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・Chapter 16
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正濃，認取眞鉛正祖宗。炁精神，一鼎烹，女轉成男老變童。欲向西方擒白虎，先往東家伏青龍。類相同，好用功，外藥通時内藥通。
▶Modern Translation
The flower on the rootless tree blossoms richly.
Recognizing true lead, one understands ancestral truth.
Qi and spirit are cooked together;
Woman becomes man, the old returns to youth.
To capture the White Tiger in the west, first subdue the Azure Dragon in the east.
Like draws to like; internal and external forces must harmonize.
▶Interpretation
True transformation arises from unity of essence and spirit.
Masculine and feminine, old and young—these opposites transcend through cultivation.
East and West, Dragon and Tiger—balancing yin and yang is essential.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Tai Chi is the art of balancing opposites.
Through integration of mind, body, and energy, one overcomes dualities and reaches unity.
