Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 54#286
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.
Details of Tao Code, Feng Shui and talismans in Xieyi Painting
The composition expands outward from a calm center, where layers of ink and faint gold breathe like ripples of Qi. The brushwork neither ascends nor descends but circulates — a rhythmic balance of Yin and Yang. Through this restrained movement, the painting conveys still flow, the unseen pulse of existence.
This work embodies Balancing Qi (Ping Qi) — the energy of equilibrium and centered awareness. It is ideal for meditation rooms, living spaces, or any environment seeking composure and mental clarity. The muted gold resonates with the Earth element, grounding energy and nurturing calm stability.
May this painting serve as a silent talisman — a vessel of Qi that connects stillness and movement, anchoring peace within the surrounding space.
The Rootless Tree・Verse 54
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正空，色即是空，空不離色。有為無為，皆歸自然，動靜不二，道體圓融。
▶Modern Translation
A flower of emptiness blooms on the rootless tree.
Form is emptiness, and emptiness is inseparable from form.
Both action and inaction return to Nature.
Stillness and motion are not two—the Dao is seamless.
▶Interpretation
[無根樹，花正空] Emptiness within beauty; unattached and awakened.[色即是空，空不離色] Form is emptiness, emptiness inseparable from form.
[有為無為，皆歸自然] Effort and non-effort alike submit to Nature.
[動靜不二，道體圓融] Motion and stillness are one—Dao is total fusion.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Seek essence through non-attachment.
Blend visible movement and invisible intent.
Both practice and surrender follow natural order.
Harmony arises when stillness and movement unify.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
