Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 中孚 (Zhōng Fú) |
| English Name | Inner Truth / Central Sincerity |
| Trigrams | Wind over Lake (巽上兑下) |
| Number | 61 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Wind over lake: the image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九二 | 2nd | A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六三 | 3rd | He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he weeps, now he sings. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六四 | 4th | The moon nearly at the full. The team horse goes astray. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九五 | 5th | He possesses truth, which links together. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 上九 | Top | Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Wind over lake; inner truth that reaches even the most unlikely
- Upper trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating) over lower trigram Lake (joyous and open)
- Embodies the qualities of truth, sincerity, trust and insight, compassion, understanding
Keywords
TruthSincerityTrustInsightCompassionUnderstanding
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Wind over lake; inner truth that reaches even the most unlikely Channel the energy of truth and sincerity for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on trust to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels truth and sincerity. The Wind trigram above suggests gentle and penetrating energy in your outer dealings, while the Lake trigram below points to joyous and open foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on thighs and immune system and mouth and respiratory. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody truth and sincerity. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes trust and insight. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate truth in all your actions
- Practice sincerity consistently
- Embrace trust as your guiding principle
- Develop insight through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of compassion
- Abandon understanding under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 62. Xiǎo Guò (小过) | Small Exceeding — outer form vs inner truth |
| 41. Sǔn (损) | Decrease — simplicity revealing truth |
| 10. Lǚ (履) | Treading — truth guiding conduct |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “How can I build genuine trust with my skeptical team?”
You received Hexagram 61, Inner Truth. The judgment says: 'Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great w...' Wind over lake; inner truth that reaches even the most unlikely This is a favorable sign. The energy of truth supports your intention. Move forward with trust, but remain mindful of proper timing.