32. Duration (恆 Héng)

Trigrams

Above

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Below

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Symbolic Meaning

恆 (Héng) symbolizes endurance and lasting strength. This hexagram speaks of the need for stability, perseverance, and consistency in all things. Success comes from maintaining a steady course over time.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"亨，利貞。利有攸往。"
(Hēng, lì zhēn. Lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Duration. Success. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go."

This hexagram advises perseverance and stability. Success comes from maintaining a steady course, and it is favorable to have a clear direction. Endurance brings long-lasting success.

Image

Original Chinese:
"雷風，恆。君子以立不易方。"
(Léi fēng, héng. Jūn zǐ yǐ lì bù yì fāng.)

"Thunder and wind: The image of Duration. The superior person stands firm and does not change their direction."

The image of thunder and wind represents the forces of nature that persist over time. The superior person, like these forces, stands firm and does not change their direction easily. Consistency and stability are key to success.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"浚恆，凶。"
(Jùn héng, xiōng.)

"Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune."

This line warns against rushing into long-term commitments without proper preparation. Hastily seeking endurance without the necessary foundation leads to misfortune.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"悔亡。"
(Huǐ wáng.)

"Regret disappears."

This line advises patience and perseverance. By staying the course and being consistent, regret fades, and the situation improves over time.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"不恆其德，或承之羞，貞吝。"
(Bù héng qí dé, huò chéng zhī xiū, zhēn lìn.)

"If one does not persevere in virtue, shame follows. Perseverance brings regret."

This line warns against failing to maintain consistency in virtue. Without perseverance, shame and regret follow. It advises staying true to one's principles to avoid misfortune.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"田无禽。"
(Tián wú qín.)

"No game in the field."

This line describes a situation where efforts yield no results, symbolized by an empty field. It advises accepting that some efforts may not bring immediate rewards and to remain patient.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"恆其德，貞，婦人吉，夫子凶。"
(Héng qí dé, zhēn, fù rén jí, fū zǐ xiōng.)

"Persevering in virtue. For a woman, good fortune. For a man, misfortune."

This line advises perseverance in virtue but warns of different outcomes based on one's role. For a woman, patience and endurance bring good fortune. For a man, failure to adapt may lead to misfortune.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"振恆，凶。"
(Zhèn héng, xiōng.)

"Shaking endurance. Misfortune."

This line warns against inconsistency and instability. If one's endurance is shaken and they cannot maintain their course, misfortune follows. It advises finding stability and avoiding sudden changes.