Rootless_Tree_24Chapter#3・Enlarged image of the painting
Enlarged image of the poem below as Xieyi
Chapter 3
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正靑，花酒神仙古到今。煙花寨，酒肉林，不犯葷腥不犯淫。犯淫喪失長生寶，酒肉穿腸道在心。打開門，說與君，無酒無花道不成。
▶Modern Translation
Now a green blossom blooms on the rootless tree.
Wine and beauty have existed even in the realm of immortals.
Brothels and feasts—smoke and wine abound—
But so long as one does not drown in indulgence, there is no harm.
To be ensnared in lust is to lose the treasures of longevity.
Wine and meat pass through the body—
If the heart remains upright, there is no issue.
Let it be said clearly—
Without wine and flowers, the Way cannot be attained.▶Interpretation
This verse teaches the principle of balance, not abstinence.
• Even immortals are not alien to pleasure.
• Desire is not inherently wrong—it’s the disruption of inner harmony that is dangerous.
• Overzealous asceticism may distance one from the Way.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
• Do not deny enjoyment, but maintain control.
• Overly ascetic training may miss the essence of the art.
• Always center on the heart—know why you train.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
