Sheng – Growing Upward
Sheng means growing upward, which follows the gua of bringing together. When a group of people come together for a common cause, then the group as whole grows upward in pursuing a goal. The key point of sheng is to grow slowly, with strong roots, which lays the foundation for long term success and longevity.
An oak tree grows slowly, putting down roots which allows it to weather storms, gales and blizzards and not be blown over. Oaks can live for hundreds of years, and they need their strong root system to ensure their strength and stamina lasts.
In contrast, a weed grows very quickly, but exhausts itself just as fast, and does not endure.
