Hexagram 32 · 恒 · Héng
Duration
- Element:
- Thunder over Wind
- Key themes:
- persistence, stability, endurance, commitment, continuity
Image
Thunder and wind, symbolizing the enduring and persistent nature of energy.
Overall message
Hexagram 32 represents the concept of duration and endurance. It emphasizes the importance of persistence, stability, and commitment. Success comes from maintaining continuity and stability over time.
Embrace the power of persistence and endurance. Stay committed to your goals. Success comes from maintaining stability and continuity over time.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.
Image. (The trigram representing) thunder and that for wind form Hăng. The superior man, in accordance with this, stands firm, and does not change his method (of operation).
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Duration
The period of duration is complete. Reflect on the journey.
Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Use this knowledge to guide future commitments.
Line 5 · Leadership in Endurance
Strong leadership enhances endurance and stability.
Lead with persistence and commitment. Your endurance will inspire others.
Line 4 · Maintaining Commitment
Commitment is maintained through steady efforts.
Stay committed and focused. Steady efforts will lead to success.
Line 3 · Overcoming Challenges
Challenges may arise, but they can be overcome with persistence.
Stay persistent and resilient. Overcome challenges with determination.
Line 2 · Building Stability
Stability is built through persistence and endurance.
Focus on building stability. Persistence will lead to success.
Line 1 · Initial Commitment
The beginning of a commitment. Be steadfast and determined.
Start with a strong commitment. Stay focused and determined.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 42 · 益 · Yì. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 43 · 夬 · Guài. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 34 · 大壮 · Dà Zhuàng
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 62 · 小过 · Xiǎo Guò
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 40 · 解 · Xiè
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 46 · 升 · Shēng
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 28 · 大过 · Dà Guò
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 50 · 鼎 · Dǐng