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 81
▶Original Text
無根樹，花正明，心隨氣轉體如瓊。陰陽進退皆有度，太極之道妙中平。
▶Modern Translation
A lucid bloom crowns the root-less tree;
Heart flows with qi, the body pliant as polished jade.
Yin-yang advance and retreat with perfect measure;
The marvel of Tai Chi lives in the balanced mean.
▶Interpretation
1.[無根樹，花正明] Clear blossom, unclouded heart.
2.[心隨氣轉體如瓊] Mind rides qi—body smooth as jade.
3.[陰陽進退皆有度] Each shift of poles keeps its bounds.
4.[太極之道妙中平] Tai Chi’s secret: subtle equipoise.
▶Interpretation related to Tai Chi
• Purify intent; transparency appears in every move.
• When mind and qi coincide, the body turns friction-free.
• Attack/defence know no excess or deficiency—only rhythm.
• True power grows from holding the vibrant centre.
