I-Ching & Communication & Truth
Clear communication builds trust and understanding. These hexagrams address inner truth, contemplation, fellowship through openness, and the power of genuine expression.
Key Hexagrams (8)
中孚Zhōng Fú — Inner Truth
Pigs and fishes. Good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Persistence furthers. Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent of all animals and therefore the most difficult to influence. The force of inner truth must grow great indeed before its influence can extend to such creatures. The whole secret of success depends on finding the right way of approach. First rid yourself of all prejudice and let the psyche of the other person act on you without restraint. Then you will establish contact, understand, and gain power. But this force is not identical with simple intimacy or a secret bond. Association on the basis of common interests holds only up to a certain point. Only when the bond is based on what is right, on steadfastness, will it remain so firm that it triumphs over everything.
觀Guān — Contemplation
The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. They look up with full trust. The ritual has begun—the sacred moment before the central act. Genuine inner preparation creates the reverence others feel.
同人Tóng Rén — Fellowship
Fellowship in the open—success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the person of moral stature furthers. True fellowship must be based on universal concern, not private interest. Cliques don't count.
渙Huàn — Dispersion
Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to cross the great water. Persistence furthers. When vital energy is dammed up within, gentleness serves to break up and dissolve the blockage. Religious forces are needed to overcome the egotism that divides people. Sacred rites and music arouse a strong tide of emotion shared by all hearts in unison, awakening consciousness of the common origin of all creatures. In this way disunity is overcome and rigidity dissolved. Cooperation in great undertakings sets a high goal for the will of the people; in the common concentration on this goal, all barriers dissolve.
隨Suí — Following
Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. No blame. To gain followers, first learn to follow. To lead, first serve. Only by adapting to others do you earn their joyful support.
兌Duì — The Joyous
Success. Persistence is favorable. True joy rests on firmness and strength within, manifesting outwardly as yielding and gentle. Joy must be based on steadfastness if it is not to degenerate into uncontrolled mirth. Truth and strength must dwell in the heart, while gentleness reveals itself in social intercourse. Intimidation without gentleness may achieve something momentarily, but not for all time. When hearts are won by friendliness, people willingly take all hardships upon themselves.
咸Xián — Influence
Success. Persistence furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune. Mutual attraction is a universal law—heaven and earth attract, and everything comes into being. The strong positions itself below the yielding, shows consideration. This is courtship, not seduction. The difference is perseverance.
萃Cuì — Gathering Together
Success. The king approaches his temple. It furthers one to see the great man. Persistence furthers. Great offerings bring good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something. Where people are gathered, religious forces are needed. But there must also be a human leader as the center. To bring others together, a leader must first be collected within himself. Only collective moral force can unite the world. Great times of unification leave great achievements behind them.