Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward
Gradual ascent, effort
| Chinese | 升 (Shēng) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Lower trigram | ☴ Wind — The Gentle (Wood) |
| Keywords | ascent, growth, effort, progress |
| Opposite | Hexagram 25: Innocence |
| Inverted | Hexagram 45: Gathering Together |
What does Hexagram 46 (Pushing Upward) mean?
Pushing Upward 升 (Shēng) is hexagram 46 of the I Ching, formed by Earth (The Receptive) over Wind (The Gentle). Its theme is gradual ascent, effort, with key ideas of ascent, growth, effort, progress. The Judgment reads: “Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not.”
The Judgment of Pushing Upward
Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not.
The Image of Pushing Upward
Within the earth, wood grows.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 46
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune.”
Ascent that is welcomed and validated by those above proceeds with the most powerful support. Rising in alignment with what is needed above and below brings the greatest blessing.
Nine in the second place
“If one is sincere, it furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame.”
Genuine sincerity compensates for any lack of material resources. A small but honest contribution is more effective than an elaborate but hollow one.
Nine in the third place
“One pushes upward into an empty city.”
Ascent that meets no resistance may reflect an absence of real challenge or substance. Advance without any obstacle should prompt reflection rather than celebration.
Six in the fourth place
“The king offers him Mount Chi. Good fortune. No blame.”
Recognition by the highest authority consecrates the ascent. Being entrusted with a sacred responsibility confirms the rightness of the rise.
Six in the fifth place
“Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps.”
Gradual, stepwise ascent — each step confirmed before the next is taken — is the surest and most sustainable form of progress.
Six at the top
“One pushes upward in the dark. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering.”
Continuing to ascend when the way is no longer clearly lit requires pure inner commitment. Blind perseverance in the right direction is justified at the summit.
Will Pushing Upward answer your question?
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