Xieyi・The Rootless Tree:100 Verses-Verse 92#297
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
The verse reminds us that the world is never fixed; insight appears and disappears in cycles, just as the breath rises and returns.
This painting expresses that transformation through calligraphy-like strokes and the interplay of light and shadow.
The ink spreads in layers of drifting motion, suggesting both emergence and dissolution — the quiet pulse of the unseen world.
The luminous center represents the spark of awareness that rises within stillness, while the surrounding forms echo the rhythm of uncertainty and release.
From a feng shui perspective, this artwork carries the energy of “Hidden Clarity” (Yin-Zhao Ming) — a quality that supports intuition, reflection, and inner vision.
It is ideal for meditation rooms, workspaces, or any environment where deeper insight is needed.
The balanced movement of dark and light helps clear mental stagnation and enhances subtle awareness.
May this painting act as a quiet talisman, guiding the viewer toward the clarity that emerges from the turning of the heart.
The Rootless Tree・Verse 92
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正紅，氣滿三田性不空。陰陽推演神光現，太極流行道眼通。
▶Modern Translation
A crimson flower glows on the rootless tree.Qi fills the Three Fields, and essence remains whole.Advance the yin-yang interplay, and divine light appears.When Tai Chi flows, the eye of Dao opens.
▶Interpretation
[無根樹，花正紅] Crimson bloom—pure, unbound power.[氣滿三田性不空] Qi fills three centers—nature remains full.
[陰陽推演神光現] Evolving dualities—spirit-light emerges.
[太極流行道眼通] Flowing Tai Chi—Dao’s vision awakens.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Form is soft, core is firm: beauty of strength.
Energy flows through upper, middle, and lower fields.
Intuitive clarity is born of yin-yang refinement.
Tai Chi awakens insight into life’s underlying truths.
Copyright © MASAKI WAKABAYASHI. All rights reserved.
