Hexagram 32
HêngDuration
Thunder (Zhen) · Wind (Xun)
The image
Thunder and wind: the image of DURATION. Thus the superior man stands firm And does not change his direction.
This hexagram in one line
The strong trigram Chên is above, the weak trigram Sun below. This hexagram is the inverse of the preceding one. In the latter we have influence, here we have union as an enduring condition. The two images are thunder and wind, which are likewise constantly paired phenomena. The lower trigram indicates gentleness within; the upper, movement without. In the sphere of social relationships, the hexagram represents the institution of marriage as the enduring union of the sexes. During courtship the young man subordinates himself to the girl, but in marriage, which is represented by the coming together of the eldest son and the eldest daughter, the husband is the directing and moving force outside, while the wife, inside, is gentle and submissive.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Thunder and wind accompany each other
Hexagram Judgment
DURATION. Success. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.
Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self-contained and therefore self-renewing movement of an organized, firmly integrated whole, taking place in accordance with immutable laws and beginning anew at every ending. The end is reached by an inward movement, by inhalation, systole, contraction, and this movement turns into a new beginning, in which the movement is directed outward, in exhalation, diastole, expansion. Heavenly bodies exemplify duration. They move in their fixed orbits, and because of this their light-giving power endures. The seasons of the year follow a fixed law of change and transformation, hence can produce effects that endure. So likewise the dedicated man embodies an enduring meaning in his way of life, and thereby the world is formed. In that which gives things their duration, we can come to understand the nature of all beings in heaven and on earth.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Thunder (Zhen)
- Thunder · Arousing
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Duration means lasting. The strong is above, the weak below; thunder and wind come together. Gentle and moving, the strong and the weak all respond—this is Duration. Duration brings success without blame through perseverance, because it lasts long in its way. The way of heaven and earth is lasting and never ends. It furthers to have somewhere to go, because the end comes and then begins again. Sun and moon have heaven and can shine forever; the four seasons change and transform and can complete forever. The holy man remains lasting in his way, and the world is transformed and completes itself. Observe what is lasting, and the nature of heaven and earth and all beings becomes visible.
Duration represents lastingness. The strong above and yielding below create mutual response. Thunder and wind work together—gentle yet moving, strong and weak all correspond to each other.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Thunder and wind: the image of DURATION. Thus the superior man stands firm And does not change his direction.
Thunder rolls, and the wind blows; both are examples of extreme mobility and so are seemingly the very opposite of duration, but the laws governing their appearance and subsidence, their coming and going, endure. In the same way the independence of the superior man is not based on rigidity and immobility of character. He always keeps abreast of the time and changes with it. What endures is the unswerving directive, the inner law of his being, which determines all his actions.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 32 (Duration) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 32 (Duration) reveal about love and relationships? Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self-con... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 32 (Duration) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 32 (Duration) mean for your career? Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self-con... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
Frequently asked questions
What does Hêng / Duration mean in the I Ching?
Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances. It is not a state of rest, for mere standstill is regression. Duration is rather the self-con...
How should I study Hexagram 32 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Whatever endures can be created only gradually by long-continued work and careful reflection. In the same sense Lao-tse says: “If we wish to compress something, we must first let i...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Duration represents lastingness. The strong above and yielding below create mutual response. Thunder and wind work together—gentle yet moving, strong and weak all correspond to each other.
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.