Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:24 Chapters-Chapter 23#542
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・Chapter 23
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正紅，摘盡紅花一樹空。空卽色，色卽空，識透眞空在色中。了了眞空色相滅，法相長存不落空。號圓通，稱大雄，九祖超昇上九重。
▶Modern Translation
When you pluck the red flower from the rootless tree, it becomes empty.
“Form is emptiness, and emptiness is form”—true emptiness lies within form.
Realizing this, form dissolves, but the Dharma (truth) remains eternal.
This is called “perfect penetration,” and the awakened is known as the Great Hero (Buddha).
The nine ancestors ascend to the ninth heaven.
▶Interpretation
• All things are void of inherent self-nature—true form is emptiness.
• Enlightenment brings transcendence of form and eternal truth.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
In Tai Chi, one transcends outer form to access internal qi and intention.
This chapter reminds us that movement must serve the void—only then does true mastery emerge.
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Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
