Hexagram 46
ShêngPushing Upward
Earth (Kun) · Wind (Xun)
The image
Within the earth, wood grows: The image of PUSHING UPWARD. Thus the superior man of devoted character Heaps up small things In order to achieve something high and great.
This hexagram in one line
The lower trigram, Sun, represents wood, and the upper, K'un, means the earth. Linked with this is the idea that wood in the earth grows upward. In contrast to the meaning of Chin, PROGRESS (35), this pushing upward is associated with effort, just as a plant needs energy for pushing upward through the earth. That is why this hexagram, although it is connected with success, is associated with effort of the will. In PROGRESS the emphasis is on expansion; PUSHING UPWARD indicates rather a vertical ascent—direct rise from obscurity and lowliness to power and influence.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Tree grows from earth
Hexagram Judgment
PUSHING UPWARD has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Departure toward the south Brings good fortune.
The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by violence but by modesty and adaptability. Since the individual is borne along by the propitiousness of the time, he advances. He must go to see authoritative people. He need not be afraid to do this, because success is assured. But he must set to work, for activity (this is the meaning of “the south”) brings good fortune.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Earth (Kun)
- Earth · Receptive
- Wind (Xun)
- Wind · Penetrating
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
The yielding rises with the time. Gentle and devoted, the hard is in the middle and has correspondence. Hence great success. One must see the great man, fear not, because there is celebration. Departure toward the south brings good fortune: his will is carried out.
The yielding rises in due time. Gentle and compliant, with firmness in the middle and responsive, therefore there is great success. It is fitting to see the great person; do not worry, for there is cause for celebration. A southern campaign brings good fortune because the will is carried out.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
Within the earth, wood grows: The image of PUSHING UPWARD. Thus the superior man of devoted character Heaps up small things In order to achieve something high and great.
Adapting itself to obstacles and bending around them, wood in the earth grows upward without haste and without rest. Thus too the superior man is devoted in character and never pauses in his progress.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 46 (Pushing Upward) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 46 (Pushing Upward) mean for your career? The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by viol... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram StudyHexagram 46 (Pushing Upward) in Study: I Ching Guidance for Learning and GrowthWhat does Hexagram 46 (Pushing Upward) teach about study and learning? The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by viol... See how the I Ching guides intellectual growth, skill development, and the discipline of deepening knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
What does Shêng / Pushing Upward mean in the I Ching?
The pushing upward of the good elements encounters no obstruction and is therefore accompanied by great success. The pushing upward is made possible not by viol...
How should I study Hexagram 46 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. This is the situation at the beginning of ascent. Just as wood draws strength for its upward push from the root, which in itself is in the lowest place, so the power to rise comes...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
The yielding rises in due time. Gentle and compliant, with firmness in the middle and responsive, therefore there is great success. It is fitting to see the great person; do not worry, for there is cause for celebration....
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.