Splitting Apart (Bō)

Judgment

剥：不利有攸往。

Plain Meaning：Splitting apart: it does not further to go anywhere—hold still and wait.

Image (Great Commentary)

山附于地，剥；上以厚下安宅。

Line Texts

• 初六剥床以足，蔑贞凶。

  The bed’s legs split—destroying steadfastness brings misfortune.

• 六二剥床以辨，蔑贞凶。

  The bed’s frame splits—again, abandoning correctness is calamitous.

• 六三剥之，无咎。

  Splitting with them, yet siding with the good—no blame.

• 六四剥床以肤，凶。

  The splitting reaches the skin—misfortune is at hand.

• 六五贯鱼，以宫人宠，无不利。

  A string of fishes led to favor—turning to the good, nothing that does not further.

• 上九硕果不食，君子得舆，小人剥庐。

  The great fruit uneaten: the noble gain a carriage; the petty split even their own hut.

Symbolism

The mountain collapsing onto the earth: decline and erosion.

Life Lesson

In decline, do not force; preserve the seed and strengthen the base.

Modern Application

In a downturn, cut losses, lie low and protect core assets.

Words of Caution

Erosion starts small—never ignore early decay.