Hexagram 46 · 地风升

Pushing Upward

Earth · Zhen palace

Gradual ascent through effort; patient, well-supported advance.

Meaning

Wind below the earth: a gradual, steady rise. Pushing Upward describes advancement that is earned step by step.

Decision Framework

Advance steadily, with support.

Decision Guidance

Pushing Upward is the hexagram of gradual, well-grounded ascent. It appears when progress is available, but via effort and time rather than a single leap.

The classical text attaches two conditions: honest effort and seeking out capable guidance. It explicitly favours the person who advances carefully and without fear, and warns against the two extremes of pressing too hard for a rapid rise and of taking the ascent for granted once it begins. This is a favourable reading, and it rewards patience.

Judgment — Classical Text

元亨，用见大人，勿恤。南征吉。

EN Supreme success. It is fitting to see the great person; do not worry. Marching south brings good fortune.

The Six Lines — Classical Text

1. 初六：允升，大吉。

   EN Initial six: advancing with trust — great good fortune.

2. 九二：孚乃利用禴，无咎。

   EN Nine in the second: with sincerity even a small sacrifice is useful — no blame.

3. 九三：升虚邑。

   EN Nine in the third: ascending into an empty town.

4. 六四：王用亨于岐山，吉无咎。

   EN Six in the fourth: the king offers sacrifice on Mount Qi — good fortune, no blame.

5. 六五：贞吉，升阶。

   EN Six in the fifth: perseverance brings good fortune — ascending the steps.

6. 上六：冥升，利于不息之贞。

   EN Topmost six: ascending in the dark — useful only for unceasing perseverance.

Keywords

I Ching hexagram 46, Pushing Upward hexagram, Sheng hexagram meaning, hexagram for gradual progress