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・Appendix III
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正芳，瑶草琪花異芬芳。圓如月，豔如陽，採向蟾宮蟹兔房。
喫了便宜無價寶，服之立見體生光。煉中央，守黃房，內有乾坤透靈光。
▶Modern Translation
The flower of the rootless tree is fragrant. Jade herbs and sacred blossoms release distinct aromas.
Its roundness is like the moon, its luster like the sun.
Go pluck the crabs and rabbits from the Moon Palace.
Eat and you’ll gain a treasure; ingest, and your body shines.
Temper the center, guard the Yellow Chamber, and spirit light will flow through Heaven and Earth within.
▶Interpretation
• Describes internal transformation—spiritual light manifesting in the physical body.
• Yellow Chamber refers to the dantian, the energy center.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
The dantian is the root of Tai Chi power.
True internal skill causes the body and aura to radiate vitality—like a sacred moonlit glow.
