Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward
Hexagram 46, known as Sheng (升) in Chinese, represents the principle of gradual advancement and upward movement. This hexagram is composed of the earth trigram above and the wind trigram below, creating an image of wood growing from the earth toward the sky, symbolizing steady, natural progress.
Trigram Analysis
The upper trigram is Earth (☷), composed of three broken lines, representing receptivity, support, and foundation. The lower trigram is Wind (☴), composed of two solid lines beneath one broken line, representing gentle penetration and flexibility.
When these trigrams combine, they create a metaphor for gradual growth. Wind's gentle persistence beneath earth's receptivity suggests how steady effort can lead to natural advancement. This combination points to the importance of patient progress and consistent effort.
Symbolic Representations
In nature, Hexagram 46 corresponds to the way plants grow gradually upward from the earth or how trees slowly reach toward the sky. This natural metaphor represents how true progress often comes through steady, persistent effort.
The hexagram also represents the sage who understands how to advance gradually and naturally. This human dimension emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence in achieving goals.
Core Meanings and Attributes
The essence of Hexagram 46 is the power of gradual advancement. This manifests as:
The virtue of persistence. The power of steady progress. The wisdom of patience. The importance of timing. The strength of natural growth.
These attributes combine to create a powerful symbol of advancement. The hexagram suggests a time when steady progress and patient effort are essential.
Line Meanings
Each line in Hexagram 46 represents a different aspect of pushing upward:
The first line shows sincere advancement, suggesting proper beginnings.
The second line indicates making offerings, representing proper nourishment of growth.
The third line shows advancing into an empty city, warning about premature action.
The fourth line demonstrates the king making offerings at Mount Qi, indicating proper respect.
The fifth line shows steady advancement bringing good fortune, representing proper progress.
The sixth line reveals advancing in darkness, suggesting blind ambition.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, Hexagram 46 often appears when there is a need for steady progress or gradual advancement. It suggests a time when patience and persistence are crucial. The hexagram encourages:
Making steady progress. Maintaining patience. Building step by step. Understanding natural timing. Preserving momentum.
Relationships with Other Hexagrams
Hexagram 46 has a special relationship with Hexagram 45 (Gathering Together), as they represent complementary aspects of development. While Hexagram 45 focuses on gathering together, Hexagram 46 deals with gradual advancement.
The hexagram also relates to others that share its trigrams or themes of growth and progress, providing context for understanding different aspects of advancement.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Hexagram 46 often appears in situations requiring steady progress or patient development. It can indicate:
A time for growth. The need for patience. An opportunity for advancement. The importance of persistence. A reminder of natural timing.
Meditative Implications
As a meditation focus, Hexagram 46 offers insights into the nature of progress and growth. It invites contemplation of:
The process of advancement. The role of patience. The proper pace of growth. The balance between effort and timing. The path of natural development.
Historical Context
In traditional Chinese thought, Hexagram 46 was associated with the concept of gradual advancement and the wisdom needed for sustainable progress. This connection emphasizes its relevance to both personal development and social advancement.
The hexagram was also linked to the importance of proper timing and steady effort, highlighting how natural progress serves both individual and collective needs.
Summary
Hexagram 46 represents the principle of pushing upward and gradual advancement, manifesting as the wisdom of knowing how to progress steadily and naturally. Its combination of earth and wind trigrams creates a powerful image of natural growth, while its line meanings offer guidance on navigating various aspects of advancement.
Understanding this hexagram provides insights into the nature of progress and the proper approach to advancement, while its practical applications offer guidance for contemporary situations requiring patience and persistence. Whether appearing in divination or serving as a focus for meditation, Hexagram 46 reminds us that true progress often comes through steady effort and natural timing.
Next Hexagram: Hexagram 47.
Previous Hexagram: Hexagram 45.
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