Hexagram 61 · 中孚 · zhōng fú
Hexagram 61. Zhōng Fú · Inner Truth
☴☱ Wind over lake: Xùn above, Duì below.
A'ung Fft (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in cross-
A'ung Fft (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in cross-
Emptiness at the center of the sign — a heart open and free of bias. Inner truth works where arguments fail: even pigs and fishes — the most intractable of creatures — yield to it. Influence not by reasoning but by authenticity; enter into the other's position before you judge.
The Image
Wind over the lake: a breath that touches the very depth. Inner truth is the force that works where arguments fail: it persuades 'even pigs and fishes'. The mechanics are simple and hard: free the heart of bias, enter the other's position before judging, say only what you can stand behind. Words unbacked by substance do not carry now.
Interpretation of hexagram 61
LXI. The /sTung Fu Hexagram. important point concerning ‘ regulations ’ is brought out in the con¬ clusion of the Th wan,—that they must be adapted to circumstances, and not made too strict and severe.
The lines of hexagram 61
First line
The first line, undivided, shows its subject resting (in himself). There will be good fortune. If he sought to any other, he would not find rest.
Line 1 is strong, and in its correct place. Its subject therefore would not be wanting in power to make his way. But he is sup¬ posed to be kept in check by the strong 2, and the correlate 4 is the first line in the trigram of peril. The course of wisdom there¬ fore is to keep still. The character here rendered door is that belonging to the inner apartments, leading from the hall into which entrance is found by the outer gate, mentioned under line 2. The courtyard outside the door and that inside the gate is one and the same. The ‘Daily Lecture’ says that the paragraph tells an officer not to take office rashly, but to exercise a cautious judgment in his measures.
Second line
The second line, undivided, shows its subject (like) the crane crying out in her hidden retirement, and her young ones responding to her. (It is as if it were said), ‘ I have a cup of good spirits,’ (and the response were), ‘ I will partake of it with you.’
Line 2 is strong, in the wrong place; nor has it a proper correlate. Its subject keeps still, when he ought to be up and doing. There will be evil.
Third line
The third line, divided, shows its subject having met with his mate. Now he beats his drum, and now he leaves off. Now he weeps, and now he sings.
Line 3 should be strong, but it is weak. It is neither central nor correct. It has no proper correlate, and it is the topmost line in the trigram of complacent satisfaction. Its subject will not receive the yoke of regulations; and he will find out his mistake, when it is too late.
Fourth line
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (like) the moon nearly full, and (like) a horse (in a chariot) whose fellow disappears. There will be no error.
Line 4 is weak, as it ought to be, and its subject has respect to the authority of the strong ruler in 5. Hence its good symbolism and auspice.
Fifth line
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject perfectly sincere, and linking (others) to him in closest union. There will be no error.
Line 5 is strong, and in its correct place. Its subject regulates himself, having no correlate; but he is lord of the hexagram, and his influence is everywhere beneficially felt.
Top line
The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject in chanticleer (trying to) mount to heaven. Even with firm correctness there will be evil.
ing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.
Did hexagram 61 come up in your reading? The oracle itself gives the full reading, with changing lines and the second hexagram.
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