Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 32: the Duration hexagram, Thunder over Wind, Zhen above Xun below

Detailed explanation of the First Line of the Thirty-Second Hexagram of the Zhouyi
Initial Six line statement
Six in the first place. Dredging Duration; divination is ominous; there is no benefit anywhere.
The Image says: The misfortune of dredging Duration comes from seeking excessive depth at the beginning.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the first place: Digging deeper without stopping; divination is dangerous, and nothing is beneficial.
The Image Commentary says: The danger of digging deeper without stopping is that reckless pursuit of depth will inevitably bring the disaster of collapse.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ominous: Those who obtain this line find human relationships estranged and their prospects unclear; remaining still and holding their ground can avert disaster. Officials will find it difficult to gain their superiors’ appreciation.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Be content with your proper share; seeking glory will bring humiliation.
Wealth: Sell as soon as profit is obtained; do not greedily wait for a higher price.
Home: Splendor will not last; do not seek to attach yourself to the powerful.
Health: Exercise-related injury caused by acting too hastily.

Initial Six changing hexagram


When the first line changes, it becomes Hexagram 34 of the Zhouyi: Great Strength, Thunder over Heaven. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Zhen above, superimposed. Zhen is thunder; Qian is Heaven. Firmness of Qian is set in motion by Zhen. Heaven resounds with thunder, clouds and thunder roll, and the sound and momentum are immense; yang energy is flourishing and all things grow. Because it is firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Strength; because it is great as well as strong, it is called Great Strength. Four yang lines are vigorous and active; right above and right below, the upright is true and its shadow is straight.

Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line

First line of the Duration hexagram, line statement: Six in the first place: Dredging Duration; divination is ominous; there is no benefit anywhere. Explanation of the line statement.
Dredging means clearing and deepening a river channel to open the flow of water.
The meaning of this line statement is: Delving to the very roots in pursuit of the way of lasting constancy will inevitably bring danger, with not the slightest benefit.
Six in the first place is the first line of the Duration hexagram, symbolizing that matters are in their initial stage. Six in the first place is yielding yin and fails to be correct, occupying a low position and responding above to Nine in the fourth place. At the beginning of the way of Duration, it seeks results far in the future but wants them too quickly, so it cannot reach them. Therefore it should carefully hold to the proper path to prevent danger. Otherwise, insisting on dredging Duration will certainly bring no benefit.
The danger produced by delving deeply in pursuit of the way of lasting constancy comes from seeking an overly distant goal right at the beginning.
Those who obtain this line may be preparing to begin something. At this time, it is unsuitable to pursue excessive depth or invest too much at once. If you have not truly understood the situation but begin acting according to a long-term plan, it will be difficult to control later developments.
The Duration hexagram also refers to marital affection; the upper body of the hexagram is the husband and the lower body is the wife. According to ancient views, the wife should be obedient, with the lower following the upper, and a woman should not take the initiative. Thus, viewed in terms of relations between men and women or marital affection, this line symbolizes a woman rushing for results, actively pursuing, and lacking the rational self-control and cultivation required; this is unfavorable.
The enduring way of Heaven and Earth includes the changes of the four seasons; the enduring way of the sun and moon includes changes of waxing, waning, fullness, and emptiness. People should likewise follow the enduring way of Heaven, Earth, sun, and moon, but must not interpret Duration as never changing.
Perpetuity is relative, and enduring things can produce good results. The line statement uses “dredging Duration” as an example to explain this. The ancients chose to live beside water, so flooding became a hidden threat to daily life. Therefore, they periodically cleared riverbeds to prevent them from becoming shallow and causing water to inundate fields and homes. But clearing the riverbed every day is unnecessary. It only wastes effort without benefit, because people do not gain more necessities of life by clearing the riverbed daily. Thus, although the purpose of clearing the riverbed every day is good, the result can still be dangerous.
Detailed explanation of the Second Line of the Thirty-Second Hexagram of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place. Regret disappears.
The Image says: For Nine in the second place, regret disappears because it can endure in the center.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: There is no regret.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement of Nine in the second place says there is no regret because it can firmly maintain the central and upright path.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Ordinary: Those who obtain this line have no worries if they remain content with their position and conduct themselves properly. Officials should keep themselves clean and act cautiously.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Fortune: Hold your ground and stabilize your position; this can avert disaster.
Wealth: Endure hardship and wait for change; you will be able to recover your capital.
Home: The location is unfavorable; you must wait ten years.
Health: Still generally smooth and stable.

Transformation of the Second Nine line


When the second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 62 of the Zhouyi: Small Exceeding, Thunder over Mountain. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Zhen above, superimposed. Gen is mountain and Zhen is thunder. Thunder sounds beyond the mountain, something that cannot fail to inspire fear. Yang is great and yin is small; the four yin lines outside exceed the two yang lines in the center, hence “Small Exceeding,” a slight crossing beyond.

Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line

Second line of the Duration hexagram, line statement: Nine in the second place: Regret disappears. Explanation of the line statement.
To disappear means to vanish on its own.
The meaning of this line statement is: Regret disappears on its own.
From the hexagram image, Nine in the second place is a yang line in a yielding position, which would ordinarily bring regret for being out of place. However, because it occupies its position and responds in the center, it can carefully maintain the middle path and endure without deviation, thereby eliminating the regret of being out of place.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: Nine in the second place—“regret disappears”—because it can endure in the center. It points out that Nine in the second place can make regret disappear on its own because it can continually remain centered and unbiased.
Those who obtain this line should remember its lesson: when handling problems, uphold the principle of impartiality. Then there will be nothing to worry about. “When a person possesses the virtue of centrality and correctness and guards their own conduct, peace naturally follows.” Persist in the proper path and remain content with your position; everything will become smooth.
Those who obtain this line, if they currently regret something they have done, may as well step away for a while or shift their attention; the regret will then disappear on its own.
When a woman receives this line in a divination, it indicates competitiveness and a strong desire to win. Her abilities stand out, and she is very forceful with men, reproaching or criticizing her husband without restraint. There may be some signs of disobedience and disrespect. However, she is loyal to her husband and commits no immoral acts, so no calamity or cause for regret will arise.
The Ninth Two line occupies the central position of the lower trigram and corresponds with the Sixth Five. Therefore, nothing regrettable will occur. In the Heng hexagram, the Ninth Two can persistently uphold the Middle Way, being neither too forceful nor too slow, and thus can persevere and achieve results without causing regret.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth Three line of the 32nd Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Third Nine line
The Ninth Three: He does not maintain his virtue; someone may bring him shame. Persistence in the right path brings difficulty.
The Image says: Not maintaining one’s virtue means having nowhere to be accepted.
Explanation in plain language
The Ninth Three: One who cannot maintain his virtue will inevitably suffer disgrace. The divination indicates hardship.
The Image Commentary says: One who cannot maintain his virtue is inconsistent and trusted by no one; he will inevitably end up with nowhere to live or belong.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: Those who receive this line should guard against slander by petty people and the trouble of disputes and lawsuits. Officials should guard against demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: With divided intentions, how can success be achieved?
Financial fortune: Without a lasting occupation, it is difficult to make a profit.
Home and family: Unfavorable for a long residence; difficult to grow old together.
Health: Without consistency in exercise, how can one be healthy?

Transformation of the Third Nine line


When the Ninth Three line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 40: Release, Thunder over Water. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Water below and Thunder above. Thunder is movement; Water is danger. Danger lies within, while movement is outside. In the severe winter, Heaven and Earth are closed and blocked; after stillness reaches its extreme, movement begins. All things renew, winter gives way to spring, and everything is released—this is Release.

The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place

The Third Line of the Heng hexagram, line statement: The Ninth Three: He does not maintain his virtue; someone may bring him shame. Persistence in the right path brings difficulty. Interpretation of the line statement.
“Someone may” means perhaps, sometimes, or often. “Receive” means to bear or suffer. “Shame” means humiliation.
The meaning of this line statement is: Those who cannot consistently uphold virtue will often suffer humiliation; if they persist without changing, they will encounter difficulties.
In terms of the hexagram image, the Ninth Three is a yang line in a firm position, suggesting restlessness, impatience, and blind advance. It properly corresponds with the Upper Six and lies between the inner and outer trigrams, so it may show rash, blind progress and failure to persevere to the end. “All who lack constancy cannot preserve their virtue.” Unable to maintain their own fine qualities over the long term, they sometimes suffer humiliation and find their actions difficult.
In terms of marital relations and romantic feelings, because the lower trigram represents the woman, this line indicates a woman who is very formidable. She is not only fiery in temperament but also suspected of being unable to uphold the way of a wife over the long term, and will therefore be humiliated by others. If she persists without repenting, a good outcome will be difficult.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “He does not maintain his virtue”—there is nowhere to accept him. This points out that “failing to preserve fine moral character over time” means that, because of impatience and reckless action, failing to stay within one’s proper bounds and lacking perseverance, one ends up with nowhere to live or belong.
The Ninth Three: He does not maintain his virtue; someone may bring him shame. Persistence in the right path brings difficulty.
The Image says: Not maintaining one’s virtue means having nowhere to be accepted.
The meaning of the classical text is: One cannot maintain one’s morality continuously; one may suffer humiliation, and holding to the right path brings worry and difficulty.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: One who cannot maintain virtue for long will be accepted nowhere.
The Ninth Three line is the top line of the lower Xun trigram in the Heng hexagram. Xun carries the meaning of following and complying, so the temperament of the Ninth Three ought to be extremely accommodating. But how can it “fail to maintain its virtue”? It turns out that the Ninth Three occupies the central position of the lower nuclear Qian trigram, bearing the image of vigor and movement, and also corresponds with the Upper Six. Thus its compliance is not simple obedience; rather, it sways from side to side, following one person for a while and then another. This behavior is called “not maintaining its virtue,” and so it is difficult to avoid “receiving shame” and “difficulty in maintaining the right path.” This Ninth Three is like Lü Bu of the Three Kingdoms: although brave and handsome, he was always disloyal to his master, following whoever had the greater power. Thus people cursed him as “the slave of three surnames,” and in the end no one dared take him in; he was killed and met his end.
This is what the Image Commentary means by: “He does not maintain his virtue; there is nowhere to accept him.”
Detailed explanation of the Ninth Four line of the 32nd Zhouyi hexagram
Statement of the Fourth Nine line
The Ninth Four: In the hunting field there are no birds.
The Image says: If one remains for long in a position that is not one’s own, how could one obtain birds?
Explanation in plain language
The Ninth Four: Hunting yields nothing.
The Image Commentary says: If one remains for long in an unsuitable environment, how could one gain anything?
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: Those who receive this line will find plans laborious and difficult to accomplish. Officials will have poor timing and suffer setbacks.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Not occupying the proper position, one labors in vain.
Financial fortune: The place is wrong—how could there be profit?
Home and family: An unfavorable direction; spouses are not harmonious.
Health: Take care when taking medicine.

Transformation of the Fourth Nine line


When the Ninth Four line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 46: Rising, Earth over Wind. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Wind below and Earth above. Kun is earth and compliance; Xun is wood and humility. The earth nourishes trees, which gradually grow taller and become useful timber, symbolizing a career rising step by step and a promising future; hence the name “Rising.”

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line

The Fourth Line of the Heng hexagram, line statement: The Ninth Four: In the hunting field there are no birds. Interpretation of the line statement.
The meaning of this line statement is: Going into the fields to hunt, one catches no birds or animals.
From the hexagram image, the Ninth Four is a yang line in a yielding position, so it is out of place. It remains for long in an inappropriate position. Although it corresponds with the First Six, its undertakings repeatedly end in fruitless effort, like going hunting outside and returning with no catch.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “If one remains for long in a position that is not one’s own, how could one obtain birds?”
This points out: If one remains for a long time in a place where one should not be, how could one catch birds or animals? Clearly, the Ninth Four may be doing things without being grounded. Like hunting, it may wait somewhere other than where the prey appears and therefore choose the wrong place; or, although it goes hunting, its mind is elsewhere, and it ends up sightseeing in the mountains and playing in the water.
“Hunt in the mountains for a long time and you will surely obtain game; fish in the waters for a long time and you will surely obtain fish. If you are not in the proper place, it is like climbing a tree to seek a fish—there will certainly be no gain.” Those who receive this line may have chosen the wrong direction in their work, resulting in nothing gained. If seeking wealth, their wish will also be difficult to fulfill.
Those who receive this line will have disharmony in their marital relationship. In the Heng hexagram, the upper trigram represents the man, and the Ninth Four is at the beginning of the upper trigram. In ancient times, men supported the family by hunting. If a man went hunting and caught nothing, what would he use to support the family? This indicates a lack of ability in the man. Since a yang line occupies a yin position, out of place and not central, he may be a talented person who has not met the right opportunity, or may lack ability, live in poverty, and fail to fulfill a man’s duty of supporting the family. Thus the marital relationship may become unstable.
The Ninth Four is also a person who persists for a long time, but because a yang line occupies an even position and is the ruling line of the upper Zhen trigram, it bears the image of enjoying movement rather than stillness. In other words, the Ninth Four’s persistence is persistent motion. Roaming everywhere while hunting may catch land animals, but constant movement prevents one from obtaining birds. Why? Because birds become startled and fly away. When catching birds, one must hide quietly to the side so that they will fly over. If one shouts and moves about everywhere, the birds will not come.
Detailed explanation of the Ninth Five line of the 32nd Zhouyi hexagram
Six in the fifth place line statement
The Sixth Five: Maintain one’s virtue consistently; persistence in the right path. Auspicious for a woman; ominous for a husband.
The Image says: A woman’s persistence in the right path is auspicious because she follows one man to the end. A husband must determine what is right according to circumstances; following a woman is ominous.
Explanation in plain language
The Sixth Five: Conduct is consistent. Divination is auspicious for a woman and dangerous for a husband.
The Image Commentary says: The line statement says that a woman’s steadfast chastity is auspicious because it accords with the principle of following her husband for life. A husband, however, determines what is right according to circumstances and has many possible courses; if a woman’s virtue is used to constrain a man, danger will inevitably result.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: Those who receive this line often attract slander and suffer losses. Officials often flatter the powerful and thereby compromise themselves.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: Becoming infatuated with love and losing much over something small.
Financial fortune: Seeing only small profits, how can one become wealthy?
Home and family: A strong woman and a weak man; auspicious for a woman’s divination, ominous for a man’s.
Health: Men and women have different conditions.

Six in the fifth place changing hexagram


When the Sixth Five line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 28: Great Excess, Lake over Wind. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Wind below and Lake above. Lake is joy; Xun is wood and compliance. Water from the lake floods a boat, resulting in a great mistake. The yin and yang lines are reversed; yang is great and yin small. Action is extraordinary, with the image of excess: firm within and yielding without.

Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line

The Fifth Line of the Heng hexagram, line statement: The Sixth Five: Maintain one’s virtue; persistence in the right path. Auspicious for a woman; ominous for a husband. Interpretation of the line statement.
The meaning of this line statement is: Maintain virtue for a long time and hold firmly to the right path. This is auspicious for women and ominous for men.
For this line, one must consider whether the person consulting the oracle is male or female. Both are required to achieve “constancy”; for a woman, the emphasis is on marriage and the marital relationship, while for a man,
the emphasis is on handling affairs and building a career, so the results of “constancy” differ between men and women.
The Image analyzes this line as follows: “A woman’s persistence in the right path is auspicious because she follows one man to the end; a husband determines what is right according to circumstances, and following a woman is ominous.” This points out that if a woman maintains her virtue and holds to the right path, she can obtain good fortune: a woman should marry only one husband in her lifetime and never remarry. A man, however, should deal decisively with matters; if he merely obeys like a woman and is indecisive, he will encounter danger. In social affairs, a man must adapt his actions to circumstances and be skilled in changing tactics. If he is submissive in every situation like a woman, blindly preserves outdated rules and customs, and lacks an enterprising spirit, it will be difficult for him to achieve anything. He may even be unable to earn enough to support his family.
The Sixth Five occupies the honored position with the yielding virtue of yin. Although it is not in its proper position, it is central, so it can uphold the Middle Way. For a woman, the Sixth Five’s constancy is auspicious because growing old together with one man accords with feudal ritual thought. But why is it ominous if a man is like a woman? In fact, the husband referred to by the Sixth Five is the Ninth Two and Ninth Four. The Sixth Five stands higher than the Ninth Two and Ninth Four, so they must obey it; hence the line statement says that the Sixth Five’s husband is in danger. The Sixth Five is auspicious because she chooses one person between the Ninth Two and Ninth Four as her husband and can remain with him for life. From the hexagram image, she should choose the Ninth Four. That is also why the Ninth Four has “no birds in the hunting field.” The Ninth Four corresponds with the First Six, suggesting mutual attraction, but because of his relationship with the Sixth Five, he cannot develop things further with the First Six, hence “no catch.”
Detailed explanation of the Upper Six line of the 32nd Zhouyi hexagram
Upper Six line statement
The Upper Six: Constant shaking; misfortune.
The Image says: Constant shaking in the highest position brings great failure.
Explanation in plain language
The Upper Six: Moving constantly without rest; dangerous.
The Image Commentary says: When rulers change orders from morning to evening and policies are unstable, the result is failure in everything undertaken.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: Those who receive this line may seek fame and profit, achieving small things but accomplishing nothing great; women will be disadvantaged regarding their husbands. Officials will be very weary, with much movement and little rest.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Timing and fortune: One’s achievements and reputation have run their course; do not act recklessly.
Financial fortune: Unwilling to settle accounts; no profit can be discussed.
Home and family: Do not alter the old residence; remarrying will surely be ominous.
Health: Take care and maintain yourself cautiously.

Upper Six changing hexagram


When the Upper Six line changes, it becomes Zhouyi hexagram 50: The Cauldron, Fire over Wind. This is a composite hexagram of unlike trigrams, with Wind below and Fire above. Burning wood to cook food transforms the raw into the cooked, meaning to eliminate the old and establish the new. The cauldron is a precious, weighty vessel, symbolizing stability on three legs. Cooking food implies abundant provisions, with difficulties and troubles no longer present. On this basis, reform and develop one’s enterprise.

Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line

The Sixth Line of the Heng hexagram, line statement: The Upper Six: Constant shaking; misfortune.
The Sixth Line of the Heng hexagram, line statement: The Upper Six: Constant shaking; misfortune. Interpretation of the line statement.
The meaning of this line statement is: Unstable and wavering, unable to uphold the constant way; dangerous.
The Image analyzes this line: “Constant shaking in the highest position brings great failure.” This points out that one is wavering and cannot uphold the constant way, yet is also high above others; in the end, one will accomplish nothing and leave no achievement.
From the hexagram image, the Upper Six occupies the highest position of the whole hexagram, like a person in high office. If such a person constantly changes policies and methods, others will not know how to act. Those who receive this line should act with perseverance, endure patiently, and persist from beginning to end to gain results. If one keeps changing one’s mind, remains endlessly restless, and cannot maintain constancy, one cannot accomplish great things.
In terms of marital relations, if one cannot “maintain constancy,” cannot remain loyal to one’s wife, and instead pursues other women outside while thoughts continue to wander, marital affection cannot last, and the result will inevitably be dangerous.
The Upper Six: Constant shaking; misfortune.
The Image says: Constant shaking in the highest position brings great failure.
The meaning of the classical text is: Shaking continues for a long time without stopping; dangerous.
The meaning of the Image Commentary is: The Upper Six wavers in the highest position and can accomplish nothing, so there is danger.
The Upper Six is at the highest point of the whole hexagram, but because it is also the top line of the Zhen trigram, it bears the image of violent swinging. One who occupies a high position yet wavers cannot accomplish anything, so the Upper Six is dangerous. The Laozi says: “Governing a great state is like cooking a small fish.” What does this mean? Governing a large state means that policies cannot be changed frequently. If orders are issued in the morning and changed by evening, the people will find it difficult to understand what the ruler’s policy really is. Because information was poorly developed in ancient times, the ruler of a large state had to govern like cooking small fish and shrimp: they must not be turned over repeatedly while cooking, or they will break into pieces. Governing a large state should be the same. The Upper Six is like a ruler who constantly changes his mind—how could this not be dangerous?