Wu-ken Shu The Rootless Tree
Attributed Attributed to Chang San-feng Translated Translated by Douglas Wile
Contents Bibliographic Bibliographic Information Author's Introduction Introduction Translation Chinese Text Bilingual Text Bibliography
2 2 4 10 12 17
Bibliographic Information
"Wugen shu" : The Rootless Tree: JH 38. App earing in Sanfeng danjue (Sanfeng's Instructions on the Elixir). A collection of poems associated with Zhang Sanfeng (14th c. C.E.?). Most likely dating from the 19th century, this text uses the language of sexology literature to discuss alchemical transformation. Thus, it may be interpreted as relating to sexual and/or alchemical techniques. (Komjathy, 2004)
Author's Introduction
The three texts attributed to Chang San-feng, however, are beset with formidable obstacles to determining both date and authorship. The Chin-tan chieh-yao (Summary of the golden elixir), Ts'ai-chen chi-yao (Secrets of gathering the true essence), and Wu-ken shu (Rootless tree) all appear in Fu Chin-ch'üan's Chengtao pi-shu shih-chung (Ten kinds of secret treatises on verification of the tao), a collection which may be approximately dated early ninteenth century. Of the three texts attributed by Fu Chin-ch'üan to Chang San-feng, the Summary and Secrets are unmistakably sexual, "The Rootless Tree" poems more metaphorically so. Ignoring for the moment that Ming and Ch'ing biographies of Chang San-feng variously place him in the Sung, Chin, Yüan or Ming and putting aside efforts to distinguish several historical figures sharing the same or ho mophonous names, it should be noted that the Summary and Secrets are absent from Li Hsi-yüeh's (1795-1850?) Chang San-feng ch'üan-chi (Complete works of Chang San-feng), while "The Rootless Tree" is included in the Complete Works with two distinctly anti-sexual commentaries. The twenty-four "Rootless Tree" poems, with preface dated 1802, appear in Liu Wu-yüan's Tao-shu shih-erh chung (Twelve kinds of Taoist works) published in 1913. Liu's notes to the verses are adopted by Li Hsi-yüeh, who also adds his own commentary. Although Liu interprets the central image of the "rootless tree" as symbolizing the fragility of the human body, and Li takes it as the ch'i which supports life as an invisible root system, nevertheless Liu and Li make common cause in opposing a sexual reading of the verses. The first edition of the Complete Works was published in 1844, but extant printing is that included in the Tao-tsang chi-yao (Essence of the Tao tsang ) published in 1906. A preface to "The Rootless Tree" by Ho Hsi-fu is dated 1847, and thus the poems must have been added du ring the interval between 1847 and 1906. Another compilation of writings attributed to Chang San-feng, the Chang San feng t'ai-chi lien-tan pi-chüeh (Secret transmissions of Chang San-feng on the Great Ultimate cultivation of the elixir) is of unknown editorship but may be approximately dated late Ch'ing. It contains the "The Rootless Tree," but not the Summary and Secrets as such. Oddly enough, six chapters of the Summary are reproduced in the Chang San-feng t'ai-chi lien-tan p i-chüeh, a clue which may some day lead us to the origins of all these works. Several other factors further confuse the picture of the three texts attributed to Chang San-feng. First, Li Hsi-yüeh is at great pains to distinguish "his" Chang San-feng from another Chang San-feng whom he describes as an exponent of sexual disciplines during the Liu Sung dynasty (420-77). In at least six sections of the Complete Works Li takes the opportunity to attack the general theory of sexual cultivation, and one wonders why he did not spare himself the trouble of explaining away the sexual implications of "The Rootless Tree" by simply attributing it to the "other" Chang Sanfeng and tossing it out. It maybe that the poem was considered a hot property and that the sexual and solo schools both desired to appropriate it. If the sexual implications of the text are less than nakedly transparent, a number of contemporary scholars have nevertheless managed to decode its m etaphors. Anna Seidel reports in a no te to her article, "A Taoist Immortal of the Ming Dynasty, Chang San-feng," that she was alerted to the sexual meaning of "The Rootless Tree" by Liu Ts'un-yan in personal communication. Huang Chao-han makes this point even more directly when he says in his book Ming-tai tao-shih Chang San-feng k'ao (A study of the Ming dynasty Taoist, Chang San-feng): "What is the real nature of the language of 'The Rootless Tree?' Does it really have nothing to do with sexual practice as stated by Liu Wu-yüan and Li Hsi-yüeh . . . ? The poem very obviously describes 'paired cultivation' and to claim that it does not is very d ifficult to believe." Reading "The Rootless Tree" alongside the sexual literature of the Ming, and especially the Summary and Secrets, one cannot help but be struck by such parallel phrases as, "Graft peach branches onto willow and pear onto mu lberry," "An unfertilized egg produces no ch icks," "Practicing only solitary meditation, the ch'i dries up," " K'un is a human being," "The lead flowers appear when the kuei is over," and "Repress your feelings as you confront the scene." Seen in this context, "The Rootless Tree" appears to be a rendering of the theme of sexual cultivation in a literary form. Needham dates these works "1410 (if genuine)," and I am inclined to agree with Huang Chao-han's 1976 Ph.D. thesis, "On the Cult of Chang San-feng and the Authenticity of his Works," which concludes that the " Rootless Tree" was written "by someone else du ring the early Ch'ing dynasty." I feel that the Summary and Secrets also reached their present form during the Ch'ing, perhaps even by the same hand. Just as the names P'eng Tsu , Su Nü and Jung Ch'eng were synonymous with sexual practices in their day, so Chang San-feng symbolized the sexual school from the Ming forward. Taoist solo practitioners have spared no effort to distinguish the Chang San-feng (whose name recalls the "Three Peaks" of the Exposition of
Cultivating the True Essence) from the Chang San-feng who is revered as a patriarch of numerous sects of religious Taoism, as a god of riches, as the creator of the internal school of pugilism, and so forth. Even fellow "paired" practitioner, Lu Hsi-hsing, felt obliged to disassociate himself from the infamo us Chang when he says in the p reface to his Seeking Instruction: "When I foolishly asked him [Lü Tung-pin] about the teachings of Chang San-feng, he rejected them." (Wile, 1992: 146-8)
The Rootless Tree 1 The rootless tree, Its flowers secluded. Who among those attached to the red dust of the world wou ld cultivate it? The affairs of this floating life; A ship on a sea of bitterness. Driven hither and thither, out of control. No sight of land or shore, how difficult to find safe mooring. We drift forever in a region of cruel sea monsters. If you will but turn your head, And look back a t this shore. Do not wait for the wind and waves to wr eck your ship. 2 The rootless tree, Its flowers so fragile. When the tree grows o ld, graft tender young branches. Graft peach onto w illow And pear onto mu lberry.1 We may take these as models of cultivating the true essence. This grafting method of the ancient immortals Is the original cure for old age. Seek out an enlightened master And inquire into the technique. To practice in great haste is as bad as practicing too late. 3 The rootless tree, Its flowers so fresh. From ancient times, flowers and wine have been the companions of the immortals Houses of pleasure; Feasts of wine and meat. Do not be guilty of flesh eating or lust. To be guilty of lust is to lose the treasure of long life. Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the tao is in the heart. Open your door; Let me tell you: Without wine or flowers, the tao cannot be r ealized. 4 The rootless tree, Its flowers so solitary. Let me ask if yin and yang have found their mates? An unfertilized egg produces no chicks, For this violates 2 the creative process of yin and yang . A woman without a hu sband becomes resentful; A man without a wife becomes embittered. Alas, those deluded souls Are lost in a daze. Practicing only solitary meditation, the ch'i dries up.
5 The rootless tree, Its flowers inclined. Departing from yin and yang the tao is incomplete. If metal is separated from wood Or mercury from lead, Lone yang and solitary yin become isolated from each other. In this world yin and yang express themselves as the mating of man and woman, And children and grandchildren continue the generations. Going with this process is the common way; Going against it is the way of the immortals. It is all a matter of turning things upside down. 6 The rootless tree, Its flowers so new. Production is with K'un, and K'un is a h uman being. Pluck the flower's cap; Pick the flower's heart. The flower bud conceals layer upon layer of spring's beauty. People today fail to understand the principle contained in the flower. One transmission of heaven's secret is worth ten thousand pieces of gold. We borrow the flower's name To explain the flower's form. Every line and every verse is solemn truth. 7 The rootless tree, Its flowers profuse. Beautiful, elegant and as adorable as a rice cake. Guard against [thoughts as wild as] monkeys and horses, So unworthy and foolish. Put on the iron-faced countenance of a stern mother, And bring out the gr een dragon, the true precious sword. Gather all the fresh flowers from the top of the wall. Take advantage of favorable winds, And return with a full load. How could one travel for nothing to a mountain of treasures. 8 The rootless tree, Its flowers in flight. There is a fixed time for retiring and reopening. The lead flowers appear When the kuei is over. As always, flowers cover all the branches in the Western Garden. Go out gathering under the moon, And mend your robe in the morning sun. This subtle mystery Is known by very few. One must commune with the immortals and carefully study. 9 The rootless tree, Its flowers are open. Plucking them from the crescent moon stove, 3 One may lengthen the ye ars And eliminate illness and disaster. Make good friends to prepare techniques and r esources. From this point, one may b ecome a treasure of he aven, Though those dwelling in delusion may r idicule our foolishness. Encourage those of worth and talent, And do not engage in trouble making. Without an enlightened teacher do not try to guess the answer.
10 The rootless tree, Its flowers so round. When you harvest the fruit, the flavor is perfect. Red oranges As round as p ellets. Be protective and watchful, without allowing idleness. Learn a bit of the head retraction technique of plants, So that one may restore life, revert to the root, and return to the original source. Choose a spiritual location To establish your meditation cell. Combine the primordial essences and complete the great circulation. 11 The rootless tree, Its flowers so properous. Although we speak of rootlessness, it does have roots. The three powers p oints; And two f ives essence. When heaven and earth mate, all things are born. When sun and moon mate, cold and heat alternate at suitable times. When man and woman m ate, pregnancy ensues. In great d etail, I set this forth, Fearing only that receiving these teachings you not seriously practice. 12 The rootless tree, Its flowers so fine. Repress your feelings as you confront the scene and play with the moon's halo. The splendor of the golden essence dazzles the eyes. Do not pick the wrong flowers from the garden. The five metals and eight minerals are all false; The ten thousand h erbs and thousand pr escriptions are all worthless. The golden toad; And jade crow. Those who understand the true lead will be accomplished adepts. 13 The rootless tree, Its flowers so numerous. When the whole earth is in bloom, keep d istant from the river of love. What a pity if one falls into debauchery! Step carefully as if in a dragon or tiger's lair; Pluck the yellow flower and return to the cave. Your name will be inscribed in the Purple Palace, never to be effaced. Laugh, ha ha, As white clouds ga ther. Prepare the heavenly ladder and ascend to the celestial sphere. 14 The rootless tree, Its flowers so fragrant. The head, now warm, reveals its precious light. From atop the golden bridge, Gaze at the winding river. Within the moon, so c learly, see the blazing sun. Consume the crow's liver with the rabbit's marrow And remove every speck of filth from the old belly and guts. The realm of fame and fortune; And the land of love and kindness. Never look back again at the vanity of life.
15 The rootless tree, Its flowers so fresh. The tally fire heats the mercury and lead. When you approach the stove, The scene appears before you. While gathering the medicine, rely on the ship of salvation, Handling the rudder with skill and firmness. Now let the great waves roll from the bottom of the sea. Traverse the three passes And penetrate the ni-wan As it passes through the n ine orifices of the entire body. 16 The rootless tree, Its flowers intense. Identify the true lead as the real precursor. Ching , ch'i and spirit Are heated together in the crucible. A woman can become a m an and the old revert to youth. Capture the white tiger from the west, But first subdue the dragon of the east. Each according to its own kind, Work with diligence. When the external medicine penetrates, so does the internal. 17 The rootless tree, Its flowers so delicate. Stars respond in Heaven, And the tides on earth. The dragon slaying sword; And tiger tying cord. Mobilize the Big Dipper, turning its handle, And refine the true sun and moon in the stove. Sweep out all of the three thousand six hundred items. Stroll in the heavens, Wandering freely and easily. All sins and worldly defilements disappear in a single s troke. 18 The rootless tree, Its flowers so tall. The waves of the s ea fill the sky, while the moon toys with the tides. The path of the Milky Way Pierces the most distant space. The raft's shadow traverses the heavens and moors at the Dipp er's handle. Touch the Weaving Maid's loom stone, Walk about the Herd Boy, and drive across the Magpie Bridge. Meeting ranks of immortals One's courage soars. Steal the Queen Mother of the West's peach of immortality from the Jade Pool Paradise.
19 The rootless tree, Its flowers are paired. Dragon and tiger enter the lists to engage in battle. Lead is cast into mercury; Yin is matched with yang . The mysterious pearl of the phenomenal world is a priceless gift. These are the true seeds of the backyard garden. Reverse aging, return to youth, and enjoy long life. Mount to heaven; The way of supreme happiness. Avoid the wheel of reincarnation and m eeting the King of H ades. 20 The rootless tree, Its flowers extraordinary. Plant them in the moon for a moment. Take the cloud hands; Climb the cloud ladder. Pluck the first primordial branch, Drinking the wine and carrying off the flowers in high spirits. Laughing himself to death, the immortal seems to be in a drunken stupor. Entrust yourself to close companions, Who carefully help and support you. Fear only that the first stage of the essence escape from the stove. 21 The rootless tree, Its flowers so yellow. Production is in the central region of Celestial Stems wu and chi. The partner of the east becomes a girl, And the partner of the west becomes a boy, Matching husband and wife, enter the nu ptial chamber. The Yellow Dame invites them to drink the wine of true wisdom. Daily heat the wedding wine and drink a bout. The formula of the immortals Is a liquer that revives the soul. Rising from death and returning to life, this is the king of me dicines. 22 The rootless tree, Its flowers so bright. The dark side of the moon and Pole Star press the brightness of the sun. Marrow of the golden flower; Ching of the jade rabbit. Capture the two and cook them together. The yang fire and yin tally are divided by Terrestrial Branches tzu and wu. Now rest as you approach the gates of Br anches mao and yu. Concentrate on the yellow court; And cultivate the valley spirit. A man becomes p regnant and laughs himself to death. 23 The rootless tree, Its flowers so red. Pick all the red flowers till the tree is empty. Sh !nyat " is sams "ra; Sams"ra is sh!nyat ".4 Know that the true shuny "ta is found in the midst of sams "ra; And when one fully understands the nature of sh !nyat " , sams "ra disappears. The dharma lives forever, n ever falling into emptiness. This is called perfect enlightenment, And one deserves the title of great hero. The ninth patriarch achieves salvation and ascends to heaven.
24 The rootless tree, Its flowers disappeared. Without trace or form, impossible to represent its image. It is without name, But responds to the call. Capture and place it in the transformation stove. Circulate the fire of sam "dhi one co smic orbit. Strive for the true emptiness and return to the great void. Received in the paradise of the immortals, Accept the heavenly tally. Now one is truly a great man.
Notes 1. The character in Chang San-feng ch'üan-chi and Chang San-feng t'ai-chi lien-tan p i-chüeh
is nieh , which makes no sense here. Li is the standard character in this familiar phrase, an example of which may be found in The Exposition of Cultivating the True Essence. 2. K'en liao in Chang San-feng t'ai-chi lien-tan pi-chüeh does not read as well as pei liao in the Ch'üan-chi and is obviously a scribal error. 3. The yen-yüeh lu is a cover for the vulva. 4. Sh!nyat " is emptiness and sams "ra the mundane world. Their equation here is the standard Ch'an Buddhist statement indicating that nirv"na is not outside of but immament within the ev eryday world.
Wu-ken Shu
The Rootless Tree 1
The rootless tree, its flowers secluded. Who among those attached to the red dust of the world would cultivate it? The affairs of this floating life; a ship on a sea of bitterness. Driven hither and thither, out of control. No sight of land or shore, how difficult to find safe mooring. We drift forever in a region of cruel sea monsters. If you will but turn your head, and look back at this shore. Do not wait for the wind and waves to wreck your ship.
2
The rootless tree, its flowers so fragile. When the tree grows old, graft tender young branches. Graft peach onto willow and pear onto mulberry.1 We may take these as models of cultivating the true essence. This grafting method of the ancient immortals Is the original cure for old age. Seek out an enlightened master and inquire into the technique. To practice in great haste is as bad as practicing too late.
3
The rootless tree, its flowers so fresh. From ancient times, flowers and wine have been the companions of the immortals Houses of pleasure; feasts of wine and meat. Do not be guilty of flesh eating or lust. To be guilty of lust is to lose the treasure of long life. Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the tao is in the heart. Open your door; let me tell you: Without wine or flowers, the tao cannot be r ealized.
4
The rootless tree, its flowers so solitary. Let me ask if yin and yang have found their mates? An unfertilized egg produces no chicks, For this violates 2 the creative process of yin and yang . A woman without a husband becomes resentful; A man without a wife becomes embittered. Alas, those deluded souls are lost in a daze. Practicing only solitary meditation, the ch'i dries up.
5
The rootless tree, its flowers inclined. Departing from yin and yang the tao is incomplete. If metal is separated from wood or mercury from lead, Lone yang and solitary yin become isolated from each other. In this world yin and yang express themselves as the mating of man and woman, And children and grandchildren continue the generations. Going with this process is the common way; going against it is the way of the immortals. It is all a matter of turning things upside down.
6
The rootless tree, its flowers so new. Production is with K'un, and K'un is a hu man being. Pluck the flower's cap; pick the flower's heart. The flower bud conceals layer upon layer of spring's beauty. People today fail to understand the principle contained in the flower. One transmission of heaven's secret is worth ten thousand pieces of gold. We borrow the flower's name to explain the flower's form. Every line and every verse is solemn truth.
7
The rootless tree, its flowers profuse. Beautiful, elegant and as adorable as a rice cake. Guard against [thoughts as wild as] monkeys and horses, so unworthy and foolish. Put on the iron-faced countenance of a stern mother, And bring out the green dragon, the true precious sword. Gather all the fresh flowers from the top of the wall. Take advantage of favorable winds and return with a full load. How could one travel for nothing to a mountain of treasures.
8
The rootless tree, its flowers in flight. There is a fixed time for retiring and reopening. The lead flowers appear when the kuei is over. As always, flowers cover all the branches in the Western Garden. Go out gathering under the moon, And mend your robe in the morning sun. This subtle mystery is known by very few. One must commune with the immortals and carefully study.
9
The rootless tree, its flowers are open. Plucking them from the crescent moon stove,3 One may lengthen the years and eliminate illness and disaster. Make good friends to prepare techniques and resources. From this point, one may become a treasure of heaven, Though those dwelling in delusion may ridicule our foolishness. Encourage those of worth and talent and do not engage in trouble making. Without an enlightened teacher do not try to guess the answer.
10
The rootless tree, its flowers so round. When you harvest the fruit, the flavor is perfect. Red oranges as round as pellets. Be protective and watchful, without allowing idleness. Learn a bit of the head retraction technique of plants, So that one may restore life, revert to the root, and return to the original source. Choose a spiritual location to establish your meditation cell. Combine the primordial essences and complete the great circulation.
11
The rootless tree, its flowers so properous. Although we speak of rootlessness, it does have roots. The three powers points; and two fives essence. When heaven and earth mate, all things are born. When sun and moon mate, cold and heat alternate at suitable times. When man and woman mate, pregnancy ensues. In great detail, I set this forth, Fearing only that receiving these teachings you not seriously practice.
12
The rootless tree, its flowers so fine. Repress your feelings as you confront the scene and play with the moon's halo. The splendor of the golden essence dazzles the eyes. Do not pick the wrong flowers from the garden. The five metals and eight minerals are all false; The ten thousand herbs and thousand prescriptions are all worthless. The golden toad and jade crow. Those who understand the true lead will be accomplished adepts.
13
The rootless tree, its flowers so numerous. When the whole earth is in bloom, keep distant from the river of love. What a pity if one falls into debauchery! Step carefully as if in a dragon or tiger's lair; Pluck the yellow flower and return to the cave. Your name will be inscribed in the Purple Palace, never to be effaced. Laugh, ha ha, as white clouds gather. Prepare the heavenly ladder and ascend to the celestial sphere.
14
The rootless tree, its flowers so fragrant. The head, now warm, reveals its precious light. From atop the golden bridge, gaze at the winding river. Within the moon, so clearly, see the blazing sun. Consume the crow's liver with the rabbit's marrow And remove every speck of filth from the old belly and guts. The realm of fame and fortune; and the land of love and kindness. Never look back again at the vanity of life.
15
The rootless tree, its flowers so fresh. The tally fire heats the mercury and lead. When you approach the stove, the scene appears before you. While gathering the medicine, rely on the ship of salvation, Handling the rudder with skill and firmness. Now let the great waves roll from the bottom of the sea. Traverse the three passes and penetrate the ni-wan As it passes through the nine orifices of the entire body.
16
The rootless tree, its flowers intense. Identify the true lead as the real precursor. Ching , ch'i and spirit are heated together in the crucible. A woman can become a man and the old revert to youth. Capture the white tiger from the west, But first subdue the dragon of the east. Each according to its own kind, work with diligence. When the external medicine penetrates, so does the internal.
17
The rootless tree, its flowers so delicate. Stars respond in Heaven, and the tides on earth. The dragon slaying sword; and tiger tying cord. Mobilize the Big Dipper, turning its handle, And refine the true sun and moon in the stove. Sweep out all of the three thousand six hundred items. Stroll in the heavens, wandering freely and easily. All sins and worldly defilements disappear in a single stroke.
18
The rootless tree, its flowers so tall. The waves of the sea fill the sky, while the moon toys with the tides. The path of the Milky Way pierces the most distant space. The raft's shadow traverses the heavens and moors at the Dipper's handle. Touch the Weaving Maid's loom stone, Walk about the Herd Boy, and drive across the Magpie Bridge. Meeting ranks of immortals one's courage soars. Steal the Queen Mother of the West's peach of immortality from the Jade Pool Paradise.
19
The rootless tree, its flowers are paired. Dragon and tiger enter the lists to engage in battle. Lead is cast into mercury; yin is matched with yang . The mysterious pearl of the phenomen al world is a priceless gift. These are the true seeds of the backyard garden. Reverse aging, return to youth, and enjoy long life. Mount to heaven; the way of supreme happiness. Avoid the wheel of reincarnation and meeting the King of Hades.
20
The rootless tree, its flowers extraordinary. Plant them in the moon for a moment. Take the cloud hands; climb the cloud ladder. Pluck the first primordial branch, Drinking the wine and carrying off the flowers in high spirits. Laughing himself to death, the immortal seems to be in a drunken stupor. Entrust yourself to close companions who carefully help and support you. Fear only that the first stage of the essence escape from the stove.
21
The rootless tree, its flowers so yellow. Production is in the central region of Celestial Stems wu and chi. The partner of the east becomes a girl, and the partner of the west becomes a boy, Matching husband and wife, enter the nuptial chamber. The Yellow Dame invites them to drink the wine of true wisdom. Daily heat the wedding wine and drink a bout. The formula of the immortals is a liquer that revives the soul. Rising from death and returning to life, this is the king of medicines.
22
The rootless tree, its flowers so bright. The dark side of the moon and Pole Star press the brightness of the sun. Marrow of the golden flower; ching of the jade rabbit. Capture the two and cook them together. The yang fire and yin tally are divided by Terrestrial Branches tzu and wu. Now rest as you approach the gates of Branches mao and yu. Concentrate on the yellow court and cultivate the valley spirit. A man becomes pregnant and laughs himself to death.
23
The rootless tree, its flowers so red. Pick all the red flowers till the tree is empty. Sh!nyat " is sams "ra, sams "ra is sh!nyat ".4 Know that the true shuny "ta is found in the midst of sams "ra; And when one fully understands the nature of sh !nyat " , sams "ra disappears. The dharma lives forever, n ever falling into emptiness. This is called perfect enlightenment and one deserves the title of great hero. The ninth patriarch achieves salvation and ascends to heaven.
24
The rootless tree, its flowers disappear ed. Without trace or form, impossible to represent its image. It is without name, but responds to the call. Capture and place it in the transformation stove. Circulate the fire of sam "dhi one co smic orbit. Strive for the true emptiness and return to the great void. Received in the paradise of the immortals, accept the heavenly tally. Now one is truly a great man.
Bibliography
Komjathy, Louis, "Daoist Texts in Translation", 2004. Wile, Douglas. Art o f the Bedchamber: Th e Chinese Sexual Yoga Classics Including Women's Solo Meditation Texts. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992: 188-92; 270.
