What this hexagram is about
The mountain clings to the earth and the light force is nearly spent — the image of decay and splitting away. When circumstances are against one, it is no time for rash action; yield to the moment and come to a halt, thicken one's foundations, and wait quietly for the turn.
The Judgment 卦辞
剥，不利有攸往。
It is not favorable to go anywhere.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：山附于地，剥；上以厚下安宅。
The mountain clings to the earth, wearing away; so the ruler strengthens what lies below and makes his dwelling secure.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
剥床以足，以灭下也。
The bed split away at its legs — the destruction begins from below.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Six at the top硕果不食，君子得舆，小人剥庐。
The great fruit is left uneaten — a single firm line survives, and the life-force is not cut off; by it the noble person gains the people as one gains a carriage, while the small-minded see even the hut that shelters them stripped to ruin.
Six in the fifth place贯鱼，以宫人宠，无不利。
Leading the yielding lines upward like fish on a string, as the palace ladies in due order receive favor and yield to the prince — nothing that is not favorable.
Nine in the fourth place剥床以肤，凶。
The bed is split away until it reaches the body itself — the harm now strikes home; misfortune.
Six in the third place剥之，无咎。
Though in a time of splitting away, one does not drift with the crowd of yielding lines but answers to the firm above; therefore no fault.
Six in the second place剥床以辨，蔑贞凶。
The bed is split away, now reaching the frame and the headboard; what is right is eaten into — misfortune.
Initial Six剥床以足，蔑贞凶。
The bed is split away, beginning at the legs; what is right is eaten into — misfortune.