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 40
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正赤，四海皆春，萬物長生。陰陽相濟，氣運悠遠，人生無常，行者無求。
▶Modern Translation
On the rootless tree a crimson flower appears;
Spring fills the four seas, and life endures.
Yin and yang aid each other, qi flows without end;
Though life is impermanent, the walker of the Way seeks nothing.
▶Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正赤] – Red = vivid life and transient beauty.
2.[四海皆春，萬物長生] – Universal spring, thriving vitality.
3.[陰陽相濟，氣運悠遠] – Balanced synergy sustains endless qi.
4.[人生無常，行者無求] – Accept impermanence; practise without grasping.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
•Life force shows in each instantaneous move.
•Practice nurtures longevity through harmonious qi.
•Steady yin–yang exchange keeps flow unbroken.
•Let go of gain or loss; simply walk the Dao.
