Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Kun (Earth) · Lower trigram: Xun (Wind)

Judgment

Sublime success. Favorable to see a great person; do not worry. An expedition to the south brings good fortune.

Image

A tree grows from the earth: pushing upward. The noble one follows virtue, accumulating small steps into great height.

Meaning of Hexagram Pushing Upward

Pushing Upward (升) is hexagram #46 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Kun (Earth) and lower trigram Xun (Wind). It represents gradual, steady rise achieved through humility and effort. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

Line 1 (Initial Six)

""Doãn thăng, đại cát""

Advancing with sincere trust brings great good fortune. This yielding line, through trust and cooperation with the yang lines above it (lines 2 and 3), is led forward smoothly.

Line 2 (Nine in the Second Place)

""Phu, nãi lợi dụng thược, vô cữu""

When trust is genuine, even a simple offering is acceptable, and there is no blame. This firm yang line, though in a low position, cooperates sincerely with the person in the high position (the fifth line) despite the difference in status.

Line 3 (Nine in the Third Place)

""Thăng như ấp""

Rising as easily as entering an empty town. This talented line receives smooth support from those around it, so it advances easily without obstacles.

Line 4 (Six in the Fourth Place)

""Vương dụng hanh vu Kỳ Sơn, cát, vô cữu""

King Wen used the Way to bring prosperity at Mount Qi — good fortune, no blame. This line symbolizes building a great enterprise from a foundation of humility, just as King Wen built his cause starting as a small vassal lord.

Line 5 (Six in the Fifth Place)

""Trinh cát, thăng giai""

Holding to what is right and upright brings good fortune; one easily ascends the high steps. This ruling line, with the support of a capable person (the second line), achieves success smoothly.

Line 6 (Six at the Top)

""Minh thăng, lợi vu vật tức chi trinh""

Advancing blindly and endlessly; but if one corrects one's virtue to align with the right path and works tirelessly, it becomes beneficial. This is the only unfavorable line in the hexagram, warning against boundless ambition for advancement — yet it can still be turned positive if that greed is redirected into ceaseless self-cultivation.

The Transformed Hexagram

The hexagram has Xun (Wind) as the inner trigram and Kun (Earth) as the outer trigram. Depending on which line moves, it transforms into a different hexagram.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

This is a very favorable hexagram, speaking of smooth advancement, especially when there is cooperation and mutual trust between different levels (as in the second and fifth lines). One only needs to be careful to avoid boundless ambition for advancement (as warned in the top line).

Love & Relationships

The hexagram advises building relationships on gradually growing trust (as in the first line), developing step by step and sustainably rather than rushing.

Health

The image of "a tree gradually growing tall" suggests gradual, sustainable improvement in health — patience is needed, without rushing to demand immediate results.

Wealth

This is a favorable period for steady, step-by-step financial growth. Avoid greed for excessively rapid or excessive growth (as in the top line).

Frequently Asked Questions about Pushing Upward

What does the Sheng (Ascending) hexagram, Earth over Wind, mean?

Thăng means to rise, like a tree growing gradually from the ground upward. It is one of the most favorable hexagrams among the 64, with 5 out of 6 lines carrying positive meaning.

Why is only the last line of the Ascending hexagram unfavorable?

Because this is a general principle in the I Ching: when advancement reaches its extreme yet greed persists without knowing when to stop, it leads to excess and imbalance — a lesson about knowing one's limits even during the most favorable periods.

What is the meaning of the story of King Wen in the fourth line?

King Wen was the founder of the foundation for the Zhou dynasty, though he began merely as a small vassal lord under the Yin dynasty — this story illustrates building a great enterprise from a humble beginning, through perseverance and proper virtue.