I Ching · No.32 · Hêng / Duration

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The 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.

Translation

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Work hard at cultivation; do not advance rashly.
• Wealth 财运: The place of trade must not be changed.
• Household 家宅: Do not change direction; a lifelong harmonious union.
• Health 身体: Asthma with phlegm; continue to take the old prescription.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Thunder issues from the earth and wind rises from the valley; guard against enemy ambushes and artillery attacks. It is advisable to hold the fort firmly and not retreat; later, defeat can be turned into victory.
• Business 营商: Zhen belongs to the due east and Xun belongs to the southeast. It is said, 'establishing oneself without changing direction,' meaning that the place of trade must not be changed.
• Fame & Career 功名: Both Zhen and Xun belong to wood. Trees stand firm and do not change, reaching straight into the sky, symbolizing direct ascent. However, success should be sought through long-term effort; rash advance is not advisable.
• Household 家宅: This house faces southeast with its back to the northwest. It is an ancestral estate and a permanent property; its orientation must absolutely not be changed.
• Marriage 婚姻: The man is the eldest son and the woman is the eldest daughter. The two eldest match each other, bringing great benefit to the marriage, predicting growing old together for a hundred years.
• Illness 疾病: It must be rising liver-fire, asthma with phlegm-fire. Take the previous prescription; there is no need to change it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, must be the first pregnancy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

• Overall Image 大象: Zhen represents movement, suitable for outward development; Xun represents entering, indicating inward orientation. One inward and one outward, each occupying its proper position, thus able to remain eternally unchanging, symbolizing the way of husband and wife.
• Fortune 运势: All things are prosperous. It is auspicious to make constant efforts and keep to one's role; acting rashly will bring disaster.
• Career 事业: Nothing is accomplished without perseverance; persisting with constancy will surely yield results. Constancy is the foundation of success. For this reason, motives must be pure, and one must maintain tranquility and avoid rashness. Do not rush for results, nor stick stubbornly to outdated ways; proceed from personal reality. Avoid blindly copying others; adapt to changing circumstances instead. In this way, all affairs will proceed smoothly to success.
• Business 经商: Act boldly; having a destination will surely bring benefit. Pay attention to market conditions and surrounding circumstances. Change business strategies at any time, but do not change common principles and the constant path. Hold fast to the carefully chosen direction and do not blindly follow trends. Avoid overestimating oneself and taking risky actions to force results.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Have a beginning and an end, finish what is started well, stand on the correct path, and persevere. Especially in study, one should cultivate self-restraint and refinement; then success is assured.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: The path of true love never did run smooth, full of twists and turns. Only avoid being unfaithful or changing one's mind; live in harmony and do not cling obstinately to one's own opinions.
• Decision 决策: Advance step-by-step; do not expect too much at the beginning, but do not give up the pursuit because of this. One should keep one's feet on the ground and proceed from reality. Do not aim too high, and especially do not overestimate oneself. Do not take risky or radical actions, and do not be fickle. Believe firmly that the universe is ever-renewing, constantly revise your own insights, and add new substance.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject deeply (desirous) of long continuance. Even with firm correctness there will be evil; there will be no advantage in any way.

Line Text (Translation)

First Six: Seeking duration too deeply. Divination brings misfortune; nothing is advantageous. The Image Commentary says: The misfortune of seeking duration too deeply is because seeking depth at the beginning of adventure will surely lead to collapse.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will experience estrangement in human relations and a bleak future; remaining quiet can avoid disaster. Officials will find it difficult to be appreciated by their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Be content with one's lot; seeking honor will instead bring disgrace.
• Wealth 财运: Sell as soon as a profit is made; do not covet high prices.
• Household 家宅: Magnificence is hard to last; do not seek to marry above one's status.
• Health 身体: Sports injury; acting with too much haste.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to consolidate every step; avoid penetrating deep alone, as deep penetration will surely bring misfortune.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to sell as soon as profit is made; do not hoard goods to corner the market in greed for high prices.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is advisable to keep to one's duty; do not curry favor to seek honor or fish for achievements by chance, lest you bring disgrace upon yourself instead.
• Marriage 婚姻: The way of marriage should be matching social status. Never admire wealth or seek noble status, greedily forming a marriage alliance only to regret it later. This often happens.
• Household 家宅: The house is newly built, but unfortunately, seeking too much luxury will make it hard to last.
• Litigation 讼事: Fearing that once involved in a lawsuit, it will drag on for a long time without resolution.
• Pregnancy 六甲: First pregnancy, giving birth to a girl, but fearing difficulty in raising her.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great) Hexagram. A favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Qian, Qian is heaven. Thunder rolling in the heavens is the image of the Power of the Great. Looking at this image, the gentleman, seeing the fearsome sudden thunder and the strictness of ritual laws, stands in awe and knows fear, adhering strictly to propriety.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Just and honorable, strong and grand; tolerant and harmonious, avoid impulsiveness. Minor fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is excessively strong. They should remain calm and act with caution; otherwise, mistakes will surely occur.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Qian is firm, Zhen is movement. Thunder rolls in the heavens, clouds and thunder rumble, the scale is grand, Yang energy is robust and strong, and all things grow. Being firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Zhuang. Great and strong, hence the name Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great). The four Yang lines are strong and flourishing, active and achieving. The upper is upright and the lower is upright; when the pole is straight, the shadow is straight.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows all occasion for repentance disappearing.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Two: Regret vanishes. The Image Commentary says: The line statement of Nine Two says regret vanishes, because it can hold fast to the middle path.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will have no worries if they keep to their place and mind their own business. Officials should keep themselves clean and act with caution.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Steady your ground, and you can avoid disaster.
• Wealth 财运: Hold on through hardships and wait for change; you will be able to recover your capital.
• Household 家宅: The location is unfavorable; must wait ten years.
• Health 身体: Still fairly smooth.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The camp location is improper, fearing regret. However, it is advisable to remain in the center and not move, holding firm for a long time to avoid disaster.
• Business 营商: Goods are not selling, leading to losses. It is advisable to wait for prices over time to recover the capital.
• Fame & Career 功名: Losing the opportunity and instead bringing disaster. Wait for the right time to proceed; though fame may not be achieved, there will be no blame.
• Household 家宅: This house is in an improper location, unfavorable to its residents. After ten years, the fortune of the house may turn, and then it will be without blame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Ordinary.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Kuo hexagram. Success, this is a favorable divination. However, it is only suitable for small matters, not for great matters. A flying bird passes through the sky, leaving its voice by the ear, warning people: ascending leads to danger, while descending brings good fortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing Mountain; the upper trigram is Zhen, representing Thunder. Thunder over the mountain is the image of Hsiao Kuo. The superior man, observing this image, stands in awe of the heavenly thunder and dares not commit transgressions. Thus, in his conduct, he does not exceed in humility; in mourning, he does not exceed in grief; in expenditure, he does not exceed in thrift; he only seeks moderation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin is compliant and Yang is trapped; gentleness and flexibility are in action. Maintain caution and self-control; rapid advance is unfavorable. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, all matters are unfavorable. It is suitable for small things, but not for great things. Furthermore, guard against disputes and litigation arising from one's own mistakes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the overlapping of two different trigrams (lower Gen, upper Zhen). Gen is Mountain, and Zhen is Thunder. Thunder rumbles over the mountain, which cannot but inspire awe. Yang is great and Yin is small; the four Yin lines on the outside exceed the two Yang lines in the middle, hence it is called 'Hsiao Kuo' (Preponderance of the Small), indicating a small excess.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows one who does not continuously maintain his virtue. There are those who will impute this to him as a disgrace. However firm he may be, there will be ground for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Three: Not maintaining one's character, one will surely meet with disgrace. Divination indicates difficulty. The Image Commentary says: Not maintaining one's character, being fickle and trusted by none, one will surely end up with no place to fit in.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line must guard against slander by petty people and the disturbance of disputes. Officials must guard against demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Being half-hearted and fickle, how can one succeed?
• Wealth 财运: Without a steady trade, it is difficult to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for long-term residence; difficult to grow old together.
• Health 身体: Exercising without consistency, how can one be healthy?

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Military affairs value courageous and decisive advance to win. Xun represents lack of resolve, surely leading to much fear and retreat. If advance and retreat lack consistency, it will inevitably disgrace the nation and damage the army; how can one escape blame?
• Business 营商: The line statement says, 'Not maintaining one's character,' which must mean a merchant lacks a steady trade; how can profit be gained?
• Fame & Career 功名: Fickle in one's character, the undertaking will surely not succeed; how can fame be achieved?
• Household 家宅: The third line is at the end of Xun. The end of Xun changes to Zhen, and Zhen represents a main highway. This house must be near a main road; the house is unfavorable for long-term residence.
• Marriage 婚姻: The marriage will not last to the end, fearing it will bring disgrace.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows a field where there is no game.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: No game in the field. The Image Commentary says: Remaining long in an unsuitable environment, how can there be any catch?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will find planning and striving to be exhausting, making it difficult to accomplish tasks. Officials will suffer bad luck and face setbacks.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not in the proper position; laboring in vain.
• Wealth 财运: The location is wrong; how can there be profit?
• Household 家宅: The direction is unfavorable; discord between spouses.
• Health 身体: Be cautious in taking medicine.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Establishing the camp out of proper position will surely exhaust the troops without achievement.
• Business 营商: The sale of goods has its specific place. It is like seeking wood from a fisherman or asking a woodcutter for fish; though working long in that trade, there will surely be no catch.
• Fame & Career 功名: It is like hoping for high ranks without entering the examination halls, or seeking prominent office without entering the imperial court; occupying a position not suited for one, though staying long, there will be no harvest.
• Household 家宅: The direction of this house is unfavorable; it is not suitable for long-term residence and should be relocated quickly.
• Marriage 婚姻: The spouses from the two families do not match.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but fearing difficulty in raising him.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows its subject continuously maintaining the virtue indicated by it. In a wife this will be fortunate; in a husband, evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Five: Giving constancy to one's character. Divination indicates good fortune for a woman, but misfortune for a man. The Image Commentary says: The line statement says a woman's chaste constancy is auspicious, which conforms to the principle of following her husband for life. A husband, however, must decide what is right according to circumstances, and his path is multi-faceted; if a man is constrained by a woman's virtues, he will surely meet with misfortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will attract much slander and suffer losses. Officials will mostly flatter those in power and fall into error.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Infatuated with emotions, losing the greater for the smaller.
• Wealth 财运: Seeing only small profits, how can one build wealth?
• Household 家宅: Strong woman and weak man; auspicious for women, ominous for men.
• Health 身体: Different fates for men and women.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In ancient times it was said that having women in the army dampens morale. Xiang Yu's defeat might well have been due to Yu Ji's burden. The army should be wary of this.
• Business 营商: Business should adapt to circumstances. If one is stubbornly inflexible, holding the narrow views of women and children greedy for small gains, there will surely be no great profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: A man's ambition lies in all directions, with a broad future. If he merely covets the boudoir, harming his body and ruining his reputation, there is no greater misfortune.
• Household 家宅: The ancients said, 'The hen ruling the roost brings ruin to the household.' This should be a deep warning.
• Marriage 婚姻: Auspicious for the bride's family, but ominous for the groom's family.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows its subject exciting himself to long continuance. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Six: Constantly moving without rest, misfortune. The Image Commentary says: When rulers change their orders constantly and the policies are inconsistent, the result must be failure in all directions.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line can achieve small success in seeking fame and profit, but great success will fail. Women will bring disadvantage to their husbands and sons. Officials will be exhausted, with much activity and little rest.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and merit have reached their end; do not act rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Unwilling to settle accounts, there is no profit to speak of.
• Household 家宅: Do not change the old house; remarrying will surely bring misfortune.
• Health 身体: Take careful care of yourself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Being the chief commander, the way of leading the army relies entirely on composure. If one acts rashly out of eagerness for glory, nothing will be accomplished.
• Business 营商: The top line represents the destination of a hexagram, which is the time to settle business. If one should settle but fails to do so, receiving and sending out without a set time, there will eventually be no end result.
• Fame & Career 功名: At the end of the hexagram, fame and merit have reached their limit. If one still blindly pursues them out of foolish desire, not only will nothing be achieved, but it may instead lead to disaster.
• Household 家宅: This house is already old and does not need to be renovated; renovation will surely bring misfortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: It must be a second marriage in late years. No need to remarry; remarrying will surely bring misfortune.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to stop the lawsuit immediately.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be found.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ting (Cauldron) hexagram. Supreme good fortune, success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Li, and Li is fire. Thus, there is fire over wood: the image of the Cauldron. The superior man, by observing this image, emulates the three-legged stability of the cauldron, standing upright without leaning, thereby holding correct and maintaining his position, being relied upon and trusted by the sovereign, and fulfilling his mission.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Achieving success through failure, accomplishing tasks through others; all affairs proceed smoothly, rising rapidly in the world. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is currently at its peak; they can receive help from friends and achieve great accomplishments. Partnering or cooperating with others is even better.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Li above). Burning wood to cook food, transforming raw to cooked, meaning weeding out the old and bringing forth the new. The Cauldron is a precious treasure and a grand vessel, symbolizing the stability of three legs. Cooking food metaphorically represents abundant food, with no more difficulties or distress. On this basis, it is suitable to make changes and develop one's career.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.