32. Héng 恆
PERSISTENCE, CONTINUITY, DURATION
Key Concepts:
stability, duration, marriage, long-term partnership, support in changes
Persistently follow the plan you believe is right. Balance inner softness and outer strength.
Above is the trigram Gen (Thunder), below is the trigram Xun (Wind). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is the birth of Wind from Thunder, i.e., Thunder gives the impulse, and Wind follows. Wind and Thunder pick up each other. Thunder gains Wind, and its voice spreads afar, Wind follows Thunder, and in its Breath-Qi, there is strength. Observing this, the wise ruler realizes that Thunder by its nature is firm and valiant, while Wind is soft and smooth. Firmness and softness help each other and therefore are capable of moving all beings. The nature of firmness corresponds in a person to Yang, and the nature of softness to Yin. Yin and Yang need each other (nourish each other), and therefore they are capable of moving eternally (for a long time) on their Path-Dao.
Both elements, both energies - Wind and Thunder - are forces that arise alternately. Their interaction indicates that the constant exists thanks to activity, not inertia. Persistence is possible through change, illustrated by the changing seasons, not stagnation.
Metaphorically speaking, when two love and respect each other, work towards a common goal, like Thunder and Wind in this hexagram, their relationship becomes self-sufficient. Inner softness and outer strength balance each other, creating a powerful and sturdy foundation.
In important matters, Heng advises us to persistently follow the plan that we consider correct and adequate. We must resist the temptation to try easier ways of action or to act treacherously and selfishly, as on this path we may lose ourselves. "It's time to engage in something worthwhile," - this is what Heng points us to.
Both elements, both energies - Wind and Thunder - are forces that arise alternately. Their interaction indicates that the constant exists thanks to activity, not inertia. Persistence is possible through change, illustrated by the changing seasons, not stagnation.
Metaphorically speaking, when two love and respect each other, work towards a common goal, like Thunder and Wind in this hexagram, their relationship becomes self-sufficient. Inner softness and outer strength balance each other, creating a powerful and sturdy foundation.
In important matters, Heng advises us to persistently follow the plan that we consider correct and adequate. We must resist the temptation to try easier ways of action or to act treacherously and selfishly, as on this path we may lose ourselves. "It's time to engage in something worthwhile," - this is what Heng points us to.
I Ching Talking
You will be constant in your virtues. Perseverance.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
Deepened persistence. Perseverance leads to misfortune. Nothing favorable.
Successful work overall consists of successfully completed details.
Regret vanishes.
If you haven't achieved the impossible, it's not a disaster.
You will not be constant in your virtues.
Perhaps, you will find yourself in an awkward position.
Perseverance leads to regret.
Contradictory behavior brings little benefit to your reputation.
There is no game in the field.
Before you expend your energy on any goal, make sure it's achievable.
You will be constant in your virtues.
Perseverance.
For a wife – happiness. For a husband - misfortune.
You need to clearly understand when to act and when to remain at rest.
Disrupted persistence. Misfortune.
Impatience and internal chaos can disrupt your project.