Hexagram 23
PoSplitting Apart
Mountain (Gen) · Earth (Kun)
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.
This hexagram in one line
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.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Mountain rests on earth
Hexagram Judgment
SPLITTING APART. It does not further one To go anywhere.
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 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.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Splitting Apart means ruin. The yielding changes the firm. It does not further one to undertake anything, for the inferiors destroy what is above them. In following what is above, one loses the way.
The lower, weaker forces are eroding what is above them. The right response is not aggressive advance, but recognizing the cycle of decline and holding to what can still be preserved.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
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.
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 tranquility.
Further
Related hexagrams
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Frequently asked questions
What does Po / Splitting Apart mean in the I Ching?
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, w...
How should I study Hexagram 23 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Inferior people are on the rise and stealthily begin their destructive burrowing from below in order to undermine the place where the superior man rests. Those followers of the rul...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The lower, weaker forces are eroding what is above them. The right response is not aggressive advance, but recognizing the cycle of decline and holding to what can still be preserved.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.