Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 21#398
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・Verse 21
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正遠，不著形跡逐天乾。若有若無雲中影，誰識其中妙理玄。
▶Modern Translation
A blossom on a rootless tree blooms far, far away;
No form can hold its shape: it drifts with Heaven’s breath.
A cloud-borne shadow, half there, half gone—
Who can grasp the subtle mystery hidden within?
▶Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正遠] The goal (truth) is distant, not at hand.
2.[不著形跡逐天乾] Leaving no trace, it follows pure “Heaven-qi.”
3.[若有若無雲中影] An elusive force—felt, yet formless.
4.[誰識其中妙理玄] Its deep principle is ineffable, known only by direct insight.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
•Real essence is remote; copying form alone won’t reach it.
•Transcend technique; move with natural yang-qi.
•Jin is like a cloud—present but unseen.
•Ultimate truth is embodied, not spoken.
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