Daoist tradition · I Ching · № 23 · 剝

Splitting Apart

Above: Mountain · Below: Earth

Release a failing structure while protecting what can endure.

English editorial adaptation of the Russian author original. The original remains unchanged.

Author interpretation · English adaptation

剝 · Splitting Apart

Hexagram 23. 剝 — Mountain over Earth (Splitting Apart)

🌿 Meaning and elemental image:

The mountain's old shape crumbles over the earth. Shedding a failing form can preserve a living foundation.

🧭 Practical step:

Release what can no longer be sustained and protect what is essential.

⚠️ What to watch for:

Do not cling to collapse out of fear or destroy everything merely because one structure fails.

✨ Reflection:

“I can let go and keep my roots.”

English text is an editorial adaptation, not a literal translation or verified classical quotation; the original Russian source is preserved.