Hexagram 61: Inner Truth (中孚 Zhōng Fú) — I Ching Guide

Q: What is I Ching Hexagram 61 (中孚 Inner Truth)?

I Ching Hexagram 61, 中孚 (Zhōng Fú), represents Inner Truth. It is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below. The core teaching of this hexagram is captured in its Judgment: 'Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers....'

Q: What does the Image of Hexagram 61 mean?

The Image states: 'Wind over lake: the image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.' This teaches that the superior person responds to the hexagram's situation by cultivating the corresponding inner quality.

Q: How do the six lines of Hexagram 61 develop its meaning?

The six lines trace a progression through the hexagram's situation. Starting from the bottom (Line 1) through Line 6, each position reveals a different aspect of how Inner Truth manifests — from initial stirrings to the final outcome. Key lines include the ruler of the hexagram and the culminating line.

Q: What is the relationship between Hexagram 61 and other hexagrams?

Hexagram 61 (Inner Truth) follows Hexagram 60 in the traditional King Wen sequence, forming a meaningful progression. Its nuclear hexagram and opposite/complementary hexagram provide additional dimensions of meaning.

Oriens

中孚

Zhōng Fú — Hexagram 61

Inner Truth

Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below

Published July 22, 2026 · By Oriens

Summary

I Ching Hexagram 61, 中孚 (Zhōng Fú), represents Inner Truth. Formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below, this hexagram teaches about inner truth. The core message: Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers..

Key Takeaways

Hexagram 61 is formed by Wind (巽 Xùn) above, Lake (兌 Duì) below, combining two of the eight trigrams into a unique archetypal situation
The Judgment reveals the hexagram's core teaching through a concise, oracular statement
The six lines trace a progression from initial conditions through to the culmination and outcome
The Image connects the natural symbolism of the trigrams to the conduct of the superior person
This hexagram's wisdom applies to modern situations involving

The Judgment

Inner Truth. Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Perseverance furthers.

— I Ching, Inner Truth

The Image

Wind over lake: the image of Inner Truth. Thus the superior man discusses criminal cases in order to delay executions.

— I Ching, Image

The Six Lines

Line 1: Line 1: Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting.

Line 2: Line 2: A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you.

Line 3: Line 3: He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings.

Line 4: Line 4: The moon nearly at the full. The team horse goes astray. No blame.

Line 5: Line 5: He possesses truth, which links everything together. No blame.

Line 6: Line 6: Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune.

Modern Application

Hexagram 61 is about the power of sincerity that reaches even the simplest creatures — 'pigs and fishes' are moved by it. Wind over Lake represents influence penetrating from above to below. The central image of the crane calling and its young answering is one of the most beautiful in the I Ching: genuine inner truth evokes genuine response. The hexagram teaches that inner alignment (what you believe matching what you do) creates a resonance that affects others without force. In modern terms, Inner Truth applies to authenticity, trustworthy leadership, and the integrity that makes communication effective by making it believable.

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