Hexagram 61
Inner Truth (Center)
中孚 (Zhōng Fú)
Wind over Lake
The image is of the Wind blowing over the Lake, stirring its entire surface and even affecting its depths. The hexagram itself is structurally hollow in the center, like a receptive heart, yet firm on the outside. This symbolizes a profound inner sincerity that is both open and strong. This inner truth has a subtle, penetrating influence that can create a deep and mysterious connection with all things.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment teaches that the power of inner truth is so great it can influence even the most difficult and least intelligent of creatures ("pigs and fishes"). This means that a heart filled with genuine sincerity can connect with the unconscious and overcome the most stubborn obstacles. This profound connection gives one the strength and integrity needed to undertake great, dangerous endeavors ("cross the great water") successfully. Perseverance in this truth is essential.
The Image (象传)
The Image shows that just as the wind gently penetrates the lake, the superior man seeks to penetrate to the absolute truth of a matter. When dealing with issues of great consequence, such as justice, he does not make rash, superficial judgments. His inner sincerity compels him to carefully consider all facts and motivations, ensuring that irreversible actions like executions are delayed until the complete truth is understood.
Interpretation & Guidance
This hexagram calls on you to look within and connect with your deepest sincerity. Your power at this time does not lie in clever strategy or outward force, but in the quiet strength of your integrity. An open, receptive heart, protected by a strong character, is the key. This will allow you to build profound trust with others and to influence even the most difficult people or situations. Trust your intuition and act from a place of genuine truth. This is a very favorable time for any undertaking that requires faith and connection.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting."
Inner truth requires a stable, peaceful foundation. If you are calm and centered, you are aligned with it. If, however, you have hidden motives or an unquiet mind, your connection to truth is weak, and this creates inner turmoil.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you."
This is a beautiful image of sincere connection. A heartfelt, unostentatious call from the heart resonates with another. This is the power of shared inner truth, which leads to joyful sharing of life's substance ("I will share it with you").
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he weeps, now he sings."
You have lost your inner center. Your emotional state is entirely dependent on your external relationships. You are happy when they are near, sad when they are gone. This lack of a stable inner core is a loss of inner truth.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"The moon is almost full. The horse in the team strays off. No blame."
To connect with a higher truth (the full moon), you must be willing to break away from your old allegiances and group-think ("the horse strays off"). Letting go of a lower loyalty in order to align with a higher one is a blameless and necessary step.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"He possesses truth, which links together. No blame."
As a leader, your own sincerity and integrity are the magnetic force that holds the community together. You create unity through mutual trust, not by command. This is the ideal expression of leadership and is completely without blame.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"The sound of a cock's crow penetrates to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune."
This describes a truth that has become mere words. A cock crows at dawn, but it is only a sound; it does not create the sunrise. If your inner truth is only talk and not backed by deeds, it is empty. To persist in this hollow proclamation leads to misfortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is one of the best hexagrams for a relationship. It signifies a connection based on the deepest level of trust, sincerity, and intuitive understanding. Your bond transcends mere words. When a relationship is founded on this profound inner truth, it is incredibly strong and can overcome any challenge. This is a time to foster open-heartedness and to trust the deep, unspoken connection you share.
Career & Business (事业)
Success in your career now comes from complete integrity. Your greatest asset is your trustworthiness. Clients, colleagues, and customers will be drawn to your genuine sincerity, not to a clever marketing slogan. This is a time to build a business culture based on open communication and mutual trust. An organization that operates from a core of inner truth will have a powerful and lasting influence.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Inner Truth points to the vital connection between the mind and body. True health arises when you are sincere with yourself about your body's needs. Listen to its subtle messages. Health and healing occur when your inner state, outer actions, and lifestyle are in complete and honest alignment. It is about being true to your own well-being.
Financial Matters (财运)
In all financial dealings, your integrity is paramount. Your reputation for being trustworthy will bring you success. This hexagram is very favorable for partnerships, joint ventures, or any business based on mutual faith and a shared vision. Sincerity in your dealings will attract prosperity.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The lesson of Inner Truth is about cultivating an unshakeable connection to your own sincere heart. Personal growth comes from stripping away pretense, secret motives, and self-doubt to find the core of your being. When you are centered in this truth, your heart is open and receptive, yet you are strong and stable. From this state, you can interact with the world with a quiet confidence that has a profound and positive influence on everything you touch.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
Now is the time to act from your deepest integrity. Your power lies in your sincerity. Be open-hearted, be receptive, and trust your intuition. Do not rely on cleverness or force. Your genuine inner truth is a magnetic force that can create profound connections, build trust, and overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Have faith in your own sincerity.
