Dr. David Orman

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), celebrating or enjoying the death of another due to political difference reflects a deep imbalance of the Heart and Shen (spirit). The Heart is said to house the Shen, governing compassion, clarity, and our ability to connect with humanity. When the Shen is disturbed—by excessive anger, fear, or hatred—it becomes clouded. Instead of perceiving others as fellow beings, the mind projects division and hostility. To take joy in another’s suffering is a sign that the Shen has become unstable, no longer rooted in harmony, but instead consumed by fire and agitation.

This state often arises when the Liver Qi is stagnant or blazing upward. The Liver in TCM regulates the smooth flow of emotions, particularly anger. When constrained by resentment, rigid beliefs, or external stressors, the Qi of the Liver grows hot and forceful. This heat rises and disturbs the Heart, creating agitation, intolerance, and an inability to see others with compassion. In such a person, anger and judgment replace empathy, and violence or the celebration of violence becomes an outlet for their inner turmoil.

The Kidneys and essence (Jing) also play a role. When fear depletes Kidney energy, individuals may cling desperately to identity, tribe, or ideology for a sense of safety. This fear-driven depletion can harden into intolerance, where the other side is seen as dangerous or unworthy of life. The weakened Kidney essence no longer nourishes the Heart and Brain, leaving the Shen ungrounded and vulnerable to extremes of thought and feeling.

Ultimately, from a TCM perspective, to revel in the death of another is not natural; it is a manifestation of disharmony among the organ systems and a disturbed Shen. It reflects blocked Liver Qi, overactive Heart fire, and deficient Kidney essence, creating a condition where balance, compassion, and wisdom are lost. Healing would not come from political victory but from restoring internal harmony—calming the Heart, smoothing the Liver Qi, and strengthening the Kidneys—so that the Shen may again shine clearly and see all life as interconnected.

PART 2: From a Western Psychological View