I Ching · No.46 · Shêng / Pushing Upward

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

Translation

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Spring returns to the earth, rising higher day by day.
• Wealth 财运: Saving and accumulating wealth, one can become a rich person.
• Household 家宅: Renovating a mansion; elevating a concubine to the status of primary wife.
• Health 身体: Liver fire is gradually rising; seek treatment and nurture health early.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Obtaining the vital energy of spring growth, one's fortune will progress and flourish day by day.
• Fame & Career 功名: An omen of rapid promotion in the near future.
• Business 营商: Accumulating bit by bit, one can gradually build a wealthy and prominent household.
• Warfare 战征: It is advisable to erect wooden ladders on flat ground to scale heights and attack the city.
• Marriage 婚姻: Compliance is a woman's virtue; an omen of elevating a concubine to the status of primary wife.
• Household 家宅: This residence was low and small at first, but will soon be renovated into a grand mansion.
• Illness 疾病: This is a symptom of excessive liver-wood in spring; if one does not regulate the qi and nurture the body calmly, the condition will worsen day by day and become quite dangerous.
• Prices 货价: An omen of prices rising gradually.
• Harvest 秋收: Wind and rain are favorable and harmonious; a bountiful harvest of grain for the year.
• Travelers 行人: A safe journey with a favorable wind, and savings are quite abundant.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

• Overall Image 大象: Trees continuously grow upward from the earth, showing a momentum of promotion and ascent.
• Fortune 运势: An omen of gaining both fame and wealth, and beginning to prosper; it is advisable to develop towards the south.
• Career 事业: Very smooth, continuously developing, progressing in accordance with the times and rising step by step, with a grand future. However, development should be gradual, and one must never make rash advances due to smooth progress. Be cautious and prudent, cultivate virtue, follow virtuous predecessors, and treat your career with sincerity.
• Business 经商: Abide by business ethics, start from small things and gradually expand. Through your own diligence and sincere competition, it is best to be steady and prudent, and never make a major mistake through rashness.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Study hard, strengthen your self-cultivation, and with your intelligence and wisdom, you will surely achieve your ambitions. If recommended by someone, your prospects will be even broader. However, you should pay attention to moderation.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: If both parties treat each other with sincerity and gradually cultivate their feelings, it will surely succeed.
• Decision 决策: Everything goes according to one's wishes. Smart, flexible, and possessing a good foundation for success. Demand strictness of yourself, remain humble and accommodating, and humbly seek guidance from elders. Gradually and steadily develop your career, which will be like the growth of a tree, eventually becoming a pillar of society. However, in the process of growth, one must be cautious everywhere, adhere to sincerity and integrity, and march forward boldly.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards with the welcome (of those above him). There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Advancing and developing brings supreme good fortune. The Image says: Advancing and developing brings supreme good fortune, which means that one's aspirations can be fulfilled.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, both fame and fortune are achieved, and plans are fulfilled. Officials have hope of promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Both fame and wealth are achieved; all requests are granted.
• Wealth 财运: Prices of goods are rising, yielding great profit.
• Household 家宅: The joy of moving to a new home; a harmonious union of two families.
• Health 身体: Treat any illness immediately; do not delay.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is extremely smooth; seeking fame and wealth, everything goes according to one's wishes. Supreme good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Achieving fame at one stroke. Supreme good fortune.
• Business 营商: Prices of goods rise high, yielding great profit.
• Warfare 战征: Ascending to watch from above, one obtains knowledge of the enemy's situation, leading to victory in a single battle. Supreme good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: The two families agree to the union. Supreme good fortune.
• Household 家宅: An omen of leaving the valley to move to a high tree (improving one's status). Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The line itself is auspicious, but it is not a good omen specifically for illness, except in cases of diarrhea or prolapse, where it is auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to appeal to a higher authority. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

T'ai Hexagram. From the small to the great, from the minute to the prosperous; auspicious and successful. The Image says: Heaven and Earth interact; this is the image of T'ai. The superior man, observing this image, regulates the laws of Heaven and Earth, assists in the transforming work of Heaven and Earth, and thereby governs the myriad people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The small departs and the great arrives; smooth, peaceful, and auspicious. When peace reaches its peak, it turns into obstruction; it is advisable to maintain and guard one's position. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, extreme adversity yields to peace, great fortune is at hand, and all things go smoothly, but one must guard against sorrow arising from extreme joy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below and K'un above). Ch'ien is Heaven and Yang; K'un is Earth and Yin. Yin and Yang interact, the upper and lower communicate, Heaven and Earth commune, and all things flourish. The reverse is ominous. All things in the universe undergo opposition and transformation; the peak of prosperity leads to decline, and decline turns back into prosperity. Therefore, those who adapt to the times achieve peace.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject with that sincerity which will make even the (small) offerings of the vernal sacrifice acceptable. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: For the spring sacrifice, it is appropriate to use captives as human sacrifices, then there will be no disaster. The Image says: The line text of Nine in the second place speaks of sacrificing to spirits with loyalty and sincerity, which will lead to celebratory events.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, ordinary people have joy, the sick are at peace, and plans can succeed. Officials have opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just at the time of good fortune; happy events arrive at the door.
• Wealth 财运: Operate with honesty and trustworthiness to guarantee profits.
• Household 家宅: There will surely be happy events; yin and yang unite in virtue.
• Health 身体: It is best to pray to the spirits.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is balanced and centered; happy events are bound to arrive at the door.
• Business 营商: Business depends entirely on honesty and trustworthiness. Trading with trust, without fraud or anxiety, will naturally endure and yield profits.
• Fame & Career 功名: There will surely be announcement of success in examinations.
• Warfare 战征: When launching an army, one must perform sacrifice; trust is essential for military strategists. If trust is gained, the three armies will be of one mind, and no battle will be unwon.
• Marriage 婚姻: Two and five share mutual trust, yin and yang unite in virtue. Great joy.
• Household 家宅: Indicating auspicious signs.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to pray.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy in odd months, and a girl in even months.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject ascending upwards (as into) an empty city.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: One ascends to the city built on a great hill. The Image says: One ascends to the city built on a great hill; climbing high to gaze far, what is seen is very clear, hence there is no doubt.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, plans are fulfilled. Officials will occupy key positions, and scholars can win fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Getting better and better; there is no need to worry.
• Wealth 财运: Goods accumulate and disperse; financial strength can be expected.
• Household 家宅: Empty at first, substantial later; guarding an empty room alone.
• Health 身体: A disease of weakness and deficiency.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The present path of fortune is just right, gradually progressing and flourishing.
• Business 营商: A marketplace is called 'approaching the void,' meaning gathering goods in an empty place to form a market town, showing that commerce is flourishing day by day.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Shêng' is inherently an image of prosperity. The first line is 'agreement', the second is 'trust', and by the third, one has already risen to the top, which leaves no doubt.
• Warfare 战征: After this ravage of war, the city is empty; 'ascending to an empty city' means capturing an empty city.
• Household 家宅: An image of emptiness at first, and wealth and substance later.
• Marriage 婚姻: 'An empty city' is like an empty room; inauspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It is undoubtedly a disease of weakness and deficiency.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Nine in the third place is a yang line; giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject employed by the king to present his offerings on mount Khî. There will be good fortune; there will be no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: The king offers sacrifices on Mount Qi. Obtaining this line brings good fortune and no blame. The Image says: The king offers sacrifices on Mount Qi; the reason it is auspicious and free of blame is that it conforms to the laws of heaven.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they gain the benefits of mountains and forests, and hermits enjoy the pleasures of mountains and forests. Officials will be promoted to key positions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Promotion is imminent; express gratitude to the gods.
• Wealth 财运: Goods are abundant; assisted by the God of Wealth.
• Household 家宅: Offer sacrifices to the household deity.
• Health 身体: Pray devoutly.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Things are smooth and favorable; auspicious and without blame.
• Warfare 战征: In ancient times, prayers were offered before battle to seek victory from the Supreme Deity before engaging the enemy; this is the meaning of offering sacrifice. Sacrificing before fighting ensures victory. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: The production of goods mostly comes from mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. According to sacrificial rites, those who extract resources for wealth must offer sacrifices. This means that sacrificing brings profit. Auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Offering sacrifice on Mount Qi' signifies changing from a vassal lord to a king; an omen of supreme good fortune.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to offer sacrifices to the household deity. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: It is advisable to pray.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Heng Hexagram. Success, without error, favorable divination. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Image Commentary says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder; the lower trigram is Xun, which represents wind. Wind and thunder cleanse and renew, keeping the universe ever fresh; this is the image of Heng (Duration). The noble man observes this image to establish himself in the correct path and hold firm without changing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Constancy and permanence, long-lasting without change; the noble man acts with benefit, not changing his direction. Minor Good Fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must ground themselves in the correct path, hold firm without changing, and make persistent efforts; then they will surely achieve success. Those who lack perseverance and are fickle will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Zhen above). Zhen represents the male and thunder; Xun represents the female and wind. The firm Zhen is above, and the yielding Xun is below. With the firm above and the yielding below, the creation follows constant laws, promoting each other's growth. The yin and yang correspond to each other in accordance with normal principles, hence it is called Heng (Duration).

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth six, divided, shows its subject firmly correct, and therefore enjoying good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony).

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Perseverance brings good fortune. One ascends by steps. The Image says: Perseverance brings good fortune, and one ascends by steps, which means that one's aspirations are fully realized.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they are currently enjoying good fortune, and great wishes can be fulfilled. Officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great wishes can be fulfilled; both fame and wealth are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Business is centered and balanced; profits flow continuously.
• Household 家宅: Rising step by step; forming an alliance with a family of high status.
• Health 身体: The illness is escalating.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: All lifelong aspirations are fulfilled; an omen of supreme good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: Ascending step by step; honor and favor have reached the peak.
• Business 营商: Five is a central number. In the way of managing wealth, it is not advisable to be excessive; achieving balance is auspicious, hence the saying 'perseverance brings good fortune'.
• Warfare 战征: In attacking a city, ladders must be used to ascend. The city will surely be captured, hence it is auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Five resonates with Two, and the line says 'ascending by steps', which is an image of marrying into a family of high status, hence Two says 'there is joy'.
• Illness 疾病: 'Shêng' means increase. Illness should not increase; steps of chaos or steps of plague are not auspicious signs.
• Litigation 讼事: Litigation is inherently an inauspicious matter, called the step to disaster. If the steps ascend, the litigation becomes even more fierce. How can this bring good fortune?
• Lost Items 失物: One should search around the steps and courtyard.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth six, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards blindly. Advantage will be found in a ceaseless maintenance of firm correctness.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Pushing upward in darkness. It is beneficial to remain unremittingly persevering. The Image says: Pushing upward in darkness; because Six at the top occupies the head of the hexagram, its position is isolated and suspended. Although the person is in a high position, the environment is unfavorable. However, being diligent in one's duties can eliminate disasters and bring blessings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, there is the disaster of insatiable greed. Officials will retire.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has passed; prepare a way of retreat.
• Wealth 财运: Business is difficult; both manpower and wealth are lost.
• Household 家宅: Inevitable decline of the family; difficult to grow old together.
• Health 身体: Likely to pass away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has passed; wait for the next turn of fortune to profit.
• Warfare 战征: An image of leading the army forward at night and entering a dark valley by mistake. It is beneficial to rest and wait for dawn to escape danger.
• Business 营商: Guard against the risk of losing both manpower and wealth.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Shêng' has reached the top, fame is already prominent; guard against decline after one's lifetime.
• Marriage 婚姻: Fear of not being able to grow old together.
• Household 家宅: The fortune of the house has passed; it will inevitably decline.
• Illness 疾病: The overall omen is unfavorable; 'ascending in darkness' means the soul ascending to heaven.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, but fearing she may not survive/grow up.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Gu Hexagram. Supreme good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river, but one should set out three days before the Jia day (the Xin day) and three days after the Jia day (the Ding day). The Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, the mountain; the lower trigram is Xun, the wind. A worthy man, like a mountain dwelling above, proclaims moral teachings and applies them to those below. Thus, 'Wind at the foot of the mountain' is the image of Decay. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the wind that blows over all things, thereby rescuing the myriad people and implementing moral education.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Three worms in a vessel, things decay and go to ruin; diligent exhortation turns danger into safety. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a time of hardship and confusion, and nothing goes as wished. It is advisable to make bold innovations, strive for strength, and work hard, so as to turn danger into safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Gen above), and it is the inverse hexagram (Zong Gua) of the Sui Hexagram. The original meaning of Gu is affairs, extending to mean troublesome matters and chaos. Worms growing in a vessel left unused for a long time is called 'Gu', symbolizing that long-lasting peace in the world leads to routine and corruption. One must innovate and create, govern and reorganize, rescue the crisis, and revitalize the enterprise.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.