Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Observing becomes What Lasts
What this change means
Thunder and wind: five lines move, and only the first holds still. That still line of 32 What Lasts carries the reading: early in a new direction, it's unrealistic to expect remarkable results.
The watchful stance of the starting hexagram becomes here a commitment to steady action. The resulting hexagram asks for movement, not stillness, with clear goals and conduct that follows them, so that achievements grow and last. The still line adds patience. You're on the right track, but at the very beginning, and lasting results take time. Keep going, consistently. Watch for discouragement because early results look small, or for judging the path too soon; what lasts tends to be built slowly, and observation helps you see the progress that's really there, even when it's modest.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 32 What Lasts, which stays still
Don't expect extraordinary achievements when you're only just starting to move in the right direction.
Digging deep into duration. Even with constancy, misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
- The judgment of 20 Observing
Observe before you act. Right now you're a source of inspiration for others, and at the same time you need to observe those who inspire you. This will let things unfold at the right moment, and perfectly.
Hands washed, the offering not yet made. There is sincere trust, solemn and grave.
- Line 2 of 20 Observing
If your perception is subjective, you'll stay on the surface and never reach the heart of the situation.
Peeking through a crack. A woman's constancy is favorable.
- Line 3 of 20 Observing
Observing yourself, along with the signs coming from outside, will give you a full view of the situation and let you decide whether to advance or pull back.
Contemplating my own life: advancing or withdrawing.
- Line 4 of 20 Observing
You can look at things with wisdom and bring light where there is darkness. This will bring you recognition.
Contemplating the light of the kingdom. It is favorable to be the king's guest.
- Line 5 of 20 Observing
If you observe responsibly, you'll see how similar situations turned out in the past and can apply the corrections now.
Contemplating my own life. For the noble person, no fault.
- Line 6 of 20 Observing
If you observe the laws that govern the world, the coming and going of things, you'll act wisely.
Contemplating their life. For the noble person, no fault.
- The judgment of 32 What Lasts
This moment asks you for action, not stillness. It asks you to have clear goals to head toward and to act in line with them. That way you'll achieve things, and your achievements will keep growing and will last.
Success. No fault. Constancy is favorable. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
32 What Lasts → 20 Observinglines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Observing
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.