Hexagram 32 of 64
Duration
heng · 恒
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 32, Duration, is summarized by the Judgment: Duration. Success. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
- ◈Its structure is Thunder above Wind; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: endurance, constancy, perseverance, marriage.
By the Numbers
- #32
- King Wen Order
- Duration in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Thunder above Wind.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 32, Héng (恆), is the hexagram of Duration — the principle of steadfast endurance through all conditions. Composed of Zhèn (☳ Thunder) above and Xùn (☴ Wind) below: thunder and wind reinforce each other in perpetual motion. This is the I Ching's answer to the question: How do things last?
This expanded note is adapted from the long-form hexagram draft as cultural and textual context; a live reading still depends on the question, changing lines, and the full transformation pattern.
Six-Line Theme Map
I Ching lines are read from the bottom upward. This map runs from the initial line to the top line so the Judgment, Image, and moving-line position can be read together.
- L1
初六 · 浚恒
Deep constancy — persistence too early, misfortune
- L2
九二 · 悔亡
Regret vanishes — finding the center
- L3
九三 · 不恒其德
Inconstant in virtue — shame
- L4
九四 · 田无禽
Hunting without catch — wasted effort
- L5
六五 · 恒其德贞
Constant in virtue
- L6
上六 · 恒其振
Constant vibration — no stability, shame
Deep Reading
Duration is movement with direction
Heng does not describe frozen sameness. Thunder above and wind below are both moving forces, yet their movement reinforces a continuing direction. Duration succeeds when the direction is stable enough to endure changing conditions.
- •The Judgment includes success, no blame, favorable perseverance, and going somewhere.
- •Going somewhere shows duration is not stagnation.
- •The Image says the noble person stands firm without changing direction.
- •Xian gives the spark of attraction; Heng tests whether it can last.
Constancy is not rigidity
The first line warns against digging too deeply into constancy too early. The top line warns against constant agitation. Heng's best lines find the center and hold virtue steadily. Lasting things need both commitment and proportion.
- •Early overcommitment can become misfortune.
- •The second line finds the center, so regret vanishes.
- •Inconstant virtue creates shame because trust cannot settle.
- •Hunting without catch shows persistence in the wrong field is wasted effort.
Reading Heng in a live question
- Long-term relationship or commitment
- Choose a direction that can be lived repeatedly. Do not confuse the first attraction with the discipline of duration.
- Career or project persistence
- Persist where there is real field and return. If there is no catch, reassess the field rather than only increasing effort.
- Habit or recovery practice
- Constancy works through moderate repetition. For health or mental-health concerns, use professional guidance alongside daily practice.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- This reading follows the Zhouyi Heng Judgment, Image, and line statements, especially duration, standing firm without changing direction, regret vanishing at the center, inconstant virtue, hunting without catch, and constant agitation.
- Zhouyi: Heng Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Heng is a symbolic model for constancy and direction. It should not be used to pressure someone into staying in harmful conditions.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
Yes. Stay the course — endurance brings success.
Upper Trigram
Thunder
Lower Trigram
Wind
The Judgment (King Wen)
Duration. Success. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
The Image
Thunder and wind: the image of Duration.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 32 (Duration)?
Duration. Success. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 32?
Hexagram 32 acts with the upper trigram Thunder and the lower trigram Wind.
What are the core themes of Duration?
The core themes and meanings include: endurance, constancy, perseverance, marriage.