Hexagram 32
Duration
恒 (Héng)
Thunder over Wind
The image is of Thunder, symbolizing movement and action, above the Wind, which symbolizes gentle, penetrating influence. This represents the ideal form of an enduring relationship or institution. The outer form is active and dynamic (Thunder), while the inner principle is gentle and adaptable (Wind). This is the hexagram of marriage, long-term commitments, and any endeavor that requires steadfast perseverance. It teaches that true duration is not rigid, but a dynamic stability that adapts to changing conditions.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This hexagram promises success and freedom from blame because it embodies a correct and sustainable principle. Lasting success comes from consistent, persevering effort. However, this endurance must not be aimless. To be effective, it must be directed toward a clear, worthy goal ("somewhere to go"). This gives direction and purpose to one's constancy, preventing it from becoming mere stubbornness.
The Image (象传)
Thunder and wind are constant, enduring phenomena in nature. The superior person emulates this by establishing a firm standpoint and holding to their core principles and direction. This does not mean they are inflexible in their methods; like the wind, they can be adaptable. But their fundamental course, their "why," remains unchanged. This unwavering sense of purpose is the source of their enduring strength.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving Hexagram 32 is a call to commit to the long haul. This is a time for marriage, for signing a long-term contract, for beginning a practice you intend to maintain for life. Success will not come quickly but will be the result of steady, day-in-day-out effort. The key is to find the right balance between a fixed purpose and a flexible approach. Be clear on your ultimate destination but be willing to adapt your route as needed. This is the art of dynamic stability. Choose your commitments wisely, and then honor them with unwavering perseverance.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Seeking duration too hastily. Perseverance brings misfortune. Nothing that would further."
At the very beginning of a relationship or project, trying to force a permanent state too quickly is a mistake. It creates pressure and is unnatural. This impatience leads to misfortune.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Remorse disappears."
You have found the right balance. By holding to the middle way and not going to extremes, you are able to endure correctly. Any initial doubts or remorse about the commitment fade away as you find your steady rhythm.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"He who does not give duration to his character will meet with disgrace. Constant humiliation."
This line warns against inconsistency of character. If you are constantly changing your mood, your principles, and your commitments, you will not earn the respect of others and will face ongoing shame. Lasting success requires a stable character.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"No game in the field."
This means you are applying your efforts in the wrong place for a long time. Like a hunter in a field with no animals, your perseverance is wasted because you are not positioned correctly. It is a call to re-evaluate your fundamental position and strategy.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Giving duration to one's character through perseverance. This is good fortune for a woman, misfortune for a man."
This line uses the metaphor of a traditional marriage. For the receptive, inner principle (the woman/Wind), perseverance in one's place is correct. For the active, outer principle (the man/Thunder), merely persevering in a fixed position instead of moving forward in the world is a mistake.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Restlessness as duration. Misfortune."
This is perseverance in a state of constant agitation. Being perpetually in motion without rest or a stable center is not true duration. It is a state of frantic activity that ultimately leads to burnout and misfortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is the quintessential hexagram of marriage and long-term, committed partnership. It signals a time that is highly favorable for making or deepening such a commitment. The focus is not on the fleeting excitement of a new romance, but on the enduring strength of a bond that weathers the tests of time. The success of this union depends on the dynamic interplay of Thunder (the active, outward-facing partner) and Wind (the gentle, inwardly focused partner). Both roles are essential. The relationship must have a clear direction and shared goals ("somewhere to go"). It thrives on consistency, reliability, and the daily practice of love and respect, rather than on intermittent grand gestures. This hexagram warns against trying to force commitment too early (Line 1) and against inconsistency of character (Line 3), which erodes trust. A love that embodies 'Duration' is a sanctuary, a stable point in a changing world, built on a foundation of unwavering mutual support.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, 'Duration' advises a "slow and steady wins the race" approach. This is the time to build a lasting enterprise, not to chase quick profits. Success will come from consistency, reliability, and building a strong reputation over time. It is about committing to your chosen field and striving for mastery through persistent effort. The Image's advice is key: "stand firm and do not change your direction." This means holding fast to your company's core mission and values, even when faced with tempting but distracting opportunities. However, this does not mean being rigid. Like the Wind, your methods and tactics should be adaptable to market changes. This hexagram is highly favorable for establishing long-term business partnerships, building brand loyalty, and creating a stable, enduring company culture. It's a reminder that great institutions are not built overnight, but through years of dedicated, unwavering work.
Health & Wellness (健康)
When it comes to health, this hexagram champions lifestyle over quick fixes. Lasting well-being is the result of enduring habits, not crash diets or temporary fitness crazes. The message is to choose a sustainable path to health and commit to it. Find a form of exercise you can stick with, develop a balanced way of eating that you can maintain for life, and establish consistent sleep patterns. This is about making health a constant, integrated part of your identity, not something you only focus on when you're unwell. The hexagram warns against "restlessness as duration" (Line 6), which can be seen as chronic over-training or a state of constant stress, both of which lead to burnout. True health is a dynamic balance, a commitment to consistent, gentle self-care that builds a deep reservoir of vitality over many years.
Financial Matters (财运)
'Duration' is the hexagram of long-term investing and the patient accumulation of wealth. It is the wisdom behind compound interest and consistent saving. This is a time to establish and commit to a sound financial plan. Avoid the temptation of volatile, high-risk speculation and focus on building a portfolio of solid, reliable assets. This hexagram favors automatic, recurring investments and a disciplined savings habit. The key is consistency. The small amounts you put away regularly will, over a long period, grow into a substantial resource. It also warns against "no game in the field" (Line 4), which can be interpreted as stubbornly sticking with a long-term investment that has fundamentally soured. While your overall direction should be constant, you must be adaptable enough to make necessary changes. The primary path to prosperity here is through discipline, patience, and unwavering commitment to your financial goals.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
For personal growth, this hexagram teaches that true character is forged through constancy. It asks you: What is your unchangeable direction? What are the core principles you are willing to stand for, day in and day out? Growth is not about having a single epiphany, but about the enduring practice of virtue, discipline, and self-awareness. It's about choosing a path of mastery—whether in an art form, a skill, or a spiritual practice—and walking it every day. This hexagram reminds us that our identity is not a static thing, but a process shaped by our consistent actions. The person who gives "duration to his character" becomes a reliable and trustworthy force in the world. Their inner stability, born from the dynamic balance of firm principles and a flexible mind, allows them to endure any storm and achieve profound, lasting fulfillment.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is auspicious for all long-term commitments. Choose a worthy goal, make your commitment, and then dedicate yourself to it with unwavering perseverance. Do not expect immediate results; true value is built over time. Be firm in your purpose but flexible in your methods. Your consistency is your greatest asset now. By embracing the principle of Duration, you lay the foundation for a future of stability, success, and profound achievement.
