is steady and right is being worn away. The warning is the same as before.

Line 3 · 六三

剝之，无咎。

The third line, divided, shows its subject among the overthrowers; but there will be no error.

You are among the forces doing the stripping, yet your loyalty lies with the one steady person above, so you stay clear of fault.

Line 4 · 六四

剝牀以膚，凶。

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject having overthrown the couch, and (going to injure) the skin (of him who lies on it). There will be evil.

The stripping has reached the person lying on the bed, so there is no buffer left, and the omen is bad.

Line 5 · 六五

貫魚，以宮人寵，无不利。

The fifth line, divided, shows (its subject leading on the others like) a string of fishes, and (obtaining for them) the favour that lights on the inmates of the palace. There will be advantage in every way.

The pressure turns into order, with the many falling in line behind the one steady person like a string of fish. Nothing about it goes wrong.

Line 6 · 上九

碩果不食，君子德車，小人剝廬。

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject (as) a great fruit which has not been eaten. The superior man finds (the people again) as a chariot carrying him. The small men (by their course) overthrow their own dwellings.

One large fruit is left uneaten on the branch. A capable person is carried by the people's support, and petty people tear down the roof over their own heads.