I Ching · No.61 · Chung Fu / Inner Truth

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Translation

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Storms are hard to avoid; be careful of litigation.
• Wealth 财运: Act with caution to avoid disaster.
• Household 家宅: Disaster of litigation; marriage leading to lawsuits.
• Health 身体: A scare but no real danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: 'Wind over the marsh'; guard against the danger of wind and waves.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to deliberate carefully and act with patience, thereby avoiding harm.
• Warfare 战征: One should possess a heart that dislikes killing; this is absolute sincerity of the heart, making one invincible wherever one goes.
• Fame & Career 功名: With legal accusations and imprisonment unresolved for the moment, fame and official rank are hard to expect.
• Marriage 婚姻: Marriage attracts bandits, leading to swift imprisonment; caution is advised.
• Household 家宅: Mainly portends the disaster of lawsuits and imprisonment.
• Illness 疾病: Critical though it is, the life can be preserved for the time being.
• Litigation 讼事: Unresolved for the moment.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

• Overall Image 大象: Chung Fu signifies sincerity and trust. When the wind blows over the marsh, the water of the marsh must respond by rising in waves, which is an image of resonance.
• Fortune 运势: In all things, if one treats others with 'sincerity' and handles matters with 'trustworthiness', everything will be auspicious; if one harbors evil thoughts, it will be inauspicious.
• Career 事业: Treat your career with honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness to achieve significant success and smooth development. You must continue to follow the principles of the correct path, not let your guard down, and not trust people excessively, especially avoiding isolating yourself with an arrogant character. Otherwise, your career will lead to failure.
• Business 经商: Handled very well, meeting the demands of the market. Manage operations carefully, emphasize trustworthiness and integrity, and provide high-quality service to achieve satisfactory results; even venturing into dangers will not cause issues.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Based on moral cultivation, one must study knowledge and skills diligently to continuously improve oneself. At the same time, do not fear difficulties and strive forward.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both parties treat each other with sincerity and trust, leading to happiness and fulfillment.
• Decision 决策: With sincerity and trust as the cornerstone of conducting oneself in society, treating people sincerely, abiding by systems, adhering to principles, and being pleasant and humble, one can overcome any difficulty. Even if problems arise, one can still mend the fold after the sheep is lost. However, it is essential to enhance the ability to observe people and improve the level of distinguishing right from wrong.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject resting (in himself). There will be good fortune. If he sought to any other, he would not find rest.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Performing the ritual of settling the spirit—auspicious. With such an incident, it is natural not to hold a feast. The Image says: The line statement of Nine at the beginning says performing the ritual of settling the spirit is auspicious because the desire of longing for the ancestors remains unchanged.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they will be promoted by nobility and succeed in their plans, but there is worry amidst joy; one should follow the correct path, cultivate character, and avoid indulgence. Officials will receive recommendations and occupy important positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Concentrate the mind; where there is a will, there is a way.
• Wealth 财运: Be content with one's core business; over time, success will be achieved.
• Household 家宅: No need to move; remain faithful to the end.
• Health 身体: Guard against sudden changes in illness; a change brings danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Yang energy is in power, the mind is concentrated, and one is not confused by other paths, hence auspicious.
• Business 营商: Be content with one's core business, do not move upon seeing differences, and take the arrival of winter as beneficial.
• Fame & Career 功名: Where there is a will, there is a way.
• Warfare 战征: The first line of Xun says, 'Beneficial for the uprightness of a warrior.' Hunting or going to war share the same principle; one must focus the mind and advance enthusiastically to naturally achieve victory. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: An image of remaining faithful to the end.
• Illness 疾病: No need to worry about the illness, but there is fear of other sudden changes; a change brings danger.
• Litigation 讼事: Fear of complications arising.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject (like) the crane crying out in her hidden retirement, and her young ones responding to her. (It is as if it were said), 'I have a cup of good spirits,' (and the response were), 'I will partake of it with you.'

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the second: A crane calls in the shade, and its young answers it. I have good wine; I will share it with you. The Image says: The young crane responds to the older crane, which is an expression of spiritual connection.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, everything will go smoothly, with increased wealth or the birth of a child. Officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One sings and the other responds, matching my wishes perfectly.
• Wealth 财运: Host and guest are of one mind, mutually profiting.
• Household 家宅: The family is noble and children are filial; husband sings and wife follows.
• Health 身体: Contagious illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: One sings and the other responds, fitting my desires, right at the juncture of smooth fortune.
• Business 营商: Host and guest are of one mind and congenial in spirit, indicating mutual profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is the destiny of father and son being promoted together.
• Warfare 战征: Upper and lower levels are of one body, like the arm guiding the hand and the hand guiding the fingers, linked in one breath. An image of advancing together or retreating together, making it difficult for enemies to attack.
• Marriage 婚姻: Obtaining the joy of husband and wife harmonizing.
• Illness 疾病: It is a contagious disease.
• Household 家宅: Must be an aristocratic family, and blessed with a filial and virtuous son.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Yi (Increase). Divining and encountering this hexagram, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to cross great rivers. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder excite and strengthen each other; this is the image of Yi. In view of this image, the superior man, standing in awe of the power of wind and thunder, follows what is good when he sees it and corrects his faults when he has them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the upper and increasing the lower, showing vigor and initiative; making progress to achieve fame, and merchants making profits. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram are in good luck, striving to make progress, receiving help from others, and able to gain fame and wealth.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Xun above). Xun represents wind; Zhen represents thunder. As wind and thunder rage together, their power grows stronger, the thunder grows louder, and they assist and strengthen each other, resulting in mutual benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of the Sun (Decrease) hexagram. It decreases the upper to increase the lower, while the latter decreases the lower to increase the upper. These two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject having met with his mate. Now he beats his drum, and now he leaves off. Now he weeps, and now he sings.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the third: Defeating the enemy, some beat the drum to pursue, some return in triumph to report victory; as the news arrives, some weep with joy, some sing aloud. The Image says: Some beat the drum to pursue, some return in triumph to report victory, but looking at the line image, Six at the third is a yin line in a yang position; amidst victory, there is fear that unforeseen disasters lie hidden.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: For those who obtain this line, there is worry amidst joy, and affairs fluctuate frequently. Officials will have disharmony among colleagues, advancing first and then retreating.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is inverted; honor and disgrace follow.
• Wealth 财运: Sudden success and sudden failure, lacking independent judgment.
• Household 家宅: Guard against bizarre events; unstable and unaccomplished.
• Health 身体: Sometimes good and sometimes bad; pray for divine protection.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently, fortune is upside down.
• Business 营商: Sudden profits and sudden losses, sudden success and sudden failure, all due to the indecisiveness of the chief planner.
• Fame & Career 功名: Promotions and demotions are unstable; honor and disgrace follow.
• Warfare 战征: A strong enemy lies ahead; it is difficult to win.
• Marriage 婚姻: Unstable and unaccomplished.
• Household 家宅: The household deity is unsettled, and affairs are highly chaotic.
• Illness 疾病: Sometimes severe and sometimes mild; guard against demonic possessions.
• Travelers 行人: Wishing to return but stopping; undecided for the moment.
• Lost Items 失物: Guard against gaining only to lose again.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Khû indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Ch'u (The Taming Power of the Small) hexagram. Auspicious. Dense clouds gather in the western outskirts, but no rain falls. The Image says: The upper trigram is Sun, representing wind; the lower trigram is Ch'ien, representing heaven. The gentle wind blows across the earth, the grass and trees bend and rise, growing vigorously. This is the image of Hsiao Ch'u. The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the gentle wind that stimulates all things, cultivating his own virtue and character, and promoting moral teachings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Weak in strength, progress is blocked; hide one's talents and bide one's time, advance with patience. Slightly inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their strength is weak, and their fortune fluctuates. It is advisable to build up strength and quietly wait for the right opportunity. Rushing forward brings danger, and everything must be advanced with patience.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below, Sun above): Ch'ien is heaven, Sun is wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and growing crops, hence the hexagram name Hsiao Ch'u (Lesser Nourishment / Small Taming). Strength is limited, and one must wait until developing to a certain stage before major achievements can be made.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (like) the moon nearly full, and (like) a horse (in a chariot) whose fellow disappears. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the fourth: Near full moon, the horse is lost, but there is no great disaster. The Image says: The horse is lost; thereafter, one must be twice as vigilant to prevent similar occurrences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, they can get promoted, but there is worry about losing a spouse or property. Officials will be promoted and occupy key positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Maintain prosperity and safeguard peace, prioritizing public interest over private.
• Wealth 财运: Affairs proceed smoothly, and financial resources are abundant.
• Household 家宅: Excessive Yin energy; potential loss of spouse.
• Health 身体: Can gradually recover.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is in its prime; one should maintain prosperity and safeguard peace, discarding selfish interests for public duty, to remain free of blame.
• Business 营商: 'The moon is near full' symbolizes abundance of wealth and profit; 'the horse is lost' symbolizes swift success of plans. Auspicious.
• Officialdom 仕途: An image of riding on the wave of success.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to attack on a moonlit night, with horses' hooves muffled and soldiers gagged, charging forward courageously to surely win victory.
• Marriage 婚姻: Wishes are abundant; 'loss of mate' suggests danger of losing a spouse soon.
• Illness 疾病: The fifteenth day of the lunar month is unfavorable.
• Household 家宅: This residence has excessive Yin energy; it is feared that among the residents, death cannot be avoided.
• Travelers 行人: Can return on the 14th or 15th.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Treading on the tail of a tiger, the tiger does not bite the person, auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Dui, representing Lake. Heaven above and Lake below; the noble and the humble are clearly distinguished. This is the image of the Lü hexagram. The superior person observes this image, thereby distinguishing upper and lower, noble and humble, causing the people to follow rules and behave properly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Uneasy steps, difficulties and dangers; remain humble and self-respecting, serve the master with respect and caution. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a difficult period with many setbacks and obstacles. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything; one must proceed step-by-step and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below and Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and Dui represents Lake. Heaven is used as a metaphor for the ruler, and Lake for the people. The original text: 'Treading on the tail of the tiger, it does not bite the person.' Therefore, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above and the people are below, each in their proper place. The yielding Dui meets the firm Qian, making the treading perilous. Lü means practice or conduct, and the meaning of the hexagram is to forge ahead down-to-earth.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject perfectly sincere, and linking (others) to him in closest union. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the fifth: Captives in crowds, linked and bound together. No disaster. The Image says: Harboring sincerity and trust, consistent from beginning to end, just as shown by the line image of Nine at the fifth, the person's actions suit their position.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, human relations are harmonious, plans succeed, and everything goes smoothly. For officials, ruler and ministers are of one mind, and they will receive praise from superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is balanced and correct; every request is answered.
• Wealth 财运: Work together with one heart; business operations will succeed.
• Household 家宅: A harmonious and happy home; a harmonious union lasting a hundred years.
• Health 身体: Impaired limbs; prolonging life despite illness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Whatever is planned and sought will be completely satisfying.
• Business 营商: Working together in partnership, profits are guaranteed.
• Officialdom 仕途: Every request will surely succeed.
• Warfare 战征: The army is united; working together with joint efforts, they will naturally win.
• Marriage 婚姻: There is the celebration of two hearts beating as one, and a harmonious union lasting a hundred years.
• Household 家宅: The whole family is harmonious and happy, with all rooms filled.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by liver wind, leading to spasms in the hands and feet; prolonging life despite illness is still free from blame.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against the disaster of fetters and handcuffs.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject in chanticleer (trying to) mount to heaven. Even with firm correctness there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: A cock flying up to the sky. Divination yields an inauspicious sign. The Image says: A cock flying up to the sky; how can it fly for long?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: For those who obtain this line, there is much falsehood and little reality, with danger on the road ahead. Merchants will suffer losses. Officials will have the joy of being close to the ruler.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Hollow and insubstantial, causing worry.
• Wealth 财运: Strong on the outside but weak on the inside; the future is worrisome.
• Household 家宅: Family estate is hard to preserve; feared difficult to grow old together.
• Health 身体: Symptoms of the illness are very painful.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is seemingly prosperous, but hollow and insubstantial, turning out to be precarious.
• Business 营商: The scale is broad and momentum grand, but with an outward appearance and no inner substance, it is feared it cannot last.
• Fame & Career 功名: Usurping a good reputation is shamed by the noble person.
• Marriage 婚姻: Feared difficult to grow old together.
• Household 家宅: This residence has the sign of a hen crowing at dawn; the family estate is hard to preserve—inauspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Liver wind causing pain, screaming out loud, symptoms of the illness are very painful—inauspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: The situation will escalate to an appeal—inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter; the infant cries frequently, feared difficult to raise.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.