Chung Fu / Inner Truth
above: Sun The Gentle, Wind
below: Tui The Joyous, Lake
Nine in the second place means:
A crane calling in the shade.
Its young answers it.
I have a good goblet.
I will share it with you.
This refers to the involuntary influence of a man's inner being upon
persons of kindred spirit. The crane need not show itself on a high
hill. It may be quite hidden when it sounds its call; yet its young
will hear its note, will recognize it and give answer. Where there is a
joyous mood, there a comrade will appear to share a glass of wine.
This is the echo awakened in men through spiritual attraction. Whenever
a feeling is voiced with truth and frankness, whenever a deed is the
clear expression of sentiment, a mysterious and far-reaching influence
is exerted. At first it acts on those who are inwardly receptive. But
the circle grows larger and larger. The root of all influence lies in
one's own inner being: given true and vigorous expression in word and
deed, its effect is great. The effect is but the reflection of
something that emanates from one's own heart. Any deliberate intention
of an effect would only destroy the possibility of producing it.
Confucius says about this line:
The superior man abides in his room. If his words are well spoken, he
meets with assent at a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much
more then from near by! 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 then from near by! Words go
forth from one's own person and exert their influence on men. Deeds are
born close at hand and become visible far away. Words and deeds are the
hinge and bowspring of the superior man. As hinge and bowspring move,
they bring honor or disgrace. Through words and deeds the superior man
moves heaven and earth. Must one not, then, be cautious?