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 20
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正豔，光芒四射照乾坤。心若無欲自然強，得心應手則無悔。
▶Modern Translation
On a rootless tree a dazzling flower shines;
Its light radiates everywhere, brightening Heaven and Earth.
When the heart is free of desire it is naturally strong;
When mind and hand act as one, regret cannot follow.
▶Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正豔] Splendour that emanates from within.
2.[光芒四射照乾坤] Inner brilliance illuminates the cosmos.
3.[心若無欲自然強] Desireless mind yields effortless strength.
4.[得心應手則無悔] Unity of intent and action leaves no remorse.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
•True radiance comes from cultivated qi, not ornament.
•Qi spreads in all directions when centred in dantian.
•Non-attachment eliminates excess tension, empowering natural movement.
•Perfect harmony of mind and body is the state beyond error.
