23 · Stripping Away (BŌ)
Stripping Away is a phase when old supports are gradually eroded. It is not a time for rash advance, but for limiting loss, securing the foundation, and preserving what can grow again.
The judgment
Stripping Away: not favourable to have somewhere to go.
When foundations loosen, expansion and forcing forward increase loss. Stop first and identify what must be preserved.
Original Chinese text
剝，不利有攸往。
The six lines
- 初六 · Line 1 — Strip the bed by its foot. Disregard steadfastness: ominous.
Original Chinese
剝床以足，蔑貞凶。
- 六二 · Line 2 — Strip the bed by its rail. Disregard steadfastness: ominous.
Original Chinese
剝床以辨，蔑貞凶。
- 六三 · Line 3 — Strip it away. No blame.
Original Chinese
剝之，無咎。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Strip the bed to the skin. Ominous.
Original Chinese
剝床以膚，凶。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Fish threaded in a line; favor to the palace people. Nothing unfavourable.
Original Chinese
貫魚，以宮人寵，無不利。
- 上九 · Line 6 — The great fruit is not eaten. The noble person gains a cart; the small person strips a dwelling.
Original Chinese
碩果不食，君子得輿，小人剝廬。