XLVI. (The trigram representing) wood and that for the earth with the wood growing in the midst of it form Shang. The superior man, in accordance with this, pays careful attention to his virtue, and accumulates the small developments of it till it is high and great.

1 'He is welcomed in his advance upwards, and there will be great good fortune:' (the subjects of) the upper (trigram) are of the same mind with him.

2 'The sincerity of the subject of the second line, undivided,' affords occasion for joy.

3 'He advances upwards (as into) an empty city:' he has no doubt or hesitation.

4 'The king employs him to present his offerings on mount Khi:' such a service of God is according to His will.

5 'He is firmly correct, and will therefore enjoy good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony):' he grandly succeeds in his aim.

6 'He blindly advances upwards,' and is in the highest place: but there is decay in store for him, and he will not (preserve) his riches.