61. Inner Truth (中孚 Zhōng Fú)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☱ Duì (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

中孚 (Zhōng Fú) represents inner truth, symbolizing sincerity, faithfulness, and trust. This hexagram speaks of the importance of being true to oneself and others. Success comes from acting with sincerity and building trust in relationships.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"中孚，豚魚吉，利涉大川，利貞。"
(Zhōng fú, tún yú jí, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)

"Inner Truth. Pigs and fish. Good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers."

This hexagram advises acting with sincerity and faithfulness. Success comes from being true to oneself and building trust. It is also favorable to take on significant challenges, symbolized by crossing the great river.

Image

Original Chinese:
"風行澤中，中孚。君子以議獄緩死。"
(Fēng xíng zé zhōng, zhōng fú. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì yù huǎn sǐ.)

"Wind moves over the lake: The image of Inner Truth. The superior person discusses legal cases to delay executions."

The image of wind moving over the lake represents the power of gentle influence and trust. The superior person, like the wind, uses their influence to ensure fairness and mercy, especially in difficult situations.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"虞吉，有它不燕。"
(Yú jí, yǒu tā bù yàn.)

"Sincerity brings good fortune. Other matters are not of concern."

This line advises focusing on sincerity and faithfulness. By staying true to oneself and others, good fortune follows, and there is no need to worry about external distractions or complications.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"鳴鶴在陰，其子和之，我有好爵，吾與爾靡之。"
(Míng hè zài yīn, qí zǐ hé zhī, wǒ yǒu hǎo jué, wú yǔ ěr mǐ zhī.)

"The crane calls in the shade. Its young respond harmoniously. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you."

This line speaks of harmony and mutual support in relationships. Like the crane and its young, sincerity and communication lead to joy and cooperation. Sharing one's good fortune with others brings happiness and success.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"得敵，或鼓或罷，或泣或歌。"
(Dé dí, huò gǔ huò bà, huò qì huò gē.)

"Finding an enemy. Sometimes beating the drum, sometimes retreating. Sometimes weeping, sometimes singing."

This line describes a situation where one encounters conflict or opposition. The response is mixed—sometimes aggressive, sometimes passive, sometimes joyful, and sometimes sorrowful. It advises remaining sincere and flexible in dealing with conflict.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"月幾望，馬匹亡，無咎。"
(Yuè jī wàng, mǎ pǐ wáng, wú jiù.)

"The moon is nearly full. The horses disappear. No blame."

This line speaks of a time when progress is nearly complete, symbolized by the full moon. Although there may be temporary setbacks (symbolized by the loss of the horses), there is no blame. It advises patience and trust in the process.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"有孚攣如，富以其鄰。"
(Yǒu fú luán rú, fù yǐ qí lín.)

"Sincerity that binds. Prosperity shared with neighbors."

This line describes a situation where sincere relationships create strong bonds. By building trust and cooperation with others, prosperity is shared, leading to mutual success. It advises generosity and openness in relationships.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"翰音登于天，貞凶。"
(Hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, zhēn xiōng.)

"The bird's call rises to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune."

This line warns against becoming too ambitious or losing touch with reality. The bird's call rising to heaven symbolizes overreaching. It advises remaining grounded and sincere, as excessive ambition leads to misfortune.