I Ching Hexagram 23 – The Hexagram of Breaking (剥卦 / Bō Guà)
The Symbolism of the Hexagram of Breaking: The Mountain and the Earth
The Hexagram of Breaking (剥卦 / Bō Guà) is formed by the combination of two different hexagrams: the lower trigram is 坤 (Kūn), representing the Earth, and the upper trigram is 艮 (Gèn), representing the Mountain. The Earth lies beneath the Mountain, symbolizing the enduring force of the Earth, while the Mountain is above the Earth, exposed to the elements. Over time, the Mountain suffers from erosion due to wind, rain, lightning, and sun, gradually being worn down and stripped away.
From the overall image of the hexagram, five Yin (阴) lines are at the bottom, and one Yang (阳) line is at the top, showing a dominance of Yin and a lone Yang. The Mountain, once standing tall, is being eroded by the elements, and the resulting debris falls to the Earth below. This debris can damage the Earth’s surface, disrupting its natural beauty. Thus, the hexagram represents destruction and decay. The Hexagram of Breaking signifies a time when destructive forces prevail, leading to the rise of small, petty people and the decline of noble ones, as well as the collapse of careers. However, the I Ching often carries dialectical and evolving ideas. If the debris falls into a pit on the Earth, it could fill the hole, or if the Earth is barren, the debris might enrich the soil, leading to positive outcomes.
Interpretation from the “Duanyi Tianji”
The Hexagram of Breaking (剥卦 / Bō Guà), with 艮 (Gèn) on top and 坤 (Kūn) on the bottom, is part of the Qian (乾) family of hexagrams and represents the fifth generation. The image of Breaking comes from the Mountain’s imminent collapse, as it erodes due to overwhelming Yin energy. This is a time when Yin forces are at their peak, and the wise should remain cautious, patient, and avoid rash actions.
Interpretation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song Dynasty Scholar
Breaking symbolizes exploitation and decay, evoking the worry of disasters. Progress is difficult, and it is best to stop and wait for the right time.
If you receive this hexagram, it indicates a period of bad luck, with losses and obstacles ahead. It’s best to go with the flow, take no risks, and focus on keeping a stable position.
Interpretation by Fu Pei-Rong, a Leading Scholar of Classical Chinese Studies in Taiwan
- Fortune: Times are unfavorable; stay calm and focused.
- Wealth: Profit may come from exports, but it could also indicate the exploitation of others’ resources.
- Family: Stay at home and avoid moving; temporary accommodation may be available for purchase.
- Health: Energy may be low, and one must be cautious with their health.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
This hexagram consists of two stacked trigrams: 坤 (Kūn) below and 艮 (Gèn) above, both symbols of erosion. The image of the Mountain, exposed to nature’s forces, symbolizes the wear and tear on both the Mountain and the Earth below. With a predominance of Yin and a lone Yang, the hexagram suggests the success of petty people while noble ones face difficulties and career failure.
- Great Image (大象 / Dà Xiàng): The image of the Mountain leaning against the Earth represents stones falling to the ground, with the Yin forces pressing upon the lone Yang, symbolizing the erosion of righteousness.
- Fortune: Bad luck prevails, and it’s wise to reassess and avoid acting impulsively. Be wary of manipulation by women or petty individuals.
- Career: The current period is unfavorable, and it is best to wait and observe, avoiding risky decisions. Once fortune changes, success will follow.
- Business: After reaching a peak, your situation may now be in decline. It’s important to review past lessons and prepare for a future recovery.
- Reputation: Chances of success are low at this time. Rather than forcing things, focus on self-improvement and be ready to seize the opportunity when the time is right.
- Relationships: Be cautious and deliberate before making commitments, particularly in marriage. Only proceed with those who are truly well-matched. Both parties should work to maintain harmony.
- Decision-making: Life may have many twists and turns, leading to difficult situations, but there is hope for redemption. With careful analysis, resilience, and patience, you can change your fate and achieve a positive outcome, surprising those around you. The key is not rushing but following the natural course, while avoiding the schemes of petty people.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Initial Six (初六 / Chū Liù): “Break the bed with your feet, disregard the correct path, and danger will follow.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
- 蔑 (miè): This character means to eliminate or destroy. 蔑贞 (miè zhēn) refers to the gradual expulsion of the Yang line by the Yin line, where the negative forces overpower the positive ones.
The meaning of this line is that the destruction begins at the very bottom of the bed’s legs, and as the legs break, the entire structure becomes unstable and collapses, resulting in dangerous consequences.
The lesson here is to not ignore small mistakes or problems, as even tiny issues can lead to significant damage, just like how an ant hole can ruin a dam. When the erosion starts from the bed’s legs, you must pay attention.
Philosophical Insight:
- 床足顿云剥 (chuáng zú dùn yún bō): The bed’s legs are where the breaking begins, showing how what was once stable can be slowly undone.
- 于人先所安 (yú rén xiān suǒ ān): What once provided stability and comfort is now being destabilized.
- 既无真正道，于祸可胜言 (jì wú zhēn zhèng dào, yú huò kě shèng yán): If there is no true path, disaster is inevitable.
This hexagram emphasizes the danger of small, seemingly insignificant actions that accumulate into major misfortune. Be careful of small errors, and do not assume things will fix themselves without intervention.
Changing Hexagram for Line One:
The movement of the Initial Six (初六 / Chū Liù) leads to Hexagram 27: Mountain and Thunder (山雷颐 / Shān Léi Yí), which represents nourishment and proper care. This hexagram encourages growth through steady, appropriate action and warns against impulsive behavior.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Six Two (六二 / Liù Èr): “Break the bed to separate, disregard the correct path, and danger will follow.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
- 辨 (biàn): To divide or separate. In the context of the bed, this refers to the space between the bed’s legs and the bedframe.
The meaning here is that after the bed’s legs begin to break, the destruction spreads to the head of the bed, and the entire structure collapses, leading to inevitable danger. If you receive this hexagram, it advises to stay true to the right path and not to harm others for personal gain. Although you might seek revenge or try to outsmart someone, this will only lead to damage to yourself. Pay attention to your career, and when signs of decline appear, let go of unrealistic expectations and face the truth, or you will be further harmed by petty individuals. It is as though you are walking on a broken bridge—stop moving forward. The only way forward is to stay firm and wait.
Philosophical Insight:
- 乘势陷他人，须防损自身 (chéng shì xiàn tā rén, xū fáng sǔn zì shēn): When you take advantage of others, be wary of harming yourself.
- 若能长守正，仅可免灾迆 (ruò néng cháng shǒu zhèng, jǐn kě miǎn zāi yì): Only by remaining on the right path can you avoid disaster.
- 床剥转侵残，谋安未见安 (chuáng bō zhuǎn qīn cán, móu ān wèi jiàn ān): The bed is being eroded further, and peace has yet to be found.
The advice here is clear: stick to the right path, avoid harming others, and do not give in to negative temptations.
Changing Hexagram for Line Two:
The movement of the Second Line (六二 / Liù Èr) transforms into Hexagram 4: Mountain and Water (山水蒙 / Shān Shuǐ Méng). This hexagram represents ignorance or obscurity but also symbolizes the potential for awakening and understanding when the time is right. It suggests that despite challenges, there is an opportunity to learn and grow if you act in accordance with the proper timing.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Six Three (六三 / Liù Sān): “Breaking occurs, but there is no calamity.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
The meaning of this line is that although there is destruction or loss, it does not lead to actual harm or disaster. You may face some difficulties or be involved in situations that seem detrimental, but they will not bring lasting damage if you remain steadfast.
Philosophical Insight:
- 《象》曰：“剥之无咎”，失上下也 (Xiàng yuē: “Bō zhī wú jiù”, shī shàng xià yě): The loss of the proper order, the separation between the upper and lower forces, is described here.
- The lesson is that in times of personal or external breakdown, maintaining your integrity and avoiding complicity with excess or corruption can keep you safe from lasting harm.
Life Insight:
- When faced with luxurious or corrupt situations, the key is to remain above it all and not be drawn into the same behaviors. In this way, you avoid the calamities that others may face.
Changing Hexagram for Line Three:
The movement of the Third Line (六三 / Liù Sān) leads to Hexagram 52: Mountain (艮为山 / Gèn Wéi Shān). This hexagram represents stillness and contemplation. It suggests that after periods of action and progress, one must pause and reflect. In this case, it signals the importance of balance between movement and rest, urging you to act appropriately and wisely.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Six Four (六四 / Liù Sì): “Break the bed’s surface, and danger will follow.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
- 肤 (fū): Refers to the surface or top layer of the bed.
The meaning of this line is that when the surface of the bed begins to break, it will inevitably lead to danger. If you receive this hexagram, it suggests that the old foundation has already crumbled, and significant changes may be approaching. Now is the time to rebuild a new foundation.
Philosophical Insight:
- 困梦何时解，重春喜可来 (kùn mèng hé shí jiě, zhòng chūn xǐ kě lái): When the difficult dream ends, new hope can come, symbolizing the arrival of spring and renewal.
- 山摧因阻地，移竹就园栽 (shān cuī yīn zǔ dì, yí zhú jiù yuán zāi): The mountain is destroyed because of the obstruction of the land; you must move the bamboo to a new place to plant.
- 枕畔不堪闻，渺茫如暗日 (zhěn pàn bù kān wén, miǎo máng rú àn rì): The sounds by the pillow are unbearable, as if the day is dark and distant.
- 风雨急然来，移身别处立 (fēng yǔ jí rán lái, yí shēn bié chù lì): The storm comes suddenly, and you must move to another place to stand.
The advice here is to acknowledge when the old system or foundation has broken down. Don’t cling to what’s crumbling, but instead focus on rebuilding and creating a new solid base. Change may seem dangerous, but it is also an opportunity for transformation.
Changing Hexagram for Line Four:
The movement of the Fourth Line (六四 / Liù Sì) leads to Hexagram 35: Fire on the Earth (火地晋 / Huǒ Dì Jìn), which represents progress, brightness, and the upward movement of things. It symbolizes a time when things are progressing positively, with openness and growth in all directions, signaling a period of prosperity and development.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Six Five (六五 / Liù Wǔ): “Guide the fish in a procession, with the favor of the palace people, and everything will be favorable.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
The meaning of this line is that if you lead others in a manner that is orderly and follows the proper hierarchy (like a leader guiding the palace people), you will earn favor and succeed without obstacles. This line emphasizes the importance of leadership, clear delegation, and trust in those around you.
Philosophical Insight:
- 遇时方不利，迁善可有终 (yù shí fāng bù lì, qiān shàn kě yǒu zhōng): If the timing is not right, things may not be favorable. However, when you change for the better, success will eventually come.
- 引类同升进，将来复能荣 (yǐn lèi tóng shēng jìn, jiāng lái fù néng róng): Guide those who are similar to you, and they will rise with you, bringing future success and glory.
- 失贯覃鱼在水边，佳人相遇汲清泉 (shī guàn tán yú zài shuǐ biān, jiā rén xiāng yù jí qīng quán): Losing the way, the fish by the water, and meeting a beautiful person at the well—a symbol of missed opportunities and the beauty of fate.
- 尘埃年见不能奋，便趁行人赴楚园 (chén āi nián jiàn bù néng fèn, biàn chèn xíng rén fù Chǔ yuán): Dust settles and cannot rise; take the chance to move towards your goal, like travelers heading to the Chǔ garden.
The lesson here is to be a wise and orderly leader who empowers others, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities clearly. This will avoid confusion and prevent conflicts, leading to prosperity and positive outcomes.
Changing Hexagram for Line Five:
The movement of the Fifth Line (六五 / Liù Wǔ) leads to Hexagram 20: Wind on the Earth (风地观 / Fēng Dì Guān), which represents observation, reflection, and teaching. This hexagram emphasizes the need for careful observation and understanding, both in leadership and in relationships with others.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of Hexagram Bō
Line Text: Upper Nine (上九 / Shàng Jiǔ): “The large fruit is not eaten; the noble person receives a cart, while the petty person is stripped of their house.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
The meaning of this line is that a person who does not indulge in excessive desires (symbolized by not eating the large fruit) will receive honorable rewards (symbolized by receiving a cart). However, the petty or small-minded person will face the consequences of their actions, losing their shelter (symbolized by losing their house).
Philosophical Insight:
- 群子存天理，生生道不穷 (qún zǐ cún tiān lǐ, shēng shēng dào bù qióng): The group retains the way of heaven, and the cycle of life continues endlessly, emphasizing that virtue and righteousness will continue forever.
- 小人多昧此，难免剥芦凶 (xiǎo rén duō mèi cǐ, nán miǎn bō lú xiōng): The petty person does not understand this, and it is inevitable they will face destruction.
- 君德覆群阴，爻辞君子贞 (jūn dé fù qún yīn, yáo cí jūn zǐ zhēn): The ruler’s virtue covers the group’s shadows, and the noble person remains steadfast in their principles.
- 一朝丹诏至，期待一时迎 (yī zhāo dān zhào zhì, qídài yī shí yíng): One day, the red decree will arrive, and you will wait eagerly for that moment.
This hexagram urges you to remain firm and true to your principles. If you stay on the righteous path, even in difficult times, you will eventually receive rewards and recognition. However, those who are petty or corrupt will face downfall.
Changing Hexagram for Line Six:
The movement of the Upper Nine (上九 / Shàng Jiǔ) leads to Hexagram 2: Earth (坤为地 / Kūn Wéi Dì), which represents receptivity and yielding. It symbolizes the principle of following and adapting, allowing things to unfold in their own time. It teaches that in order to achieve success, one must align with natural laws and be receptive to guidance.