





61. Zhōng Fú 中孚
INNER TRUTH, SINCERITY, CENTRAL HARMONY
Key Concepts:
compassion, willingness to grow, spiritual development, transformation, trust, boat, sincerity
Act with a pure heart, nobly and sincerely. You can start a business that matches this mood.
Above is the trigram Xun (Wind), below is the trigram Dui (Lake). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the dance of ripples on the surface of the lake, while a gentle breeze playfully sweeps across it. Since the invisible becomes visible on the ripples, the realm of spiritual existence can be felt through the actions of those it affects.
The form of this hexagram embodies an open heart and the meeting of lips in a kiss (trigrams reflecting each other). Both these images reinforce the advice given to us by Zhong Fu, to become more receptive to universal compassion and spiritual truths that transcend individual and cultural differences.
Gentleness and understanding evoke in others a readiness to follow you. (When selfishness undermines mutual trust, progress is impossible. Few qualities can be more destructive to well-being than the resentment created by misplaced trust and attachment.)
This is affirmed by the symbolism of the hexagram: Wind over the Lake. If the wind stirs the surface of the water, the water mass in the lake is securely surrounded by shores and remains at peace. Learn to be calm, balanced, and resilient deep inside yourself, not just outwardly. Your inner faith in yourself, integrity, sincerity must be unwavering. It's not about how to influence people and circumstances, but about acting from a pure heart.
The energy of this hexagram is so vast that now even "pigs" and "fish" (considered the least spiritual of all living beings) can be infused with its content. The mute and spiritless are now able to participate in the common cause, understand the essence of what is happening, and communicate sincerely.
Do not waste time on all "worthy." You can confidently tackle serious projects. Choose a venture that matches your inner mood for honesty, reliability, courage, generosity, rather than contradicting it, leading you into conflict with yourself. Consider the interests of those around you, set clear goals, and don't rush to tell everyone about what you're planning.
The form of this hexagram embodies an open heart and the meeting of lips in a kiss (trigrams reflecting each other). Both these images reinforce the advice given to us by Zhong Fu, to become more receptive to universal compassion and spiritual truths that transcend individual and cultural differences.
Gentleness and understanding evoke in others a readiness to follow you. (When selfishness undermines mutual trust, progress is impossible. Few qualities can be more destructive to well-being than the resentment created by misplaced trust and attachment.)
This is affirmed by the symbolism of the hexagram: Wind over the Lake. If the wind stirs the surface of the water, the water mass in the lake is securely surrounded by shores and remains at peace. Learn to be calm, balanced, and resilient deep inside yourself, not just outwardly. Your inner faith in yourself, integrity, sincerity must be unwavering. It's not about how to influence people and circumstances, but about acting from a pure heart.
The energy of this hexagram is so vast that now even "pigs" and "fish" (considered the least spiritual of all living beings) can be infused with its content. The mute and spiritless are now able to participate in the common cause, understand the essence of what is happening, and communicate sincerely.
Do not waste time on all "worthy." You can confidently tackle serious projects. Choose a venture that matches your inner mood for honesty, reliability, courage, generosity, rather than contradicting it, leading you into conflict with yourself. Consider the interests of those around you, set clear goals, and don't rush to tell everyone about what you're planning.
I Ching Talking
Possess the truth. It unites. There will be no slander.
Hexagram Line Descriptions

If there is proportionality, there will be happiness. If you get distracted by another, there will be unrest.
In the absence of merciless intrigues, a sense of peace is possible

The shouting crane is in the shade.
His chicks echo him.
I have a good goblet, I will share it with you.
You will win if you seek the company of like-minded people

You will find an opponent. Then you beat the drum, then you stop. Then you cry, then you sing.
To balance the emotional flow of public life, inner calm is needed

The moon nears fullness. A pair of horses will perish.
No slander.
Progress is possible when the group is united by mutual trust

Possess the truth. It unites. There will be no slander.
You should take the lead in a group project

The voices of the feathered rise to the sky. Perseverance leads to misfortune.
Simply words can provoke actions, but by themselves, they will not bring results