Hexagram 46, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination and potential excess of the theme of "Pushing Upward." The ascent has continued past the point of clarity and reason, becoming a "blind" or "dark" ascent (冥升). This is ambition that has lost its way, an upward striving that continues out of sheer momentum rather than conscious purpose. It is a state of overreach, where one pushes on relentlessly without awareness of the changing conditions or the sustainability of the climb. The commentary warns that this path leads to decline and loss; what has been gained will be squandered. The advice, "It is of advantage to be unceasingly persevering," seems contradictory but is the key to correcting the situation. It does not advise persevering in the blind ascent. Rather, it calls for a shift in focus: one must stop the mindless upward push and instead persevere unceasingly in what is correct, true, and principled (貞). It is a call to anchor oneself in integrity and awareness, to stop the climb and consolidate one's position with conscious effort rather than being carried away by ambition into oblivion.

Guidance for Action

You have reached a peak, but your ambition continues to drive you forward into unknown and dangerous territory. Stop immediately and reassess your situation. The "darkness" signifies a lack of vision and an attachment to the habit of striving. Your forward momentum is now working against you. The path to success is no longer about pushing higher, but about holding fast to your core principles and inner truth. Cease the frantic activity. Turn your relentless energy inward toward self-awareness and ethical consistency. Consolidate what you have achieved instead of risking it all for a little more. Wisdom lies in recognizing when the climb is over and a new kind of perseverance—that of maintaining balance and integrity—is required.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line indicates a dynamic where you or your partner are pushing for "more" out of habit or expectation, not genuine feeling. This could be forcing the next stage—commitment, marriage, children—without being truly ready, a kind of "blind ascent" in intimacy. The relationship may have reached a natural, comfortable plateau, and the relentless push for "progress" is creating strain and risks causing a collapse. The guidance is to stop forcing things. Re-evaluate what you both truly want. The "unceasing perseverance" needed now is in nurturing the love, communication, and respect you already have, not in blindly striving for a new label or status. Appreciate the connection for what it is.

For Career & Business

This line points to a classic case of career overreach. You may have achieved a high level of success, but you continue to push for more with the same aggressive energy that got you there. This drive has become automatic and blind to the new context of your senior position. Continuing this way will lead to burnout, alienation of colleagues, or a major strategic error. It's time to stop climbing and start leading. Your perseverance should now be directed toward maintaining quality, mentoring others, and acting with wisdom and integrity. Consolidate your power and influence by building a sustainable and ethical foundation, not by grasping for one more promotion that may take you beyond your competence or ethical boundaries.

For Financial Matters

This line is a strong warning against greed and blind speculation. You may have enjoyed significant gains, but you are now operating in the "dark," chasing further profits without a clear strategy or an understanding of the risks. This is the gambler's mentality of letting it all ride, assuming the upward trend will continue forever. This path leads to loss. The advice is to immediately halt this high-risk behavior. The "unceasing perseverance" you must practice is adherence to a sound, prudent financial plan. Secure your profits, diversify your portfolio, and shift from speculative ventures to stable, long-term investments. Your task is not to make more money at all costs, but to preserve the wealth you have already built.