The Story

A carpenter planted a pine by his gate when his first son was born. Each year he pruned it, shaped it, and taught his son to do the same. The tree grew no faster than any other pine, but straighter, cleaner, and — over forty years — taller than the temple. When the carpenter died, his grandson took over the tree. "How did you know it would become great?" the grandson was asked. "We didn't," he said. "We only knew that every year, something small and correct could be done. That is the whole art."

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The Judgment

Pushing upward has supreme success. One must see the great person. Fear not. Departure toward the south brings good fortune.

The Image

Within the earth, wood grows: the image of pushing upward. Thus the superior person of devoted character heaps up small things in order to achieve something high and great.

Interpretation

A tree growing quietly through the earth. Growth here is gradual, from below, not leaping but patient. The counsel is to accumulate small efforts, consult the worthy, and face the ascent without fear — the moment favours those who press steadily upward.

Trigrams

The Six Lines

1. First (Bottom) Pushing upward that meets with confidence brings great good fortune. Early support; the climb begins with help.
2. Second If one is sincere, it furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame. Small but genuine gestures are enough.
3. Third One pushes upward into an empty city. Unexpectedly easy progress; no obstacle — yet also no resistance to sharpen against.
4. Fourth The king offers him Mount Qi. Good fortune. No blame. Recognised at the highest altar of the land; a sacred mandate.
5. Fifth Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps. Go one step at a time; the stair holds.
6. Sixth (Top) Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering. At the top, the way grows obscure; only constancy carries on.