While the other five zang are associated with one emotion, the emotion related to the heart is expressed by two characters – xi 喜and le 樂. Within the correspondences of the five elements, each emotion expresses a movement of qi– anger the bursting out of wood, the dynamic energy of spring; fear the descending nature of water, the movement inwards and downwards of qi in winter; grief or sadness constrict and constrain; over-thinking moves round and round and ties the qi in knots. But the ascending movement of fire is expressed by both elation and joy. It can be a gentle warming which loosens the qi,or an explosive upsurge which depletes the yang. It can lift the spirits or set the blood racing.
These two characters both have an association with music. Etymology from the first century CE suggests that the character xi (喜) is made up of a hand beating a small drum and a mouth singing or shouting, expressing the excitement of music and dance at local festivals. Le (樂) is the music of rituals and ceremonies. The character also depicts a drum – a large temple drum on a stand – with gongs or bells at either side. This music is more sedate and calm, a music which centres and brings harmony.
The excitement of xi (喜) is said to loosen the qi,to make everything flow well – but there are always warnings that this can go to far. Elation acts like a stimulant – it gives us the inspiration and energy to move forward – but like any stimulant, it’s easy to take too much, and it can become addictive so we seek out excitement and stimulation in order to feel alive. Xi is usually seen as an excess pathology – an excess of excitement and an over stimulation to the blood and qi, but there is no excess of le (樂). The common pathology here is bu le– lack of joy. Le (樂) describes the joy of being alive, the joy of being centred in oneself and in touch with the world around us. The music of rites and ceremonies resonates within the hearts of the participants and creates a unity. Le (樂) expresses the feeling of being at one with the universe and at one with others. It is a quiet joy that comes from within. A lack of joy (bu le不樂) is a lack of interest in life, an inability to connect.
As with all fire pathology, we need that warming flame – but we don’t want to get burnt out.