Playing the Zither and Se to Cultivate Emotions
Playing the Zither and Se to Cultivate Emotions
Zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting are four refined pursuits in traditional Chinese culture, with the zither ranked first, reflecting its esteemed status.
The *Lingshu·Xieke Pian* states: “Heaven has five tones, humans have five viscera; heaven has six laws, humans have six bowels… Thus, humans correspond to heaven and earth.” This indicates a relationship between the five tones and six laws in natural music and the five viscera and six bowels in the human body. The *Lingshu·Wuyin Wuyi Pian* further specifies the connections between the five tones (Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu) and the five viscera. For example: “Shang tone is solemn and forceful, good at calming anger and agitation, bringing peace; Jue tone is smooth and gentle, excellent at dissolving melancholy and aiding sleep; Gong tone is melodious and harmonious, beneficial for spleen and stomach, enhancing appetite; Zhi tone is uplifting and vibrant, promoting blood circulation and invigorating the spirit; Yu tone is soft and penetrating, inspiring imagination and enlightening the mind.”
Scholar Ouyang Xiu of the Northern Song Dynasty suffered from depression. After retiring, he studied the zither with a friend, eventually finding joy in it—so much so that he forgot his illness. His friend Yang Zhi, repeatedly failing examinations, fell into despair and illness. Ouyang Xiu gifted him a zither and wrote *Preface to Sending Yang Zhi*, sharing his personal experience: “To soothe the heart and heal the illness, playing the zither will surely bring benefit.” He encouraged Yang Zhi to express emotions through playing the zither, relieving sorrow and restoring health.
Thus, playing the zither significantly regulates mental activity. Generally, playing the zither or other instruments requires full concentration, eliminating distractions, and using both mind and body. During performance, pleasant music calms emotions, brings harmony, allows emotional release, and refines character. Powerful, heroic music inspires enthusiasm and generates upward momentum. Music depicting flowing clouds, streams, birdsong, and fragrant flowers induces tranquility, achieving a state of mental refreshment and aesthetic enjoyment.