Hexagram 32, Line 5

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line, positioned at the heart of the upper trigram Xun (The Gentle, Wind) and in the powerful ruler's place, speaks to a sophisticated form of duration. The central theme is "making one's character constant" (恆其德). This is not about rigid, unthinking stubbornness, but about a deep-seated constancy of inner virtue and principle. The perplexing part of the line—"auspicious for a woman, inauspicious for a man"—is allegorical, not a literal comment on gender. "Woman" represents the yin principle: receptivity, adaptability, and devotion to a single, higher principle. In the context of duration, this means being constant in one's commitment and core values, while remaining flexible and adaptive in one's actions, following the natural flow of events. This pliancy, rooted in firm principles, leads to success. "Man" represents the yang principle of initiating, leading, and imposing order. If a person in a leading position interprets "duration" as rigidly imposing their will, being inflexible, and stubbornly adhering to a fixed course of action regardless of changing circumstances, they will meet with misfortune. This is because the situation, governed by the trigram Xun (Wind), calls for gentle penetration and adaptation, not force. The true "leader" here must not be stubborn in his methods but constant in his virtue, which means following the right way (the Tao) with adaptability. To rigidly "follow" a fixed idea (the allegorical "woman") instead of determining what is truly right in the moment is the path to failure.

Guidance for Action

Your primary task is to be constant in your core principles and values, not in your methods or opinions. True strength and endurance come from a stable inner character that allows for flexible outer action. Avoid stubbornness and rigidity at all costs. Do not insist that things must be done a certain way simply because that was the original plan. Instead, cultivate an attitude of adaptive persistence. Be like bamboo: deeply rooted but able to bend with the wind without breaking. Listen to feedback, observe the changing environment, and be willing to adjust your strategy. Your commitment should be to the ultimate goal, not to a specific path for getting there. By being receptive and responsive, you will find the enduring success that eludes the rigid and dogmatic.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line advises that lasting love is built on unwavering commitment to the partnership itself (the constant virtue), combined with daily flexibility and understanding. The "auspicious" approach is to be steadfast in your love and loyalty, while being adaptable to your partner's needs, moods, and the natural evolution of the relationship. It is about consistently choosing to nurture the connection, even when it requires you to change your own behavior or perspective. The "inauspicious" path is to try to control the relationship, to insist on rigid rules, or to stubbornly refuse to compromise. A partner who dictates, "We must always do this," or, "You must never do that," without regard for context or feeling, is embodying the negative aspect of this line. This rigidity will create friction and ultimately harm the duration of the bond. True partnership thrives on a stable core of love that allows for mutual adaptation.

For Career & Business

This line is a powerful message for leaders and professionals. Your success depends on being constant in your professional ethics, your commitment to the company's mission, and your long-term vision. This is your "constant character." However, you must be completely flexible in your methods, strategies, and day-to-day operations. The leader who succeeds is the one who listens to their team, adapts to new market data, and is willing to pivot when a strategy isn't working. The leader who fails is the one who rigidly adheres to a failing plan out of pride or an inability to change, saying "This is my decision, and we will stick to it no matter what." To achieve lasting success in your career, be firm in your purpose but fluid in your execution.

For Financial Matters

Financial stability and growth are achieved by making your financial principles constant. This means having a consistent plan for saving, investing, and managing debt. This is the unwavering virtue of financial discipline. However, this line warns against being rigid in your investment strategy. The "auspicious" path is to follow a sound, long-term strategy (like diversification and regular contributions) while being adaptable enough to rebalance your portfolio or adjust to major economic shifts based on sound advice and changing realities. The "inauspicious" path is to stubbornly hold onto a failing asset out of an emotional attachment or a refusal to admit a mistake. It is also foolish to rigidly follow a single investment dogma without regard for the current financial climate. Your core financial goals should be constant, but your tactics must be flexible.