Hexagram 31 咸 changing to hexagram 23 剝
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 3, 4, 5, 6.
What to read
Four changing lines: read the two unchanged lines of the resulting hexagram; the lower one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 23 剝, line 1
剝牀以足，蔑貞凶。
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.
Hexagram 23 剝, line 2
剝牀以辨，蔑貞凶。
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.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 31 咸 — judgment
亨。利貞。取女吉。
Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.
Hexagram 23 剝 — judgment
不利。有攸往。
Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
The changing lines of hexagram 31
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 咸其股，執其隨，往吝。 | The third line, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret. |
| 4 | 貞吉悔亡，憧憧往來，朋從爾思。 | The fourth line, undivided, shows that firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose. |
| 5 | 咸其脢，无悔。 | The fifth line, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance. |
| 6 | 咸其輔，頰，舌。 | The sixth line, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.