
中孚 Zhōng fú Inner truth (Heartfelt) [hexagram 61]








Wind/Wood over Lake

Lunar month: 11 ; Host (controlling) line : 5
The Descision
Heartfelt truth moves even the pigs and fishes yet leads to good fortune. A great journey is advantageous. Favorable to remain steadfast.
Inner truth has weakness within but central strength. Joy from flexibility leads to truth that transforms the land. ‘Even pigs and fishes yet leads to good fortune’ – the importance of trust extends to pigs and fishes. ‘A great journey is advantageous’ – relying on an empty wooden boat. ‘Favorable to remain steadfast’ – as it resonates with the will of heaven.
中孚: 豚鱼吉, 利涉大川, 利贞. Zhōng fú: tún yú jí, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.
彖传: 中孚, 柔在内而刚得中. 说而巽, 孚, 乃化邦也. 豚鱼吉, 信及豚鱼也. 利涉大川, 乘木舟虚也. 中孚以利贞, 乃应乎天也. Tuàn zhuàn: Zhōng fú, róu zài nèi ér gāng dé zhòng. shuì ér xùn, fú, nǎi huā bāng yě. tún yú jí, xìn jí tún yú yě. lì shè dà chuān, chéng mù zhōu xū yě. zhōng fú yǐ lì zhēn, nǎi yìng hū tiān yě.
The Image
Wind over marsh forms ‘Inner Truth’. The wise accordingly consider the evidence carefully and delay the death sentence.
象传: 泽上有风, 中孚; 君子以议狱缓死. Xiàng zhuàn: Zé shǎng yǒu fēng, zhōng fú; jūn zǐ yǐ yì yù huǎn sǐ.









At ease; good fortune. Diversions will break the restfulness.
‘At ease; good fortune’ – objectives are unchanged.
初九: 虞吉, 有它不燕. Chū jiǔ: yú jí, yǒu tā bù yān.
象传: 初九虞吉, 志未变也. Xiàng zhuàn: Chū jiǔ yú jí, zhì wèi biàn yě.









A crane calls out from its hideaway and her chicks respond. ‘I have a bottle of fine wine – I will share it with you’
‘Her chicks respond’ – heartfelt affection.
九二: 鸣鹤在阴, 其子和之, 我有好爵, 吾与尔靡之. Jiǔ èr: míng hè zài yīn, qí zǐ hé zhī, wǒ yǒu hǎo jué, wú yú ěr mí zhī.
象传: 其子和之, 中心愿也. Xiàng zhuàn: Qí zǐ hé zhī, zhōng xīn yuàn yě.









Meeting a friend. Now making music then stopping; now weeping then singing.
‘Now making music then stopping’ – this is not the appropriate place.
六三: 得敌, 或鼓或罢, 或泣或歌. Liù sān: dé dí, huò gǔ huò bà, huò qì huò gē.
象传: 可鼓或罢, 位不当也. Xiàng zhuàn: Kě gǔ huò bà, wèi bù dàng yě.









Moon approaches fullness. One of a pair of horses goes astray. No blame.
‘One of a pair of horses goes astray’ – separated from its companion and arises.
六四: 月几望, 马匹亡, 无咎. Liù sì: yuè jī wàng, mǎ pǐ wáng, wú jiù.
象传: 马匹亡, 绝类上也. Xiàng zhuàn: Mǎ pǐ wáng, jué lèi shǎng yě.









Genuine sincerity bringing people close together. No fault.
‘Genuine sincerity bringing people close together’ – the place is correct and appropriate.
九五: 有孚挛如, 无咎. Jiǔ wǔ: yǒu fú luán rú, wú jiù.
象传: 有孚挛如, 位正当也. Xiàng zhuàn: Yǒu fú luán rú, wèi zhèng dāng yě.









A cock’s crow reaches out to the heavens. Even though persistent there will be misfortune.
‘A cock’s crow reaches out to the heavens’ – surely it cannot last long?
上九: 翰音登于天, 贞凶 Shǎng jiǔ: hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, zhēn xiōng
象传: 翰音登于天, 何可长也. Xiàng zhuàn: Hàn yīn dēng yú tiān, hé kě cháng yě.
The full set of 64 English translations is available in our new book 'Book of Changes - Deciphered' ➚.