I Ching · No.23 · Po / Splitting Apart

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Translation

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is unfavorable; keep a peaceful mind and guard oneself.
• Wealth 财运: Profit from export, stripping others of their wealth.
• Household 家宅: Do not leave one's own home; temporary residence can be bought.
• Health 身体: The soul is separated from the body; exercise extreme caution.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is not very good; it is advisable to remain stable and guard oneself, no blame.
• Business 营商: One must strengthen capital, accumulate goods, and ship them abroad, then profit will surely be gained. Business makes a profit by taking from others' wealth, hence it is auspicious.
• Household 家宅: A leased house can be purchased; one's own house is conversely unfavorable.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against enemy attacks; it is advisable to reinforce military strength.
• Illness 疾病: The soul is separated from the body; feared to be inauspicious.
• Travelers 行人: Travel with companions, and one can return home.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl; dangerous at first, peaceful later.
• Lost Items 失物: It will be found, but it is feared to be damaged or incomplete.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

• Overall Image 大象: The mountain attached to the earth symbolizes mountain rocks collapsing and falling onto the ground. Five Yin oppress one Yang, and righteousness is damaged.
• Fortune 运势: Beset by bad luck; it is advisable to redeploy. Do not try to be clever, and guard against being implicated by women and petty people.
• Career 事业: Fortune is unfavorable, which is the general trend. Individuals can only adapt to the circumstances, suspend actions, quietly observe and wait for changes, and must not take risks. Actively create conditions, strengthen strength, be cautious and patient, and do not associate with petty people. When fortune turns, achieving career success is not far off.
• Business 经商: Having turned from the peak to a low point and entered a period of recession, it is necessary to earnestly summarize experiences and lessons, conduct reorganization, and especially avoid putting all eggs in one basket. Once the economic climate turns favorable, one can take advantage of the trend to rise again smoothly.
• Seeking Fame 求名: The probability of success is small, so do not insist on forcing it. You should continue to create conditions, strive to improve yourself, enrich your skills in dealing with the world, enhance your strength, and wait for the opportunity to make a comeback.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: One must consider carefully; unless there is a very good match, do not proceed casually. Both sides should pay attention to maintaining family harmony.
• Decision 决策: There are many twists and turns in life, often falling into unfavorable circumstances or even desperate situations, but one can find life in a dead end. As long as you calmly analyze the situation and fight tenaciously, you will completely change your destiny and obtain beautiful results admired by others. The key is not to be eager for quick success, and especially not to take risks. You must adapt to the times and guard against being framed by petty people.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows one overturning the couch by injuring its legs. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness, and there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: The leg of the bed is split off. There is no need to divine, this is an ominous sign. The Image says: The leg of the bed is split off; this is destroying one's own foundation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: For those who obtain this line, plans will not succeed, or there will be disasters of the limbs, or disharmony among brothers; in extreme cases, the family is ruined and the person dies. Officials have opportunities for promotion, but should act according to circumstances.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fate is subject to erosion; guard against foot ailments.
• Wealth 财运: The bottom is damaged; reduce losses.
• Household 家宅: The foundation is unstable; guard against subordinates.
• Health 身体: Ailment in the foot; treat with care.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, fortune is undergoing erosion; guard against foot ailments.
• Business 营商: Accumulating goods, guard against the bottom rotting; or when shipping abroad, the bottom of the ship taking in water and being damaged.
• Household 家宅: Guard against pillar bases and thresholds being damaged and about to collapse.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against the enemy attacking tunnels.
• Travelers 行人: Has a foot ailment and cannot return.
• Illness 疾病: It is a disease of the Foot Shaoyin meridian; the vital energy cannot overcome the evil influence, ominous.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one overthrowing the couch by injuring its frame. (The injury will go on to) the destruction of (all) firm correctness, and there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: The frame of the bed is split off. There is no need to divine, this is an ominous sign. The Image says: The frame of the bed is split off; this is destroying one's own support.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: For those who obtain this line, plans do not succeed, or one is insulted by petty people, or suspected by others. Officials must guard against demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Deteriorating daily, like a mute tasting bitter herbs.
• Wealth 财运: Costs are piling up, difficult to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Advisable to relocate quickly.
• Health 身体: Bedridden awaiting a doctor; guard against failing to recover.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Since last year, fortune has gradually declined, being eroded by others without being able to clear oneself. Ominous.
• Business 营商: Purchasing goods, prices gradually fall, unable to make a profit. Ominous.
• Household 家宅: 'Bian' (to clear/distinguish) also means change. It means the house should be relocated quickly to avoid misfortune.
• Travelers 行人: Packing up and returning immediately.
• Warfare 战征: There is no supporting army, so do not move; moving brings misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: The patient is bedridden, and with no good doctor, it is feared to be incurable. Ominous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl, difficult to raise.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be recovered.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject among the overthrowers; but there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Seizing the land and people of neighboring states and cities, there is no disaster. The Image says: Seizing the land and people of neighboring states and cities, there is no disaster, because the rulers of those neighboring states and cities have lost the support of their subjects above and below.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, it is difficult to meet a soulmate, and life is not smooth; to seek fame and wealth, one must innovate. This line suggests worry for parents, wife, or children, which must be guarded against. Officials will meet a wise ruler or be promoted by high-ranking officials.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although fortune is improper, one is still able to self-reflect.
• Wealth 财运: Sell off on one's own, thereby making a profit.
• Household 家宅: Renovation of the old house.
• Health 身体: Dispel internal heat.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although fortune is improper, if one can reverse one's actions, blame can be avoided.
• Business 营商: While peers expect high prices, one secretly sells off alone; although losing the goodwill of peers, one profits alone.
• Household 家宅: Remove the rafters and tiles, level the foundation, peel away and rebuild, no blame.
• Warfare 战征: This is the most strategic planner in the army. Although not meeting with other troops, attacking alone can lead to victory. No blame.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to use digestive and dispersing decoctions; taking them will bring healing.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gen Hexagram. Shedding responsibilities and retiring from office, he is no longer seen among the court ranks. Seeking him in his courtyard, he is not found. The person goes far away, so there is naturally no disaster. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Image Commentary) says: This hexagram is formed by two Gen trigrams stacked together. Gen represents the mountain; thus, the image of Gen is mountains standing one upon another, deep and stable. The superior man observes this hexagram image, takes it as a warning, does not let his thoughts go beyond his position, and preserves himself through wisdom and prudence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Stopping and obstructing, there is no further progress; content with one's lot and not being greedy, one must not force things. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the road ahead is blocked; it is not advisable to advance rashly, but rather to keep watch and wait for an opportunity.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigrams (Gen below and Gen above). Gen represents the mountain; two mountains stacked together symbolize stillness. It is the opposite of the Zhen (Shock/Thunder) Hexagram. After a climax, a low tide inevitably follows, entering a phase of relative stillness of things. Still as a mountain, one should stop when it is time to stop, and act when it is time to act. Acting and stopping—that is, movement and stillness—must not miss their opportunities; they should be just right, with movement and stillness properly balanced, stopping where appropriate.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject having overthrown the couch, and (going to injure) the skin (of him who lies on it). There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: The bed is split down to the skin. This is an ominous sign. The Image says: The bed is split down to the skin; disaster is right before one's eyes.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: For those who obtain this line, fortune is unfavorable; in times of crisis, there are many disputes, lawsuits, and punishment. Officials must guard against slander from petty people to avoid disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Obviously unfavorable; must guard against injury.
• Wealth 财运: Too much erosion and consumption; unexpected disaster.
• Household 家宅: Dilapidated, guard against collapse.
• Health 身体: Quite dangerous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is extremely unfavorable; fear of physical injury.
• Business 营商: Fear of excessive erosion and consumption, and guard against unexpected disaster.
• Household 家宅: This house must be extremely dilapidated, and the occupants are also sparse, leading to a risk of collapse.
• Warfare 战征: Fear of disaster to the commanding general.
• Illness 疾病: Ominous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl; the mother is also in danger.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Chin (Progress). Marquis Kang used the fine horses bestowed by King Cheng to breed horses, mating them multiple times in a single day. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: 'The upper trigram of this hexagram is Li, representing the sun; the lower trigram is Kun, representing the earth. The sun shines upon the earth, and all things are bathed in its glory'—this is the image of Chin. In accordance with this, the superior man brightens his own bright virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun rises above the earth, and all things progress; rewards are generous, and all plans succeed. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is like the rising sun, with booming fortune, abundant income, successful undertakings, and everything going as desired.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below and Li above). Li is the sun, representing brightness; Kun is the earth. The sun hangs high, illuminating the earth; the earth is humble and receptive, and all things grow. It is open, honest, gentle in its advance, and moving upward, symbolizing a flourishing and progressing career.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows (its subject leading on the others like) a string of fishes, and (obtaining for them) the favour that lights on the inmates of the palace. There will be advantage in every way.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Palace ladies receive favor in turn, nothing is unfavorable. The Image says: Palace ladies receive favor in turn; order is maintained, and benefits are distributed evenly, so in the end there is no worry.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, human relations are harmonious, plans are timely, family harmony brings blessing, and women bring wealth. Officials are promoted and occupy key positions. Scholars and students will surely achieve excellent results in exams.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is magnificent; nothing is unfavorable.
• Wealth 财运: Profits are very abundant, especially for marine products.
• Household 家宅: Women manage the household.
• Health 身体: Symptom of internal deficiency; take care of one's body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently the fortune is magnificent, everything is handled perfectly, nothing is unfavorable.
• Business 营商: Can gain maximum profit, marine products industry in the North Sea is especially good.
• Household 家宅: Image of women managing the household.
• Warfare 战征: Must execute a scheme to sow discord in the enemy army, then victory can be won.
• Illness 疾病: It is a disease of Yin deficiency; must cherish oneself, then one can still be free of worry.
• Travelers 行人: Having favor abroad, will surely return with a companion.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject (as) a great fruit which has not been eaten. The superior man finds (the people again) as a chariot carrying him. The small men (by their course) overthrow their own dwellings.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The worker gets no food, the idle gets food; the superior man rides in a carriage, the petty man's hut does not shelter him from wind and rain. The Image says: The superior man rides in a carriage, which is a heavy burden for the common people. The petty man's broken hut does not shelter him from wind and rain; this imagery indicates that in the end, it is difficult to remain safe.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, they must be cautious; those who are practical and steady can be free of worry. Merchants will have good business. Officials will hold authority.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently declining, will rise after a year.
• Wealth 财运: Selling is acceptable, buying will surely result in loss.
• Household 家宅: The honest and kind can preserve their home; the harsh and mean will have no house.
• Health 身体: Cannot take in food and drink; take care and recuperate.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, fortune is declining, but good luck will come after a year.
• Business 营商: Sellers can still get a small profit, while buyers will surely suffer much loss.
• Household 家宅: An honest and kind family still has lingering blessings; for those who built their fortunes on harshness and meanness, there is fear of walls and houses collapsing.
• Warfare 战征: Defending brings no blame, attacking will surely end in defeat.
• Illness 疾病: Fear of inability to take in food and drink.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Give birth to a boy, who is an only son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.