Rootless_Tree_24Chapter#18・Enlarged image of the painting
Enlarged image of the poem below as Xieyi
Chapter 18
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正高，海浪滔天月弄潮。銀河路，透九霄，槎影橫空泊斗梢。摸着織女支機石，踏遍牛郎駕鵲橋。遇仙曹，膽氣豪，盜得瑤池王母桃。
▶Modern Translation
The flower on the rootless tree soars high.
Ocean waves stir the heavens, the moon dances with the tide.
Sailing through the Milky Way, penetrating the nine heavens,
The shadow of the boat drifts across the sky, resting on the tip of the Dipper.
Touch the Weaver Maiden’s loom, step upon the Cowherd’s path,
Cross the Magpie Bridge, meet the Immortal.
With bold spirit, steal the peaches of immortality from the Queen Mother’s Garden.
▶Interpretation
The poet journeys across celestial realms, guided by courage and will.
It symbolizes transcending human limitations to unite with the infinite.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Tai Chi is more than movement—it is spiritual cultivation.
As one progresses, connection to nature and cosmos deepens,
And the spirit becomes as bold as the Immortals.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
