Hexagram 32, Line 1

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line, at the very bottom of the hexagram, represents the beginning of an endeavor intended to be long-lasting. The image is of someone trying to dig a deep well from the first shovelful of earth. The desire for a profound, permanent, and secure state (恆, Hèng) is present, but the approach is flawed. "Seeking duration too deeply" (浚恆, jùn héng) signifies an impatient and overly ambitious start. You are trying to force a result that can only be achieved through gradual development over time. The line contains a paradox: usually, perseverance (貞, zhēn) is a virtue, but here it leads to misfortune (凶, xiōng). This is because you would be persevering in a mistaken course of action. Stubbornly insisting on immediate depth and commitment at this early stage is counterproductive. It destabilizes the foundation rather than securing it. The situation is premature for such profound expectations, and therefore, pushing forward in this manner will yield no benefit (无攸利, wú yōu lì).

Guidance for Action

Your desire for a stable, long-term situation is valid, but your timing and methods are wrong. You must resist the urge to rush things or demand deep commitments at this initial stage. Pull back from your ambitious quest for immediate depth. The key now is patience and allowing things to unfold organically. Start with small, manageable steps and build a solid foundation. Focus on the present moment and the immediate task, rather than trying to secure the distant future all at once. If you try to force the issue, you will meet with failure and alienate others. Let go of the need for instant security and allow the process to develop its own natural rhythm.

For Love & Relationships

In a new relationship, this line warns against coming on too strong. You may feel a powerful connection and desire to immediately define the relationship, discuss the future, and secure a deep, lasting commitment. However, this is "seeking duration too deeply." Such intensity at the beginning can be overwhelming and frightening to the other person, paradoxically pushing them away and destroying the very permanence you seek. Demanding to know "where this is going" or making grand declarations of eternal love prematurely will lead to misfortune. The guidance is to relax, be patient, and enjoy the early stages of getting to know each other. Let trust and intimacy build naturally over time.

For Career & Business

In a new job, project, or business venture, this line cautions against overreach. You might be tempted to immediately implement a grand, long-term vision or try to prove your worth by tackling the most complex, deep-rooted problems. This is a mistake. Your colleagues and superiors do not yet know or trust you, and the system is not ready for such drastic changes. Persevering in this ambitious course will lead to resistance, mistakes, and a loss of credibility. Instead, start with the basics. Learn the culture, build relationships, and achieve small, tangible wins. Establish a foundation of competence and trust before you attempt to make profound, lasting changes.

For Financial Matters

This line warns against making hasty, large-scale financial commitments based on a desire for instant, long-term security. This could manifest as putting all your savings into a single "sure thing" investment that you believe will provide for you forever, or taking on a massive, long-term debt without a stable foundation. This approach of "seeking depth" too soon is financially reckless. Persevering in such a strategy leads to misfortune because it is based on impatience rather than sound planning. The correct approach is to build wealth gradually. Start with a modest savings plan, diversify your investments, and avoid get-rich-quick schemes. Build your financial foundation brick by brick, not by trying to erect a fortress overnight.