I Ching Hexagram 46: Growing Upward (升)
Overview
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.
The Judgment — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
PUSHING UPWARD has supreme success. One must see the great man. Fear not. Departure toward the south Brings good fortune.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (Princeton University Press, 1950)
The Image — Wilhelm/Baynes Translation
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.
— Richard Wilhelm & Cary F. Baynes, The I Ching or Book of Changes (1950)
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 Six Lines — Complete Commentary
Each line represents a stage in the unfolding situation. A line becomes "changing" when it transforms during divination.
-
Line 1
Pushing upward that meets with confidence Brings great good fortune.
This 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 from this low and obscure station. But there is a spiritual affinity with the rulers above, and this solidarity creates the confidence needed to accomplish something. -
Line 2
If one is sincere, It furthers one to bring even a small offering.
No blame.
Here a strong man is presupposed. It is true that he does not fit in with his environment, inasmuch as he is too brusque and pays too little attention to form. But as he is upright in character, he meets with response, and his lack of outward form does no harm. Here uprightness is the outcome of sound qualities of character, whereas in the corresponding line of the preceding hexagram it is the result of innate humility. -
Line 3
One pushes upward into an empty city.
All obstructions that generally block progress fall away here. Things proceed with remarkable ease. Unhesitatingly one follows this road, in order to profit by one's success. Seen from without, everything seems to be in the best of order. However, no promise of good fortune is added. It is a question how long such unobstructed success can last. But it is wise not to yield to such misgivings, because they only inhibit one's power. Instead, the point is to profit by the propitiousness of time. -
Line 4
The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame.
Mount Ch'i is in the western China, the homeland of King Wên, whose son, the Duke of Chou, added the words to the individual lines. The pronouncement takes us back to a time when the Chou dynasty was coming into power. At that time King Wên introduced his illustrious helpers to the god of his native mountain, and they received their places in the halls of the ancestors by the side of the ruler. This indicates a stage in which pushing upward attains its goal. One acquires fame in the sight of gods and men, is received into the circle of those who foster the spiritual life of the nation, and thereby attains a significance that endures beyond time. -
Line 5
Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps.
When a man is advancing farther and farther, it is important for him not to become intoxicated by success. Precisely when he experiences great success it is necessary to remain sober and not to try to skip any stages; he must go on slowly, step by step, as though hesitant. Only such calm, steady progress, overleaping nothing, leads to the goal. -
Line 6
Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one
To be unremittingly persevering.
He who pushes upward blindly deludes himself. He knows only advance, not retreat. But this means exhaustion. In such a case it is important to be constantly mindful that one must be conscientious and consistent and must remain so. Only thus does one become free of blind impulse, which is always harmful.
♥ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Love & Relationships
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to romantic relationships, emotional intimacy, partnership, and personal connection. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate love matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of love, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
★ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Career & Work
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to professional life, workplace dynamics, career advancement, and vocation. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate career matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of career, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
◆ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Money & Finances
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to money management, wealth building, financial security, and resource allocation. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate finance matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of finance, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
☤ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Health & Wellbeing
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to physical wellbeing, mental health, vital energy, and body-mind integration. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate health matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of health, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
☯ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Spiritual Growth
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to inner development, contemplative practice, meaning-making, and spiritual growth. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate spiritual matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of spiritual, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
△ Hexagram 46 Growing Upward — Business & Strategy
Hexagram 46, Growing Upward (升, shēng), carries profound wisdom when applied to commerce, entrepreneurship, organizational management, and professional strategy. With EARTH above and WIND below, this hexagram presents a dynamic that speaks directly to how we navigate business matters with wisdom, integrity, and attunement to natural cycles.
In the domain of business, the energy of Growing Upward invites us to examine our current situation through the lens of this hexagram's core teaching. The I Ching is not a static oracle but a dynamic system of wisdom — its guidance shifts in meaning and emphasis depending on the specific life domain we bring to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 46 Growing Upward mean?
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.
Is Hexagram 46 a yes or no?
The I Ching does not provide simple yes or no answers. Hexagram 46, Growing Upward, offers guidance about the quality and direction of the current moment. Consult the judgment and image texts above for specific direction relevant to your question.
What are the changing lines in Hexagram 46?
Changing lines indicate points of transformation within your reading. Each of the six lines in Hexagram 46 carries its own meaning — see the complete line commentary above for detailed guidance on each position.
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Sources
- Wilhelm, Richard & Baynes, Cary F. The I Ching or Book of Changes. Princeton University Press, 1950.
- Legge, James. The I Ching: Book of Changes. Dover Publications, 1963.
- Huang, Alfred. The Complete I Ching. Inner Traditions, 1998.
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.