I Ching Hexagram 23 - Po / Splitting Apart

• Above Ken Keeping Still, Mountain
•  
• Below K'un the Receptive, Earth

Introduction

The dark lines are about to mount upward and overthrow the last firm, light line by exerting a disintegrating influence on it. The inferior, dark forces overcome what is superior and strong, not by direct means, but by undermining it gradually and imperceptibly, so that it finally collapses. The lines of the hexagram present the image of a house, the top line being the roof, and because the roof is being shattered the house collapses. The hexagram belongs to the ninth month (October-November). The yin power pushes up ever more powerfully and is about to supplant the yang power altogether.

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

Splitting Apart. It does not further one to go anywhere.

Judgement Commentary

This pictures a time when inferior people are pushing forward and are about to crowd out the few remaining strong and superior men. Under these circumstances, which are due to the time, it is not favorable for the superior man to undertake anything. The right behavior in such adverse times is to be deduced from the images and their attributes. The lower trigram stands for the earth, whose attributes. The lower trigram stands for the earth, whose attributes are docility and devotion. The upper trigram stands for the mountain, whose attribute is stillness. This suggests that one should submit to the bad time and remain quiet. For it is a question not of man's doing but of time conditions, which, according to the laws of heaven, show an alternation of increase and decrease, fullness and emptiness. It is impossible to counteract these conditions of the time. Hence it is not cowardice but wisdom to submit and avoid action.

The Image

The mountain rests on the earth: The image of Splitting Apart. Thus those above can ensure their position only by giving generously to those below.

Image Commentary

The mountain rests on the earth. When it is steep and narrow, lacking a broad base, it must topple over. Its position is strong only when it rises out of the earth broad and great, not proud and steep. So likewise those who rule rest on the broad foundation of the people. They too should be generous and benevolent, like the earth that carries all. Then they will make their position as secure as a mountain is in its tranquillity.

The Lines

Six at the beginning means: The leg of the bed is split. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 27 - I / Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment). This line warns that there are severe threats to ones well being. Even being in the right is no protection. Legge says "...an attempt be (is) made to overthrow him... there will be evil." The resultant hexagram 27 shows that we must be very careful who we associate with and what we choose to believe and say and do. By careful attention to theses matters we willultimatelyy gain good fortune. Great caution is needed here.

Six in the second place means: The bed is split at the edge. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 4 - Meng / Youthful Folly. Exterior conditions are deteriorating and the bad are gaining ascendence. This lie is very similar to the previous one, perhaps even worse. We have no one to help us and so need to be extremely careful. Legge's version of this line is blunt "...the destruction of all firm correctness, and there will be evil." The resultant hexagram 4, Youthful Folly, shows that those intent on our injury may merely be young and ignorant and so be amenable to education. Hopefully this is the case. If so, then there is some hope for a recovery of the situation in future but the present is dire.

Six in the third place means: He splits with them. No blame.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 52 - Ken / Keeping Still, Mountain. Here we have assistance from others and so can avoid being entangled with the bad influences although we still are in opposition to them. We can, with care, go our own way. Legge seems to think that we are still in danger from the bad elements and that in fact they have gotten even closer to us. The resultant hexagram 52 shows a situation where we are counseled to concentrate on our internal development and let the external world to go its own way for the time being.

Six in the fourth place means: The bed is split up to the skin. Misfortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 35 - Chin / Progress. This line is attacked and presumably injured. "The person of the occupant is at the mercy of the destroyers" is Legge's interpretation. Not Good. However we see that the resultant hexagram is 35 or Progress, which indicates that the ultimate outcome is good. We recover ourselves and our position and seem to receive praise and rewards for so doing.

Six in the fifth place means: A shoal of fishes. Favor comes through the court ladies. Everything acts to further.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 20 - Kuan / Contemplation (View). This lines meaning is opaque in both Wilhelm and Legge. It seems to indicate a highly placed person will come to our assistance and that if we follow their advice, saves us from our troubles. We "...enjoy the sovereign's favours" is how Legge puts it. The resultant hexagram 20 indicates that we need to make sure we do more than merely talk our support for this person but actively act to support those who have supported us.

Nine at the top means: There is a large fruit still uneaten. The superior man receives a carriage. The house of the inferior man is split apart.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 2 - K'un / The Receptive. Who we really are determines our fate in this line. The superior man is rewarded the inferior punished. To draw this line is to encourage self reflection to see which outcome is the most probable for us. Legge's version has it thus "...notwithstanding the attempts against him, (he) survives, and acquires fresh vigour." The resultant hexagram 2 seems to indicate that we will indeed, be considered a superior man and gain sublime success and food fortune.

See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 23 - Po / Splitting Apart translation of this hexagram.