Chan (Zen) Buddhism profoundly influences Xieyi painting, emphasizing intuition, direct experience, mindfulness, and the concept of emptiness, aligning with the art form's focus on spontaneity, self-expression, and the pursuit of truth through art.
Xieyi painting is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly Daoism and Chan Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity, mindfulness, the pursuit of qi or vital energy, and the spiritual significance of emptiness in art.