Hexagram 32, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line describes a critical point of inner instability within the theme of duration. The third line is at the peak of the lower trigram, Thunder (action, movement), and is about to transition to the upper trigram, Wind (gentleness, influence). Being a strong yang line in a strong position, it is prone to restlessness, impulsiveness, and over-excitement. The core issue here is not external change, but an internal lack of consistency. The individual's character, principles, and mood fluctuate wildly. They are easily swayed by passing whims and external influences, lacking a firm inner foundation or moral compass. This unpredictability means others cannot rely on them, leading to disgrace and social isolation, as the commentary notes: "one finds no place of acceptance." The final phrase, "Perseverance leads to regret," is a crucial warning. It does not condemn perseverance in general, but rather the act of stubbornly persisting in this flawed state of inconsistency. To continue on this path of unreliability is to guarantee humiliation.

Guidance for Action

This is a powerful call for introspection and the cultivation of inner integrity. Stop reacting to every impulse and external stimulus. Your current changeability is your greatest weakness. Instead of looking outward for the next new thing, you must look inward to find your core principles. What do you truly stand for? What values will you commit to, regardless of your mood or the situation? You must establish a stable inner "self" that can endure through life's changes. Avoid making promises you can't keep or committing to things on a whim. The guidance is to find a worthy and true principle and then practice persevering in *that*. The challenge is not to stop changing, but to stop being flighty and ground yourself in a consistent character.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to volatile and unpredictable behavior. You or your partner may be running hot and cold, professing deep love one day and creating distance the next. This inconsistency erodes trust, which is the foundation of any lasting bond. Your partner feels insecure, confused, and unable to rely on you, leading to frequent arguments and emotional turmoil. The "shame" mentioned in the line can manifest as the embarrassment of your partner having to explain your erratic behavior to others, or the personal disgrace of realizing you cannot maintain a stable, loving connection. To persist in this pattern will inevitably lead to the relationship's collapse. The only way forward is to commit to emotional consistency and build trust through reliable actions.

For Career & Business

In your professional life, this line warns against being unreliable and lacking focus. You may be chasing every new idea, switching projects midway, or changing your career goals constantly. While you may be energetic and full of initiative (the nature of Thunder), your lack of follow-through means nothing gets completed to a high standard. Colleagues and superiors see you as flaky and untrustworthy, and you are overlooked for serious responsibilities. You have "no place of acceptance" because no one can count on you. To stubbornly continue this way, believing your enthusiasm makes up for your lack of consistency, will only damage your reputation further. The guidance is to choose a path, project, or role and see it through with disciplined effort. Build a reputation for being dependable.

For Financial Matters

This line points to a chaotic and impulsive approach to your finances. You might be prone to get-rich-quick schemes, emotional spending sprees, or constantly changing your investment strategy based on market hype or fear. There is no long-term, stable plan. One month you are a disciplined saver, the next you are running up debt on frivolous purchases. This lack of financial "character" prevents any real accumulation of wealth and leads to constant stress and instability. The "shame" can be the embarrassment of being in debt or having to ask for help. Persisting in this erratic financial behavior will only lead to greater losses and regret. You must create a sound, long-term financial plan and commit to it with discipline, resisting the urge to deviate with every passing whim.