Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:24 Chapters-Chapter 6#405
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.
Details of Tao Code, Feng Shui and talismans in Xieyi Painting
This chapter describes the moment when inner chaos dissolves, and pure awareness rises from within —
a return to the source where truth becomes visible once more.
unfolding into expanding rings of light and breath.
The brushwork moves slowly, like ripples across still water —
expressing both the inward gathering of qi and its gentle outward release.
the stabilizing energy that grounds the mind, restores balance, and quiets emotional turbulence.
It is ideal for meditation rooms, bedrooms, reading spaces, or any environment where calm focus is desired.
bringing grounding, nourishment, and stability.
The gentle gradient from darkness to light clears stagnant qi,
inviting harmony and inner renewal.
a center of calm that gathers your scattered thoughts
and restores the gentle rhythm of your heart.
The Rootless Tree・Chapter 6
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正新，産在坤方坤是人。摘花戴，採花心，花蕊層層艷麗春。時人不達花中理，一訣天機值萬金。借花名，作花身，句句敲爻說得眞。
▶Modern Translation
Now, a new blossom blooms on the rootless tree.
It is born from “Kun” (Earth, feminine energy), and is the human body.
Pick the flower, extract the heart.
Its petals are many, resplendent like spring.
Few understand the truth of this flower.
But to know this secret is to touch Heaven’s mystery.
I borrow the name of “flower” to speak of its form.
Each word is a symbol of truth.
▶Interpretation
• The “flower” symbolizes spiritual essence or inner elixir.
• “Kun is Earth”—the body is the vessel where spirit is cultivated.
• “Extracting the flower’s heart” = refining jing, qi, and shen.
• Each word is a symbolic trigger of transformation.▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
• Qi is like a flower on a rootless tree—it arises from internal cultivation.
• The “waist” (dantian) is Kun—it gives birth to energy.
• Every motion should express the Dao.
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