Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:24 Chapters-Chapter 20#581
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 20
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正奇，月裏栽培片晌時。挐雲手，步雲梯，採取先天第一枝。飲酒帶花神氣爽，笑煞仙翁醉似泥。託心知，謹護持，惟恐爐中火候飛。
▶Modern Translation
The flower blooming on the rootless tree is mysterious—cultivated in a moment under the moonlight.
One reaches for the cloud and climbs its ladder, picking the first innate branch.
Drinking wine and adorned with blossoms, the spirit is refreshed, intoxicated like an immortal.
Entrust your heart, remain vigilant, and be cautious not to let the fire in the furnace scatter.
▶Interpretation
• “Reaching for the cloud” symbolizes mastery of the intangible.
• “First innate branch” represents the primary innate power one must recover.
• “Entrusting the heart” means surrendering to natural spontaneity and intuition.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
This chapter illustrates the practitioner’s journey into intangible, cloud-like force—the invisible qi.
The caution to not scatter the furnace’s fire parallels the principle of avoiding overexertion or intentional tension in Tai Chi.
True cultivation leads back to “pre-heavenly” origin—Wuji, the source of all.
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