





23. Bō 剝
SPLITTING APART, DECAY, STRIPPING, DESTRUCTION
Key Concepts:
decay, fragmentation, destruction from within, peeling off, solid foundation, empty house
Gather your strength and do not resist - destruction is inevitable, old ties will be destroyed, and there will be no success. But remember, the destruction of the old gives birth to the new.
Above is the trigram Gen (Mountain), below is the trigram Kun (Earth). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is a Mountain standing alone on Earth, open to the influence of all elements, and over time their action will have its effect, the Mountain will begin to decay. An alternative image of this hexagram is a decaying, dilapidated house.
This hexagram indicates that there is no longer an opportunity to prepare for upcoming difficulties or problems - they are already here. The situation is only awaiting destruction, old ties will be severed, and there is no hope for successful advancement further. It is necessary to gather strength and not resist destruction, it is inevitable. However, despite the gloominess of the omen, after every destruction follows the birth of something new. Sometimes old ideas, concepts, or even physical objects need to be destroyed because they have lost their relevance, they hinder the arrival of the new, creative, and renewed. Destruction carries huge potential, as energy will be able to be freed, the old and unnecessary will disappear, and a platform for new achievements and victories will emerge. The I Ching constantly points to the cyclicality and inevitability of changes, which makes no sense to resist: so in this situation, there is hidden potential that needs to be released, calmly and easily accepting the decay or destruction of the situation.
Knowing that it is always darkest before dawn, the most appropriate strategy would be to follow the oracle's guidance and be ready for new, positive changes. This hexagram, using the image of a wise ruler, says: "The wise ruler sees no benefit in advancement, therefore, following the movement of time, he stops in his actions".
This hexagram indicates that there is no longer an opportunity to prepare for upcoming difficulties or problems - they are already here. The situation is only awaiting destruction, old ties will be severed, and there is no hope for successful advancement further. It is necessary to gather strength and not resist destruction, it is inevitable. However, despite the gloominess of the omen, after every destruction follows the birth of something new. Sometimes old ideas, concepts, or even physical objects need to be destroyed because they have lost their relevance, they hinder the arrival of the new, creative, and renewed. Destruction carries huge potential, as energy will be able to be freed, the old and unnecessary will disappear, and a platform for new achievements and victories will emerge. The I Ching constantly points to the cyclicality and inevitability of changes, which makes no sense to resist: so in this situation, there is hidden potential that needs to be released, calmly and easily accepting the decay or destruction of the situation.
Knowing that it is always darkest before dawn, the most appropriate strategy would be to follow the oracle's guidance and be ready for new, positive changes. This hexagram, using the image of a wise ruler, says: "The wise ruler sees no benefit in advancement, therefore, following the movement of time, he stops in his actions".
I Ching Talking
If you neglect steadfastness, there will be misfortune
Hexagram Line Descriptions

The legs of the bed are destroyed,
If you neglect steadfastness, there will be misfortune.
Calm is undermined by selfishness and gossip

The crossbars of the bed are destroyed.
If you neglect steadfastness, there will be misfortune.
You must confront your problems alone

Destroy it. There will be no slander.
You've associated with bad company, and you need to regain your freedom

The bed is destroyed down to the hide.
Misfortune.
Failures have abated but still cloud your peace

Fishing.
Favor through a court lady.
Nothing unfavorable.
This is a time for humility, not resistance

The huge fruit is not eaten.
The noble man acquires a carriage.
The petty man's house is destroyed.
Misfortunes end, and it's time to sow new seeds