Rootless_Tree_24Chapter#11・Enlarged image of the painting
Enlarged image of the poem below as Xieyi
Chapter 11
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正亨，說到無根却有根。三才竅，二五精，天地交時萬物生。日月交時寒暑順，男女交時姙始成。甚分明，說與君，只恐相逢認不眞。
▶Modern Translation
The flower blooming on the rootless tree now reaches its fullest glory, seemingly without roots, yet revealing their hidden existence.
When the Three Powers and Two Essences merge, and Heaven and Earth unite, all life is born.
As the sun and moon converge, the seasons harmonize, and just as cold and heat shift smoothly, so too does the union of man and woman foster new life.
This principle is crystal clear, and I wish to share it with you.
Yet I fear that even should you encounter this truth, you may not recognize it.
▶Interpretation
The metaphor of the rootless tree alludes to hidden truths beyond appearances.
Though seemingly without roots, the tree indeed draws life from unseen depths—symbolizing the cosmic principles of Heaven, Earth, and the generative forces.
It emphasizes the intricate harmony sustaining life and the universe.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Root and Essence are aligned with internal energy (Qi) in Tai Chi.
True strength lies in subtle inner flow, not visible form.
Recognizing and utilizing this unseen foundation is key to deepening practice.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
