Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 升 (Shēng) |
| English Name | Pushing Upward / Ascending |
| Trigrams | Earth over Wind (坤上巽下) |
| Number | 46 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Departure toward the south brings good fortune.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
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.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九二 | 2nd | If one is sincere, it furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九三 | 3rd | One pushes upward into an empty city. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六四 | 4th | The king offers him Mount Chi. Good fortune. No blame. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六五 | 5th | Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Gradual ascent through persistent effort; like a tree growing from earth
- Upper trigram Earth (receptive and nurturing) over lower trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating)
- Embodies the qualities of ascent, growth, effort and devotion, accumulation, ambition
Keywords
AscentGrowthEffortDevotionAccumulationAmbition
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Gradual ascent through persistent effort; like a tree growing from earth Channel the energy of ascent and growth for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on effort to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels ascent and growth. The Earth trigram above suggests receptive and nurturing energy in your outer dealings, while the Wind trigram below points to gentle and penetrating foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on stomach and digestion and thighs and immune system. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody ascent and growth. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes effort and devotion. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate ascent in all your actions
- Practice growth consistently
- Embrace effort as your guiding principle
- Develop devotion through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of accumulation
- Abandon ambition under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 45. Cuì (萃) | Gathering Together — horizontal vs vertical growth |
| 15. Qiān (谦) | Modesty — humble ascent |
| 48. Jǐng (井) | The Well — drawing up from below |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I want to rise in my organization. What's the best strategy?”
You received Hexagram 46, Pushing Upward. The judgment says: 'Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Depart...' Gradual ascent through persistent effort; like a tree growing from earth This is a favorable sign. The energy of ascent supports your intention. Move forward with effort, but remain mindful of proper timing.