Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 55#390
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 55
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正實，虛中有實，實中藏虛。氣行中正，意守丹田，形神合一，道由心發。
▶Modern Translation
A flower of true substance blooms on the rootless tree.
Within emptiness, there is fullness; within fullness, emptiness hides.
Qi moves in central balance; intent abides in the dantian.
Body and spirit act as one—Dao flows from the heart.
▶Interpretation
[無根樹，花正實] The true blossom emerges from within.[虛中有實，實中藏虛] Fullness in emptiness; emptiness within fullness.
[氣行中正，意守丹田] Qi stays centered; intent stays rooted.
[形神合一，道由心發] Unified body and spirit—Dao begins in the heart.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
True strength comes from internal alignment.
Balance hardness and softness, fullness and void.
Dantian as the source of movement and intent.
True form arises when heart leads the motion.
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