Zhong Fu

Judgment

中孚 豚魚 吉 利涉大川 利貞

he shall bow, and he shall set the pig fish that float in the waters. Crossing a large river will be beneficial, which is beneficial.

Interpretation

The Jungbu Hexagram has Son (Wind) in the upper trigram and Tae (Lake) in the lower trigram. The image of this hexagram shows wind above a lake. When the wind blows above a lake, the waves move accordingly. The size of the wind determines the height of the waves: when the wind is strong, the waves are high, and when the wind is weak, the waves are low, with no deception involved. Jungbu means to act with sincerity and trust.

In the commentary, Jung refers to the act of shooting an arrow accurately, aiming true. Bu refers to borrowing wealth or resources, symbolizing things floating on water. Don-eo is a fish, often resembling a pig's head, symbolizing the king of the Yin Dynasty. It is said that when crossing a great river and shooting an arrow at the floating Don-eo, hitting it is considered fortunate. This parallels the story of King Wu of Zhou, who crossed a great river and defeated the king of the Yin dynasty, leading to prosperity.

The commentary suggests that the endeavor you seek is likely to succeed if pursued with sincerity and trust. As the wind blows over the lake and the waves rise and fall with no deception, sincerity and trust will bring success. There may also be unexpected gains, like catching the Don-eo while overcoming difficulties. Approach challenges directly, and the outcome will be favorable.

初九 虞吉,有他不燕.

Initial Nine: Precarious good fortune, there are other things not tranquil.

Un refers to calm, while Yu refers to unforeseen disaster. The king enjoys peace but soon faces unexpected troubles. A person consulting the oracle and receiving this line is in a situation of peace, but disaster may strike unexpectedly. It is crucial to remain cautious, as troubles may arise unexpectedly.

九二 鳴鶴在陰,其子和之.我有好爵,吾與爾靡之

Nine Second: A crane calls in the shadow, its chick answers. I have a good cup, I will share it with you.

The interaction between beings is harmonious, symbolized by the crane responding to its mate, much like people exchanging cups of wine. This situation suggests that mutual understanding and cooperation will lead to success and smooth progress.

六三 得敵,或鼓或罷或泣或歌

Six Third: Confronting the enemy, sometimes drumming, sometimes halting, sometimes crying, sometimes singing.

The term "Deukjeok" refers to capturing enemies, while "Go" means to beat the drum. Some soldiers celebrate, while others are exhausted or weep. The person asking about the hexagram is currently in a victorious situation, having captured enemies, but with mixed emotions. The task will be successful but will come with both gains and losses.

六四 月幾望,馬匹亡,无咎

Six Fourth: How many months? Horses are lost, no harm.

Losses do not hinder prior success. The task at hand will be free of fault.

九五 有孚攣如,无咎

Nine Fifth: Having trust like a twisted rope, no harm.

Binding war captives securely prevents their escape, ensuring gains are held fast. The task at hand will yield results to safeguard, remaining faultless with careful oversight.

上九 翰音登于天,貞凶

Top Nine: The sound of a swan ascends to the sky, resolve is dangerous.

A hen soars skyward despite weak wings, doomed to crash like Yin’s King Zhou burning alive. The task at hand courts ruin through delusion, overreaching without means.