恆
Hexagram 32 · 恆
Upper trigram: 震 · Lower trigram: 巽
Heng (Duration): the hexagram of enduring direction. Keep a sound purpose steady while allowing methods and circumstances to change.
The image
Thunder stands above wind, movement joined with gentle penetration. The two forces accompany each other through changing conditions. Heng means duration or constancy over time. Its image favors a lasting direction that can live through change rather than a frozen routine.
Judgment
亨，无咎。利貞，利有攸往。
Flourishing, without blame. Constancy is beneficial. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go.
The commentary points to seasons that change while sustaining an enduring order. A long project often needs a stable purpose with plans that can be revised as new information arrives.
Great Image
雷風，恆；君子以立不易方。
Thunder and wind: Duration. The exemplary person accordingly stands firm without changing direction.
A steady direction gives smaller choices coherence. Someone committed to becoming a good teacher can change lesson plans without abandoning care for students' understanding.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
浚恆，貞凶，无攸利。
Seeking depth in duration at once. Constancy brings misfortune. Nothing is beneficial.
Six in the first place is yin demanding depth before a beginning has matured. The Small Image criticizes seeking too much initially, like expecting a new friendship to provide the trust of many years.
Line 2 · 九二
悔亡。
Regret disappears.
Nine in the second place is central yang able to remain balanced over time. The Small Image makes that endurance explicit, like maintaining regular practice despite occasional uneven results.
Line 3 · 九三
不恆其德，或承之羞，貞吝。
Not maintaining constancy in character, one may meet with shame. Persisting brings humiliation.
Nine in the third place is yang whose conduct does not remain dependable. The Small Image finds no secure place for it, like repeatedly changing promises whenever another opportunity appears.
Line 4 · 九四
田无禽。
No game in the field.
Nine in the fourth place is yang persisting in an unsuitable position. The Small Image questions how success could arise there, like repeating a job-search method that never reaches the relevant employers.
Line 5 · 六五
恆其德，貞，婦人吉，夫子凶。
Maintaining constancy in character. For a woman, constancy brings good fortune; for a man, misfortune.
Six in the fifth place is central yin corresponding with the second yang. The Small Image contrasts faithful following with independent judgment through historical gender roles; today, a team member must distinguish loyalty from a leader's duty to decide responsibly.
Line 6 · 上六
振恆，凶。
Restless duration. Misfortune.
Six at the top is yin at the extreme of constant agitation. The Small Image finds little achievement, like a manager repeatedly changing priorities while calling every new instruction a lasting policy.
When asking about
Career
Reliable direction often supports long work. Review ineffective methods without changing the purpose at every setback.
Love
Trust tends to develop through repeated dependable acts. Allow closeness to deepen at a realistic pace.
Money
Consistent records and manageable commitments can support stability. Reconsider habits that continue without serving a useful purpose.
Home
Predictable responsibilities often help shared living. Adjust the arrangement when circumstances change while keeping fairness central.
Study
Regular practice tends to matter more than occasional intensity. Change a weak method while preserving the learning goal.
Health
Steady sleep and rest habits may support a calmer rhythm. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Keep a worthwhile direction and give it time to mature. Distinguish endurance from stubborn repetition, and adapt methods without scattering your purpose.
Related hexagrams
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