Yijing CompassI Ching reading
All hexagrams

Hexagram 23 · King Wen sequence

Stripping Back

剝 · bō

Modern reflection

When foundations weaken, simplify and protect what remains.

Lower trigram: 坤 Earth
Upper trigram: 艮 Mountain

Historical source

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

(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.

James Legge, 1882, public domain. Historical wording is shown for source transparency, not as a guaranteed prediction.

Changing-line passages

  1. Line 1The first SIX, 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.
  2. Line 2The second SIX, 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.
  3. Line 3The third SIX, divided, shows its subject among the overthrowers; but there will be no error.
  4. Line 4The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject having overthrown the couch, and (going to injure) the skin (of him who lies on it). There will be evil.
  5. Line 5The fifth SIX, 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.
  6. Line 6The topmost NINE, 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.

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