1,1:
As if in some twisted dream, I had sailed on a vehement howl back to my bedroom from the Home of Dragons. That vast expanse; a composition stringing together staccato mountains, singing melodies of Literati poetry, and structures risen with the strength of terracotta armies under the watchful minds of emperors.
1,2:
What lush tradition was left in its wake yet a famine in the hollow of its people! Such is the dynastic jest of this world.
1,3:
At every fork in the road there is a monster.
1,4:
If we are made to fight monsters, we shall be valiant about it with a blazing glory emanating from our heart centres.
1,5:
O! The strength it takes to keep a tender heart!
1,6:
Let this be a parable of love and courage.
1,7:
Burn the wisdoms of our generous ancestors into our wide-open eyes.
Drink deep from the abyss, rippling with ecstasy behind the black.
Each breath we take is a shuddering reverie across its shining web.
All of us alike, slammed to the ground by its quiet immensity.
1,8:
Like the heroes of folklore, we too will reach the starry truth as we do every night in sweet, languorous slumber.
1,9:
Heed the signs of the universe. Garner and nourish your own secret symbologies with the astute vigilance of a Virgo. Hold steadfast to the knowledge it teaches you in the limbic realms; a hermit journey that belongs to you alone. This will guide you to the gates to the essence of everything!
1,10:
Honour yourself and others through the integration of light and shadow, east and west, yin and yang, vulnerability and power, breathing in and out like a tiger; a creature that is both instinctual yet recessed.
1,11:
As you live, so you die.
1,12:
Like a crane soaring across the moonlit waters, let me be a floating dance as I’m made anew.
1,13:
Behold! The first tale of Dia Gila commences.
🎨/📷 by Jakub Halun, Fragment of the Nine Dragon Wall in Forbidden City, Beijing, 2009