Hexagram 32 – Heng (Preserving)

 

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Hexagram 32 – Heng (Preserving)

By: James Byrd

I. The Oracle

A. Hexagram Structure

Hexagram 32 is Heng, meaning Preserving. Other variations include Duration and Constancy. The lower trigram is Xun (Wind), and the upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder).

B. The Judgment

1. Duration brings 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.

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II. My Interpretation

A. Constancy and Endurance

The central theme of Hexagram 32 is unwavering commitment to a chosen course. It calls for maintaining integrity and consistency throughout one’s journey, ensuring that one’s principles remain intact despite external challenges.

A clear example of constancy is the rising sun—a dependable force that never falters in its purpose. I once had an odd experience where I awoke late at night, mistakenly believing it was morning. I stepped outside for what I thought was my usual morning walk, only to see people gathering at nightclubs instead. For a moment, I was disoriented, secretly wondering when the sun would rise. That moment reminded me of how easy it is to lose our sense of direction—yet nature itself remains steadfast.

A more recent and profound experience took place during the recent lunar eclipse. I suddenly woke up around 2:40 AM and instinctively stepped outside. The world was eerily quiet. When I looked up at the sky, I saw the moon at its nadir—a deep red, the Blood Moon. I had never seen one before, and for a brief moment, I felt an unexpected sense of fear and awe.

In that instant, I was reminded of how The Source operates—unshaken, constant, and beyond human perception. What seems unexpected or unsettling to us is simply another phase in a greater cycle. Just as the celestial bodies maintain their orbits without fail, we too must remain true to our path, even when uncertainty clouds our vision.

True perseverance means not only starting with conviction but sustaining it throughout the journey. My college motto stated, "Start to Finish," emphasizing that success is not only about reaching an endpoint but about maintaining discipline and integrity through every step. Like moving a football from one end zone to another, progress must be achieved within the boundaries of ethical and strategic play.

B. Holding to Principles Without Rigidity

While consistency is crucial, it must not come at the expense of adaptability. Holding onto outdated methods simply for tradition’s sake can become a hindrance. For example, court stenographers were once essential in legal proceedings, but with the advent of video recording, their role has largely diminished. However, relying solely on real-time surveillance in courtrooms could lead to overcorrection, potentially distorting the natural flow of justice.

This balance applies to personal growth and decision-making: one must remain steadfast in purpose while being open to necessary evolution.

C. The Power of a Steadfast Mindset

To truly embody the wisdom of Hexagram 32, one must establish a well-defined vision and remain committed to it. The superior man does not waver in his direction, yet he understands when to refine his methods.

The Blood Moon experience reinforced a profound truth—while the universe operates with unwavering precision, our human perception often struggles to grasp its patterns. What seems uncertain or fear-inducing in the moment is often just another movement in a greater cycle.

In the grand scheme of life, true success comes not from erratic bursts of effort but from steady, unwavering perseverance. The Source remains constant—so must we.

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