剝
Hexagram 23 · 剝
Upper trigram: 艮 · Lower trigram: 坤
Bo (Stripping Away): the hexagram of weakening supports. Protect the foundation, reduce exposure, and preserve what can nourish renewal.
The image
Mountain rests above earth, with a single yang line remaining over five yin lines. The high structure depends on a broad base that is changing beneath it. Bo means stripping or peeling away. Its image directs attention to supports that have become too weak for further expansion.
Judgment
不利有攸往。
It is not beneficial to have somewhere to go.
The commentary favors responsive stopping while firm support is being worn away. A business with neglected basic operations often needs consolidation before seeking another demanding contract.
Great Image
山附於地，剝；上以厚下，安宅。
The mountain rests upon the earth: Stripping Away. Those above accordingly strengthen those below and secure their dwelling.
The stability of a visible structure depends on what carries it. A manager protecting essential staffing and maintenance supports the whole organization more effectively than adding another public initiative.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。
Stripping the bed at its legs. Disregarding constancy brings misfortune.
Six in the first place is yin wearing away the lowest support. The Small Image emphasizes damage below, like a household ignoring small failures in the routines that keep everyday life manageable.
Line 2 · 六二
剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。
Stripping the bed at its frame. Disregarding constancy brings misfortune.
Six in the second place is central yin without corresponding help above. The Small Image notes this lack of support, like an overstretched worker needing assistance before taking on another responsibility.
Line 3 · 六三
剝之，无咎。
Stripping away from them. No blame.
Six in the third place is yin corresponding with the remaining yang at the top. The Small Image describes separation from nearby lines, like refusing to join colleagues in a practice that undermines shared standards.
Line 4 · 六四
剝牀以膚，凶。
Stripping the bed reaches the skin. Misfortune.
Six in the fourth place is yin where erosion reaches immediate contact. The Small Image stresses nearness, like recognizing that neglected staffing problems are now directly affecting daily service and require attention.
Line 5 · 六五
貫魚，以宮人寵，无不利。
A string of fish. Favor comes through the palace women. Nothing is unfavorable.
Six in the fifth place is central yin ordering the yielding lines rather than attacking the remaining firm support. The Small Image finds no lasting fault, like arranging a queue so limited resources can be shared constructively.
Line 6 · 上九
碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。
A great fruit remains uneaten. The exemplary person receives a carriage; the petty person strips the roof from the dwelling.
Nine at the top is the surviving yang, preserving a seed of renewal. The Small Image contrasts public support with an unusable shelter, like keeping core expertise while abandoning habits that consume their own foundation.
When asking about
Career
Weakening support often calls for consolidation. Protect essential skills and routines before accepting more work.
Love
A strained relationship may need basic trust rebuilt. Attend to ordinary reliability rather than adding grand promises.
Money
Reducing unnecessary commitments can preserve flexibility. Understand the expenses that support daily necessities.
Home
Foundational maintenance often deserves priority. Share essential work before planning decorative improvements.
Study
Too many advanced tasks can expose gaps below. Retain core knowledge and rebuild the missing foundations.
Health
Simplifying an overloaded routine may leave more room for rest. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Stop adding weight where support is weakening. Protect the essentials, seek practical help, and preserve the small resources from which renewal can grow.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.