Hexagram 32: Duration (Heng)

By: James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Overview

Hexagram 32 is Heng, often translated as Preserving. Alternative interpretations include Duration and Constancy. The hexagram is composed of two trigrams:

• Lower Trigram (Xun): Ground or Wind

• Upper Trigram (Zhen): Shake or Thunder

B. The Judgment

1. Duration. Success. No blame.
   Perseverance furthers.

2. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

C. The Image

1. Thunder and wind: the image of duration.

2. Thus the superior man stands firm
   And does not change his direction.

II. My Interpretation

A. “Constancy”

The key theme of Hexagram 32 is unwavering dedication to an original goal—a steadfast adherence to principles or purpose, likened to the dogma of consistency from beginning to end. Just as a city under siege remains resolute in its defense without deviating from its foundational purpose, so must we stay true to our intentions and plans.

A poignant symbol of constancy is the sun—its rising every day without fail. I recall a recent experience where I woke up at 9:00 PM but mistakenly believed it to be 9:00 AM. Preparing for what I thought was a morning walk, I instead encountered people heading to nightclubs. Confused, I found myself wondering: when would the sun rise? This episode highlighted the predictability and dependability of nature—qualities we should emulate.

B. Starting Small and Staying Consistent

Every enduring journey begins with small, deliberate steps toward the desired outcome. My college motto encapsulates this idea: “Start to Finish.” However, the emphasis is not solely on beginning and ending; the journey itself requires unwavering consistency and integrity. Like advancing a football toward the end zone while adhering to the game’s rules, we must persist without compromising our values.

C. Moving Forward Without Overcorrection

While progress often requires adapting to modernity, it is vital to avoid overcorrecting and losing sight of our core intentions. Consider a courtroom: the traditional role of the stenographer has been largely supplanted by video cameras. Yet, live feeds capturing every angle might inadvertently distort proceedings by introducing unnecessary complexity. Similarly, progress must honor the integrity of the original purpose rather than complicate it unnecessarily.

D. Staying True to the Path

Maintaining consistency requires a steadfast modus operandi throughout the journey. By aligning actions with established goals and values, one ensures that the process—from inception to culmination—remains rooted in integrity and purpose.

“Duration is the key with this particular hexagram. For duration to be meaningful, it must remain consistent, and to avoid failure, it must also maintain its validity.”