Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 91#439
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 91
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正明，氣貫玄關氣自生。陰陽配合觀自在，太極清虛得本情。
▶Modern Translation
A clear and luminous flower blooms on the rootless tree.Qi pierces the Mysterious Gate and flows on its own.When Yin and Yang harmonize, insight flows freely.In Tai Chi’s pure emptiness, the essence of feeling arises.
▶Interpretation
[無根樹，花正明] Brilliant bloom—purity through natural openness.[氣貫玄關氣自生] Qi flows through the brow—spontaneous renewal.
[陰陽配合觀自在] Balanced poles—liberated, flexible awareness.
[太極清虛得本情] Emptiness in Tai Chi reveals heartfelt essence.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
The bright flower symbolizes a body/mind open and harmonized.
Qi rising through the Mysterious Gate reflects meditative energy.
Harmony enables a responsive and unclouded heart.
True artistry in Tai Chi emerges from purity and stillness.
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