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・Outer Verse 6
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正凋，東風吹過江南潮。月明星，照大地，陰陽交合真氣妙。
▶Modern Translation
A blossom on the rootless tree is wilting.An east wind crosses southern tides; bright moon and stars light the land.When Yin and Yang unite, subtle True Qi is born.
▶Interpretation
[無根樹，花正凋] Fading bloom—acceptance of decline.[東風吹過江南潮] East wind stirs the southern tides.
[月明星，照大地] Moon and stars illumine the earth.
[陰陽交合真氣妙] Union births wondrous True Qi.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
Yielding to loss seeds renewal.
External stimuli awaken internal movement.
Observation in stillness sharpens awareness.
Harmonized forces ignite living power.
