升 → 蹇
Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward → Hexagram 39: Obstruction
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 2 changing lines (lines 2, 5).
Line 2
九二 孚乃利用禴。无咎。
Nine in the second place means: If one is sincere, It furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame.
Line 5
六五 貞吉升階。
Six in the fifth place means: Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
牽羭上樓，與福俱居。勞躬治國，安樂无憂。
Leading the ram up to the tower, dwelling together with blessings. Laboring in person to govern the state, at peace and joyful, without worry.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Wood grows within the earth, and a ram is led upstairs to dwell alongside blessings and good fortune. Through diligent personal effort the state is governed well, and peace reigns without worry or disturbance. The ram ascending to an upper floor echoes pastoral imagery of abundance brought to a high place — offerings carried upward to where they yield the greatest blessing for the community. Water over mountain, the image of Obstruction, calls for self-examination and virtue cultivation when the forward path is blocked. From Pushing Upward to Obstruction, the ascending impulse meets resistance but responds not with retreat but with redoubled effort. The ruler who labors personally at governance transforms the obstacle itself into the foundation for lasting tranquility.
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