Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 71#460
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 71
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正芳，氣與心合道自昌。陰陽不滯循自然，萬法歸一妙無方。
▶Modern Translation
A fragrant blossom crowns the root-less tree;
When heart and qi unite, the Way flourishes of itself.
Yin and yang circulate without blockage,
And all methods return to One—wonder without bounds.
▶Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正芳] Fragrant bloom, mature perfection.
2.[氣與心合道自昌] Qi-mind union—Dao prospers.
3.[陰陽不滯循自然] Unhindered yin-yang, natural flow.
4.[萬法歸一妙無方] All arts return to One—limitless subtlety.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
• Inner growth, not externals, creates true “fragrance.”
• Intent and energy align—skill deepens on its own.
• Seamless yin-yang keeps movement alive.
• Beyond forms, every tactic merges into boundless freedom.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
