Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 50#304
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.
Details of Tao Code, Feng Shui and talismans in Xieyi Painting
This Xieyi painting is inspired by”The Rootless Tree: 100 Verses — Verse 50.”
It expresses the strength of standing without fixed ground,the vitality that emerges beyond form,and the sign of life that appears without resistance or attachment.
The tree does not oppose the wind,nor does it cling to the soil.And yet, when the time is right,the flower appears—naturally, inevitably.
To be rootless is not a lack,but perhaps a freedom that allows one to connect with all things.
The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 50
Original Text
無根樹，花正遠，心如浮雲，氣逐風行。念無所住，形隨意轉，道法自然，自在無疆。
Modern Translation
A far-seeing flower crowns the rootless tree;
Heart drifts like cloud, qi rides on the wind.
No thought is fixed, the body shifts at will;
Dao follows Nature—its reach without end.
Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正遠] Wide vision, forward aspiration.
2.[心如浮雲，氣逐風行] Light heart, wind-borne qi.
3.[念無所住，形隨意轉] Unclinging mind, body obeying intent.
4.[道法自然，自在無疆] Dao accords with Nature—limitless freedom.
Interpretation related to Tai Chi
•Expand beyond forms; cultivate broad perspective.
•Soft, unforced mobility—clouds and wind.
•”Mind leads, body follows” without fixation.
•Infinite growth when aligned with natural law.
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