I-Ching Hexagram 61
中孚 Inner Truth
Also known as Sincerity
Sincerity so deep it touches even the least receptive creatures. The figure concerns the reality beneath appearances, the conviction that carries weight without need for argument, and the unforced power of a true word or act.
inner truth · sincerity · conviction
The Story
A farmer tied a rope to a wild ox by the ankle and spoke to him softly each morning. The ox, at first, fought the rope. Then it tolerated the rope. Then it came to expect the morning voice. In a year the ox followed him without a rope at all. Neighbors, seeing this, asked his secret. "I did not lie to him," the farmer said. "Each morning, I told him I would not hurt him. And I did not hurt him." The deepest influence is truth so consistent that even an animal can feel it. Inner truth reaches where force cannot.
The Judgment
Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.
The Image
Wind over the lake: the image of inner truth. Thus the superior person discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.
Interpretation
Sincerity so deep it touches even the least receptive creatures. The figure concerns the reality beneath appearances, the conviction that carries weight without need for argument, and the unforced power of a true word or act.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting. Inner readiness without hidden motives.
- Second A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you. The sincere note finds its true echo; generosity meets generosity.
- Third He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings. Sincerity expressed through moods — but a dependent sincerity; not yet self-possessed.
- Fourth The moon nearly at the full. The team horse goes astray. No blame. Sincerity approaching fullness; a distracting companion released.
- Fifth He possesses truth which links together. No blame. A truth that binds; moral authority.
- Sixth (Top) Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune. Empty proclamation at the summit; the cock's cry that cannot reach where it claims.