Unchanging hexagram 32

[kiriwina_72]

A decade working outside institutions I decided to go back and undertake a PhD. But a year on in, the whole process has begun to feel rigid, unintegrated and dry -- there's just no flow! Underlying tensions have arisen and a spark seems to be lacking between my advisors and me. The situation has made me question whether it's worth the effort to continue under the current circumstances. On the other hand, it feels greatly tempting to dump the whole thing and continue along in my previous field; which while extremely challenging at times is far more rewarding than where I am. But would that be taking the easy way out, or would I be taking the path of least resistance?

I asked the Yi for "advice on whether I should be doing this degree?" I got 32 unchanging.

As a total novice, I'd appreciate any opinions and how I may 'read' this.

Thanks!

Kiriwina

 

[rosada]

32. Duration seems to me to be not so much advice on whether you "should" be doing this degree, but a discussion on what it takes to endure. Curiously, when we study the individual lines only one of them, 32.2 is strongly optimistic about continuing. (It gives the advice to pace yourself and take it one step at a time) The rest of the individual lines point to lots of going back and forth and reconsidering. Perhaps the I Ching pointing out what is needed so you can decide for yourself whether continuing is reasonable.

Some people read just the Judgement and Image when they get an unchanging hexagram but I think an unchanging hex is a sign to read all the lines. To interpret 32 as advice on enduring I get..

The Judgement and the image: Duration means staying with something no matter what happens because this is what gives meaning to your life. You may need to make adjustments - Duration does not mean being stubborn - but essentially in order for something to endure its got to be an outward expression of who you really are. So - is this PhD program really part of your true life path? Is your interest in the subject greater than all the wind and thunder seemingly trying to throw you off course? Perhaps if you look at things from this perspective you will be strengthened in your dedication and not be discouraged by the lack of outer world encouragement.

The lines define the 6 steps for Duration:

32.1 At the very beginning we don't know whether an interest is going to endure or not. Do you really love your subject or now that you've gotten more into it are you finding it's not your soulmate after all?? Is aiming for a PhD more of a commitment than you should make?

32.2 Rome wasn't built in a day. Assuming that you decide you really are enthusiastic about your studies then we have to consider if your enthusiasm is enough to conquer the hurdles. Again there is the caution about not over committing but there is the encouragement that if you pace yourself and don't take on too much at a time then "remorse disappears."

32.3 Here's the hard part. This line addresses the changing moods that can cause a person to be enthusiastic one minute and ready to throw in the towel the next. Since you did not specifically get this line it seems to me that you could be encouraged to assume that you are not too weak to stay with this challenge if you decide it is your true calling. But it could also be hinting that it is your own lack of fortitude that is making obstacles appear.

32.4 "What is not sought in the right way is not found. - Wilhelm" This is an important consideration. No matter how enthusiastic, how dedicated and disciplined we are, if we're not going about doing things in the right way we wont get the right results. You didn't receive this line either so presumably you are going about things in the right way or that it is possible for you to complete the degree program. (Although just to be on the safe side you should probably consider if this has meaning in your situation - like do you need a tutor? A new advisor?)

32.5 Be flexible. In order to endure you can't just be showing up in class and enduring. This line says you've got to be willing to adapt. This could mean anything from changing where you sit in the classroom to dropping out completely if you decide this isn't for you.

32.6 If you are unable to calm your mind and focus, if after all this careful consideration your uncertainty is what endures, than you probably should not continue.

So all in all I feel getting 32 unchanging is telling you that there is no cosmic creator saying yes, you should continue or no, you're on the wrong track. Rather I think it's saying that in order for you to successfully continue, this is what you have to do:
1.Consider if now that you've gotten into the program whether this is really what you want to commit to.
2. Pace yourself and don't try to take on too much or do it all in a day.
3. Outer obstacles can be mastered but what if you have fallen out of love? Be honest!
4. Check to be sure your plan is doable. Good teachers, advisors?
5.Be flexible and adaptable. Consider once again if this PhD. really is what you want.
6. If you still feel it is then stop second guessing yourself and go for it!

rosada

 

[mesmer]

Hello,

It's very clear what the "oracle" says here. It's not always the case.
Pardon me, i'm too tired now to write an extensive interpretation, but i hope just these lines could be helpful:

The judgement (the situation):

DURATION. Success. No blame.
Perseverance furthers.
It furthers one to have somewhere to go. (Wilhelm/Baynes)

It's a situation in which is necessary to go on the road already taken. There is a development, only if one doesn't question his choice. One needs to find strength to be constant without being discouraged by the difficulties of the moment. (D. Bonpaix)

The image (the advice, or the strategy to adopt):

Thunder and wind: the image of DURATION.
Thus the superior man stands firm
And does not change his direction.

One has to renew constantly his interior resolve to be able to adapt himself without rigidity or anxiety to the situation. Thus one will be able to develop the actual possibilities, going on the direction taken without losing himself.

Patience?

 

[kiriwina_72]

Thank you both for your insightful responses. To be perfectly frank, at this point I’m not too fussed whether I continue the degree or not. There have been a number of changes in my outlook towards the study in past months, as well as new work opportunities that have cropped up offering fresh ways forward. Having a PhD has never been a burning ambition of mine. I undertook the study to simply extend the work I was already doing. Perhaps a lack of fortitude or commitment stems from that. It has also crossed my mind that taking a six-month semester break could be beneficial to see things from distance, and not make rash decisions. It would also give me an oppostunity to test out the new job and see how i go.

In my follow up question I asked the I Ching: “Please advise: would I benefit from leaving the Phd?’
The answer I got was unchanging hexagram 36.

What to make of this I don’t know. What I do know though is that the ‘fit’ between my primary advisor and me has become somewhat strained. As head of studies they rarely have time for more in-depth discussion, which I suppose is understandable. But its also emerged we rarely share mutual outlooks academically, or in terms of my own approach to research. Were I to continue it seems a change of advisor might be the best way forward, at least as a start.

But it’s also interesting what you say about standing firm and endurance. With that I’m baffled as to whether this means standing firm in continuing my studies, or standing firm by holding true to my position and beliefs prior to being at university?

Whether I stayed or left, endurance, firmness and patience are certainly traits I’d need either way.

Thanks so much again.

Kiriwina

 

[Trojina]

A decade working outside institutions I decided to go back and undertake a PhD. But a year on in, the whole process has begun to feel rigid, unintegrated and dry -- there's just no flow! Underlying tensions have arisen and a spark seems to be lacking between my advisors and me. The situation has made me question whether it's worth the effort to continue under the current circumstances. On the other hand, it feels greatly tempting to dump the whole thing and continue along in my previous field; which while extremely challenging at times is far more rewarding than where I am. But would that be taking the easy way out, or would I be taking the path of least resistance?

I asked the Yi for "advice on whether I should be doing this degree?" I got 32 unchanging.

As a total novice, I'd appreciate any opinions and how I may 'read' this.

Thanks!

Kiriwina

Well I'd say it was clear unambiguous advice to go on as you are. have you seen this thread on 32uc http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/frie...eriences-with-Unchanging-Castings-Hexagram-32

However as others have implied sometimes withdrawing can be a way of continuing on so it may not be so clear to us because we don't know for sure what 'continuing' is for you here. For example leaving might mean you continue on with the life you had before etc.

However I think this is a pretty straight answer to keep on keeping on. But I might be wrong as I'm not in your shoes here.

 

[mesmer]

Sorry if it wasn't clear in my post, maybe i can put it like this:

"advice on whether I should be doing this degree?"

Answer:

Thunder and wind: the image of DURATION.
Thus the superior man stands firm
And does not change his direction.

For me it's obvious the advice is to continue your PhD.

And by the way, the next reading you did (36) is confirming that.

P.S.

The best way you can benefit from posing a question to the Yi Jing is to be as precise as possible when you ask. I don't recommend formulating a question like that ( "should i do or i should not do this..?"), especially if you are a beginner, even if in this case the Yi gave you an unambiguous answer.. Sometimes it can be really hard to interpret. You better ask: What if i do this? and if you feel the need: What if I don't. Also i wouldn't ask a question which could be answered by yes or no. Better starting the question with the adverb how.

Best