I Ching

Hexagram 23 — The Disintegration Bo

Hexagram 23, The Disintegration — the six lines

Classical meaning

It is not favorable to have a place to go.

剝。不利有攸往。

Image: The mountain rests upon the earth: the image of breaking apart. Thus the superior maintain their position by granting generosity to the inferior.

Indicates loss of structure, end of a cycle, erosion of something that seemed stable.

The six lines

Line 1. The bed is corroded from the feet. Constancy is lost. Misfortune. When the foundations are compromised, do not insist. Rebuild the base before proceeding.
Line 2. The bed is corroded by the boards. Constancy is lost. Misfortune. Recognize signs of decay in what once seemed solid. Intervene before the collapse is complete.
Line 3. Wear occurs. Without blame. Accept the inevitable. Not every loss is fault; often it is merely transformation.
Line 4. The bed is corroded by the skin. Misfortune. When destruction already threatens what is vital, exercise heightened caution. Recognize the danger of proceeding without taking action.
Line 5. Fish in a row. Favored by the ladies of the palace. Nothing is unfavorable. Value discreet alliances and the natural order. Even in decline, support and harmony can preserve benefits.
Line 6. The great fruit is not harvested. The noble receives a carriage. The vile destroys the hut. Do not be swayed by haste or greed. The essential will be preserved for those who are worthy; the petty only lose themselves in ruin.
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