The current evaluation of the triple-reaction rate assumes that the decay of the 7.65 MeV, 0 ĂŸ state in 12 C, commonly known as the Hoyle state, proceeds sequentially via the ground state of 8 Be. This assumption is challenged by the recent identification of two direct -decay branches with a combined branching ratio of 17Ă°5Ă%. If correct, this would imply a corresponding reduction in the triple-reaction rate with important astrophysical consequences. We have used the 11 BĂ° 3 He; dĂ reaction to populate the Hoyle state and measured the decay to three particles in complete kinematics. We find no evidence for direct -decay branches, and hence our data do not support a revision of the triple-reaction rate. We obtain an upper limit of 5 Ă 10 Ă3 on the direct decay of the Hoyle state at 95% C.L., which is 1 order of magnitude better than a previous upper limit.