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I Ching hexagram 23, Bo
Hexagram 23

Bo

Gradual Dissolution

Classical name: Po

When you receive Hexagram 23, Bo, the I Ching turns your attention to gradual dissolution. Splitting Apart. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.

The Judgment

Splitting Apart. It is not advantageous to make a movement in any direction.

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

The Image

The mountain rests upon the earth. Those above seek to strengthen those below, to secure the peace and stability of their own position.

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

The Changing Lines

Six at the beginning

Overturning the couch by injuring its legs. The injury goes on to the destruction of all firm and correct. Misfortune.

Classical (Legge)He overthrows the couch by injuring its legs. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness. There will be evil.

Six in the second place

Overturning the couch by injuring its frame. The injury goes on to the destruction of all firm and correct. Misfortune.

Classical (Legge)He overthrows the couch by injuring its frame. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness. There will be evil.

Six in the third place

Among the overthrowers, but there will be no error.

Classical (Legge)He is among the overthrowers; but there will be no error.

Six in the fourth place

The couch is overthrown, and now the skin of the one who lies on it is injured. Misfortune.

Classical (Legge)He has overthrown the couch, and (proceeds to injure) the skin (of him who lies on it). There will be evil.

Six in the fifth place

Obtaining favor that lights on the members of the court. Satisfaction in every way.

Classical (Legge)(He obtains for them the favour that lights on) the inmates of the palace. There will be every cause for satisfaction.

Nine at the top

A great fruit, uneaten. The centered one finds the people as a chariot to carry him. The small ones overthrow their own dwellings.

Classical (Legge)There is 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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