Hexagram 61
Chung FuInner Truth
Wind (Xun) · Lake (Dui)
The image
Wind over lake: the image of INNER TRUTH. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases In order to delay executions.
This hexagram in one line
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 above and below, while it is open in the center. This indicates a heart free of prejudices and therefore open to truth. On the other hand, each of the two trigrams has a firm line in the middle; this indicates the force of inner truth in the influences they represent. The attributes of the two trigrams are: above, gentleness, forbearance toward inferiors; below, joyousness in obeying superiors. Such conditions create the basis of a mutual confidence that makes achievements possible. The character fu (“truth”) is actually the picture of a bird's foot over a fledgling. It suggests the idea of brooding. An egg is hollow. The light-giving power must work to quicken it from outside, but there must be a germ of life within, if life is to be awakened. Far-reaching speculations can be linked with these ideas.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Wind meets in the lake
Hexagram Judgment
INNER TRUTH. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.
Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before its influence can extend to such creatures. In dealing with persons as intractable and as difficult to influence as a pig or a fish, the whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. One must first rid oneself of all prejudice and, so to speak, let the psyche of the other person act on one without restraint. Then one will establish contact with him, understand and gain power over him. When a door has thus been opened, the force of one's personality will influence him. If in this way one finds no obstacles insurmountable, one can undertake even the most dangerous things, such as crossing the great water, and succeed. But it is important to understand upon what the force of inner truth depends. This force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Close ties may exist also among thieves; it is true that such a bond acts as a force but, since it is not invincible, it does not bring good fortune. All association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Where the community of interest ceases, the holding together ceases also, and the closest friendship often changes into hate. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Inner Truth means the yielding is within and the hard has attained the middle. Joy and devotion: Inner Truth is able to transform the state. Pigs and fishes mean good fortune, because the trust extends to pigs and fishes. It furthers to cross the great water, because riding on wood brings success. Inner Truth with perseverance furthers, because one responds to heaven.
Inner Truth means the yielding is within and the hard attains the middle. Joy together with gentleness allows sincerity to transform a state. Good fortune with pigs and fishes means trust reaches even them. Crossing the great river succeeds because one rides on wood. Perseverance furthers because one responds to heaven.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Wind over lake: the image of INNER TRUTH. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases In order to delay executions.
Wind stirs water by penetrating it. Thus the superior man, when obliged to judge the mistakes of men, tries to penetrate their minds with understanding, in order to gain a sympathetic appreciation of the circumstances. In ancient China, the entire administration of justice was guided by this principle. A deep understanding that knows how to pardon was considered the highest form of justice. This system was not without success, for its aim was to make so strong a moral impression that there was no reason to fear abuse of such mildness. For it sprang not from weakness but from a superior clarity.
Further
Related hexagrams
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- Hexagram CareerHexagram 61 (Inner Truth) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 61 (Inner Truth) mean for your career? Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before i... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Chung Fu / Inner Truth mean in the I Ching?
Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before i...
How should I study Hexagram 61 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. The force of inner truth depends chiefly on inner stability and preparedness. From this state of mind springs the correct attitude toward the outer world. But if a man should try t...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Inner Truth means the yielding is within and the hard attains the middle. Joy together with gentleness allows sincerity to transform a state. Good fortune with pigs and fishes means trust reaches even them. Crossing the...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.