Hexagram 61: Inner Truth

Line 1

Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting. The chief requirement for the power of inner truth is that one be steadfast and prepared within oneself. From this inner attitude springs the right conduct toward the outer world. If, on the other hand, one wished to cultivate secret relationships of a special kind, one would forfeit one's inner independence; and the more secure one felt in the consciousness of finding support in others, the more one would fall into restlessness and anxiety as to whether these secret ties are truly durable. Thereby one loses inner peace and the power of inner truth.

Line 2

A crane calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you. Here there is mention of the involuntary influence of one's inner being upon kindred minds. The crane does not need to show itself upon a high hill. Even if it lets its call resound in complete concealment, its young hears its voice, knows it, and answers it. Where there is a cheerful mood, a companion presents himself to share a goblet of wine. Thus is revealed the echo awakened in man through sympathy. Where a mood expresses itself truly and purely, where an act is the clear expression of the mind, they work mysteriously into the distance, first upon those who are inwardly receptive. But these circles widen. The root of all effect lies in one's own inner being. When this expresses itself wholly true and strong in word and deed, the effect is great. The effect is merely the reflection of that which issues from one's own breast. Any intention to produce an effect would only destroy that effect. Confucius says of this: 'The superior man abides in his room. If his words are well spoken, he finds assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more in his vicinity! If the superior man abides in his room and his words are not well spoken, he meets with contradiction at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more in his vicinity! Words go forth from one's own person and affect men. Works originate near at hand and become visible afar. Words and deeds are the hinge and bowspring of the superior man. As this hinge and spring move, they bring honor or disgrace. Through words and deeds the superior man moves heaven and earth. Must one not be cautious, then?'

Line 3

He finds a companion; now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings. Here the source of strength is not in one's own self, but in the relationship to other men. However close one may stand to them, if our center of gravity rests upon them, it cannot be avoided that one is tossed about between joy and sorrow. Exulting to heaven, grieved unto death—this is the destiny of those who depend upon inner harmony with other people whom they love. Here only the law is stated that this is so. Whether this condition is felt as a burden or as the supreme happiness of love is left to the subjective judgment of the person concerned.

Line 4

The moon that is nearly full. The team horse goes astray. No blame. In order to intensify the power of inner truth, one must turn toward the higher, from which one can receive enlightenment as the moon does from the sun. In this, however, a certain humility is necessary, such as the moon has when it is not quite full. If the moon confronts the sun directly as a full moon, it immediately begins to wane again. Just as one must be humble and reverent toward the source of enlightenment, so on the other hand one must renounce human partisanship. Only if one goes one's way like a horse that runs straight ahead without looking askance at its mate, does one retain the inner freedom that leads forward.

Line 6

Rooster's crow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune. The rooster is reliable. It crows when morning breaks. But it cannot itself fly to heaven. It only crows. Thus faith is to be awakened by mere words. This may succeed occasionally. But if one pursues it continually, it is of evil.