Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:24 Chapters-Chapter 10#322
The poems of “The Rootless Tree” express a fundamental force rooted in harmony with heaven and earth, the cyclical flow of yin and yang, and the infinite potential of existence。
This painting is an expressive Xieyi in the tradition of “futu” (spiritual diagrams), passed down for generations in Wudang Mountain, China. It is drawn through a technique where energy flow (xingqi) channels the internal intention into visual form。
In the Taoist world, there exist spiritual and symbolic images called “futu”。
These are a type of talisman—not merely religious items, but expressive spiritual paintings that act directly on the mind of the viewer。
Since ancient times, many people have placed these Taoist-style “Xieyi” and futu in their homes, studies, or bedrooms, wishing for longevity, health, auspiciousness, and family harmony. Viewing such paintings was not just aesthetic appreciation, but an act of inviting the presence of the Dao into one’s life and tuning the body and mind。
Thus, “Xieyi” is more than artistic expression—it is a medium that bridges the spirit, life, and harmony with the universe。
This kind of artwork is not meant to be seen only with the eyes, but felt with the heart。
It communicates with the Dao, resonates with the qi of nature, and quietly stirs the viewer’s inner self。
Futu and “Xieyi” continue to live on from ancient times to this day as “sacred images that speak to the soul.”
Below, we present the original text of the philosophical poem “The Rootless Tree,” along with a modern Japanese translation and interpretation。
※ The author of “The Rootless Tree,” Zhang Sanfeng (1247–?), is also renowned as the founder of Tai Chi, and it is said that he applied the essence of this work to Tai Chi. As an additional note, we include an interpretation connecting this to the Tai Chi tradition of Wudang Mountain.
The Rootless Tree・Chapter 10
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正圓，結果收成滋味全。如朱橘，似彈丸，䕶守隄防莫放閒。學些草木收頭法，復命歸根返本元。選靈地，結道庵，會合先天了大還。
▶Modern Translation
Now the blossom on the rootless tree has ripened round and full.
Its fruit is mature, rich with flavor.
Like a red-orange mandarin or a round jade orb.
Guard it well and defend against external harm.
As with harvesting crops, learn how to conclude your training.
Return life to its origin, and energy to its source.
Choose a sacred ground, build a hermitage for the Way.
Unite with the primordial and complete the Great Return.
▶Interpretation
• “Harvest” = completion of internal refinement.
• “Returning to the source” = merge with the Dao.
• The “Great Return” is a state of effortless, natural harmony.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
• Mastery involves preservation—not constant outward action.
• Know when to defend and stabilize.
• The end is also a new beginning—complete cycles gracefully.
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