Hexagram 61 中孚 - ZHŌNG FÚ / INNER TRUTH
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Trigrams#
- Above: Xun, the Gentle, the Wind
- Below: Dui, the Joyful, the Lake
The wind blows over the lake and stirs the surface of the water. Thus, visible effects of the invisible manifest themselves. The hexagram consists of firm lines at the top and bottom, while the center is open. This points to a heart free from prejudice, rendering it capable of receiving the truth. Conversely, the two inner trigrams each have a firm line at their center. This points to the power of inner truth in its effects.
The attributes of the component trigrams are: above gentleness, flexibility toward those below; below joyfulness, obediently following those above. These conditions create the basis for mutual trust, which makes success possible.
The character Fu (truth) actually depicts a bird’s claw over a fledgling. It carries the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The power of the light element must act formatively and life-givingly from without. Yet, there must already be a germ of life within for life to be awakened. Far-reaching insights can be drawn from these reflections.
The Judgment#
Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune! It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.
Pigs and fishes are the least spiritual animals and therefore the hardest to influence. The power of inner truth must reach a high degree before its influence can extend to such creatures. When dealing with stubborn, difficult-to-influence people, the entire secret of success lies in finding the right way to gain access to them. One must first free oneself completely from personal prejudices. One must, so to speak, let the other person’s psyche act upon oneself without bias; this brings one inwardly close to them, enabling understanding and establishing a connection through which the power of one’s own personality can win influence. If one encounters no insurmountable obstacles in this way, one can undertake even the most dangerous tasks - such as crossing the great water - and succeed. It is crucial, however, to understand what the power of inner truth rests upon. It is not identical with simple intimacy or secret collusion. Such close collusion can exist even among thieves. While it represents a force in that context as well, it does not lead to good fortune because it is not invincible. Any alliance based solely on shared interests only lasts to a certain point. Where mutual interest ends, the alliance dissolves, and the closest friendship often turns to hatred. Only when the foundation is right and constant does the bond remain so firm that it overcomes everything.
The Image#
Wind over the lake: The image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases In order to delay executions.
The wind stirs the water because it penetrates into every opening. Similarly, when the superior man has to judge the mistakes of others, he seeks to penetrate deeply into their inner motives with understanding, thereby gaining a compassionate assessment of the circumstances. The entire system of ancient Chinese justice was guided by this principle. Complete understanding that knows how to forgive was considered the highest form of justice. This approach to justice was highly effective, for the moral impression was meant to be so powerful that there was no fear of abusing such mercy. It did not stem from weakness, but from superior clarity.
The Individual Lines#
Nine at the beginning means:#
Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting.
The most vital element for the power of inner truth is to be centered and prepared within oneself. From this inner posture arises the correct attitude toward the outer world. If, on the other hand, one tries to cultivate special, secret relationships, it compromises one’s inner independence. The more one seeks security in relying on others, the more one becomes anxious and worried about whether these secret bonds will truly hold. As a result, one loses inner peace and the very power of inner truth.
Nine in the second place means:#
A calling crane in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you.
This refers to the involuntary influence of one’s inner being upon kindred spirits. The crane does not need to show itself on a high hill. Even if it calls from complete concealment, its young hears its voice, recognizes it, and responds. Where a joyful mood exists, a companion will appear to share a cup of wine.
This illustrates the echo awakened in others through genuine sympathy. Wherever a feeling expresses itself truthfully and purely, and wherever an action is a clear expression of one’s inner disposition, they exert a mysterious influence at a distance, affecting first those who are inwardly receptive. These circles then expand. The root of all influence lies in one’s own inner self. When that self finds true and powerful expression in word and deed, the effect is immense. The result is merely the reflection of what emanates from one’s own heart. Any calculated effort to produce an effect would only destroy it.
Confucius says of this: “The superior man abides in his room. If his words are spoken well, he meets with assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more from nearby! If the superior man abides in his room and his words are not spoken well, he meets with opposition at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more from nearby! Words go forth from one’s own person and influence people. Deeds are born close at hand and become visible far away. Words and deeds are the hinge and bowstring of the superior man. As hinge and bowstring move, they bring honor or shame. Through words and deeds, the superior man moves heaven and earth. Must one not be careful?”
Six in the third place means:#
He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings.
Here the source of strength is not within one’s own self, but in relationships with other people. No matter how close one is to them, if one’s center of gravity rests on others, it is impossible to avoid being tossed between joy and sorrow. Rejoicing to heaven, grieving to death—this is the fate of those who depend on inner agreement with the people they love. This line simply states the law of this condition. Whether this state is felt as a burden or as the supreme happiness of love is left to the subjective judgment of the person involved.
Six in the fourth place means:#
The moon nearly full. The team horse goes astray. No blame.
To increase the power of inner truth, one must turn toward the higher source from which enlightenment is received, just as the moon receives its light from the sun. However, a certain humility is required, like that of the moon when it is not yet completely full. If the moon faces the sun directly as a full moon, it immediately begins to wane. Just as one must be humble and reverent toward the source of enlightenment, one must also renounce human cliques. Only by going one’s way like a horse that runs straight ahead, without looking back at its teammate, does one retain the inner freedom that leads forward.
Nine in the fifth place means:#
He possesses truth that binds together. No blame.
This describes the ruler who holds everything together through the power of his inner being. Only when his strength of character is so broad that he can influence all who belong to his domain is he as he should be. The power of suggestion must emanate from the ruler. It will bind and unite all his followers firmly. Without this central force, any external unity is mere pretense, destined to shatter at the critical moment.
Nine at the top means:#
Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune.
The rooster is reliable. It crows when morning approaches. However, it cannot fly to heaven itself; it only crows. Similarly, one may attempt to arouse faith through empty words alone. This may succeed occasionally, but if pursued continuously, it leads to misfortune.
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