Hexagram 46 升 - SHENG / PUSHING UPWARD

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Trigrams

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• Above: Kun, the Receptive, Earth
• Below: Xun, the Gentle, Wind/Wood

The lower trigram, Xun, represents wood, while the upper, Kun, represents the earth. This implies the concept of wood growing upward out of the earth. In contrast to “Progress” (No. 35), this “Pushing Upward” requires effort, much like a plant needs strength to break through the soil. Therefore, even though this hexagram is associated with success, it is directly linked to the effort of the will. While “Progress” indicates expansion, “Pushing Upward” represents a straight, vertical ascent to power and influence, rising from obscurity and low station.

The Judgment

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Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not! Setting forth toward the south brings good fortune.

The upward advancement of capable elements encounters no obstacles, which is why it is accompanied by great success. The qualities that enable this rise are not violent, but rather modest and adaptable. Borne along by the favor of the times, progress is steady. One must take the initiative to seek out influential people. There is no need to fear doing so, for success will not fail to materialize. However, one must get to work; action (the underlying meaning of the south) brings good fortune.

The Image

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Wood grows within the earth: The image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, devoted in character, Heaps up small things to achieve heights and greatness.

Wood grows within the earth without haste and without rest, adapting and bending around obstacles as it reaches toward the heights. Similarly, the superior man is devoted in character and never pauses in his progress.¹

The Individual Lines

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Six at the beginning means:

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Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune.

This represents the initial stage of ascent. Just as wood draws the strength for its growth from the root, which is located at the very bottom, the power to rise originates from this low position. It is a humble and unrecognized state. However, a deep spiritual affinity exists with the rulers above, and this shared ground creates the trust needed to achieve meaningful results.

Nine in the second place means:

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If one is sincere, It is rewarding to offer even a small sacrifice. No blame.

A strong, capable person is assumed here. He might not fit perfectly into his surroundings, as he is somewhat unpolished and cares little for external forms. However, because he is inwardly genuine, he meets with a welcoming response, and his lack of outward formality causes no harm. Sincerity here is the natural expression of solid, inner qualities, whereas in the corresponding line of the previous hexagram, it was the result of inner humility.

Nine in the third place means:

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One pushes upward into an empty city.

Here, all the standard obstacles to advancement vanish. Progress proceeds with remarkable ease. One follows this path without hesitation to take full advantage of the success. Outwardly, everything appears to be in perfect order. Yet, no explicitly fortunate expression is added to the text. It raises the question of how long such unobstructed success can last. Nevertheless, one should not dwell on these anxieties, as they would only paralyze one’s energy; instead, one must quickly capitalize on the favor of the moment.

Six in the fourth place means:

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The king offers him expression at Mount Qi. Good fortune. No blame.

Mount Qi is located in western China, the homeland of King Wen, whose son, the Duke of Zhou, authored the text for the individual lines. This line recalls the rise of the Zhou dynasty. At that time, King Wen presented his great helpers to the god of his native mountain, granting them a place beside the ruler in the ancestral halls. This marks a stage where the upward ascent reaches its goal. One achieves renown before both humans and spiritual forces, becoming part of the circle of people who shape the nation’s spiritual life, thereby gaining lasting, timeless significance.

Six in the fifth place means:

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Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps.

When making steady progress, it is crucial not to become intoxicated by success. Precisely during moments of great advancement, one must remain consistently sober and avoid skipping steps. Instead, progress should be deliberate, moving forward step by step. Only this calm, steady advancement, which forces nothing, leads to the goal.

Six at the top means:

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Pushing upward in the dark. It is rewarding to be unremittingly persevering.

Anyone who blindly presses upward is inwardly deluded. Such a person only knows how to advance, never how to retreat, eventually leading to total exhaustion. In such a situation, it is critical to remain mindfully aware that one must stay conscientious and consistent. Only through this awareness does one break free from the blind impulse that always leads to misfortune.

Reference links

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• Hexagram look-up table
• Advanced hexagram correspondence table