I Ching Hexagram 46 - Sheng / Pushing Upward

• Above K'un the Receptive, Earth
•  
• Below Sun the Gentle, Wind, Wood.

Introduction

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.

See the James Legge translation of this hexagram.

Judgement

Pushing Upward has supreme success. One must see the great man, fear not. Departure toward the south brings good fortune.

Judgement Commentary

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.

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.

Image Commentary

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.

The Lines

Six at the beginning means: Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 11 - T'ai / Peace. Deserved advance is always appropriate and meets with approval. This line may be just starting out but everything will go well for it. Legge puts it in similar fashion "...its subject advancing upwards with the welcome of those above him". The resultant hexagram 11, Peace, predicts a very good outcome for this advance so proceed with confidence.

Nine in the second place means: If one is sincere it furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 15 - Ch'ien / Modesty. Strong abilities are not always accompanied by good manners or self-control, however this lines attributes compensate for this. If this line shows even the slightest compunction to improve his manners he will be successful. Legge concentrates on the need for this lines subject to show "...sincerity which will make even the small offerings of the vernal sacrifice acceptable." The outcome hexagram 15, Modesty, demonstrates the key attribute that moderates strength so that it becomes less threatening and more acceptable. "It is the law of heaven to make fullness empty and to make full what is modest."

Nine in the third place means: One pushes upward into an empty city.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 7 - Shih / The Army. Progress has been easy for this line. No hindrances can be seen. Legge says this line is "...ascending upwards as into an empty city." He feels that this line may be too bold. Wilhelm, in contrast, wants this line to make hay while the sun shines. The outcome hexagram is 7, The Army, which does suggest that a degree of caution may be indeed needed as time goes by. Armies fight wars and wars result from conflict. Is conflict at out advance just around the corner?

Six in the fourth place means: The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 32 - Heng / Duration. A very propitious time is indicated by this line. Authority commissions this line to perform important acts. Fame, fortune result. Legge's interpretation is the same, he sees this lines "...subject employed by the king to present his offerings on mount Khi." The resultant hexagram 32, Duration, indicates that we can expect that this state of affairs to endure and continue, "Duration is a state whose movement is not worn down by hindrances"

Six in the fifth place means: Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 48 Ching / The Well. Successful advance has reached its goal and all is achieved. Legge sees it likewise "...shows its subject firmly correct, and therefore enjoying good fortune. He ascends the stairs with all due ceremony." The only concern to have is self-control. We must not go overboard in our pleasure at such an outcome. The resultant hexagram is 48, The Well. "If one gets down almost to the water and the rope does not go all the way, or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune." This is a clear warning that if we can not control ourselves the successes we have gained will start to fail.

Six at the top means: Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering.

Changing only this line creates Hexagram 18 - Ku / Work on what has been spoiled (Decay). Seeking to ascend to heaven gets one burned. Just ask Icarus! Legge puts it in modern terms "He has gained all his wishes, and still he is for going onwards. His advance is blind and foolish." How true! The resultant hexagram is 18, Decay, we are in danger of becoming overripe fruit, stinky and unattractive. However this hexagram also says "What has been spoiled through man's fault can be made good again through man's work." The meaning is clear.

See the James Legge - I Ching Hexagram 46 - Sheng / Pushing Upward translation of this hexagram.