1. The Fade That Never Ends
Explanation:
As an introduction to the process of forgetting and the dissolution of the ego, a crucial step in Neidan. The « fade » and the slow disappearance into the « boundless sky » reflect the process of merging with the Tao, where the individual slowly dissolves into the infinite, abandoning any sense of separation. The idea of « never dying » symbolizes the passage beyond death, the immortality of the soul in the Tao.

2. Golden Hour
Explanation:
This piece speaks of original purity, the perfect moment of light, the present instant before the influence of concepts and projections. Neidan views the present moment as a sacred space where transformation can occur, through reintegration into primordial unity. The « golden hour » is an allegory for the opportune moment for illumination.

3. The Little Journey
Explanation:
This piece refers to the inner journey, the attention given to the present moment, and the ability to perceive the unmoving movement. The use of Taoist imagery and contemplation of the origin, without naming or defining, recalls the importance of direct and immediate experience, free from concepts, in Neidan practice. The heart is « a temple without a door, » an idea linked to the notion of the pure soul which has no boundaries.

4. The Blue Hour
Explanation:
This track explores the transition between day and night, the balance between shadow and light, an idea that aligns with the inner alchemical process of Neidan. The « blue hour » symbolizes the state of deep calm before spiritual awakening, the silence in which the alchemist immerses before allowing the inner light to emerge. The passage from the visible to the invisible, from the tangible to the intangible.

5. Ornaments
Explanation:
This piece evokes the spiritual quest, the illusions that dissipate (« dreams are lies when night departs »), and the confrontation with spiritual laws, reminding us of the importance of understanding the truth beyond appearances. The ornament of the sky is a metaphor for distractions and illusions that prevent one from seeing the pure truth. This relates to the necessity in Neidan to detach from external illusions to focus on the essential, which leads to illumination.

6. Where the Hare Still Breathes
Explanation:
In this piece, the spiritual quest is approached through the lens of dissolving fears and opening up to the invisible. « Where the hare still breathes » refers to a space where subtle movement and continuous breath are present, yet invisible to the ordinary eye. Neidan emphasizes the practice of stillness and concentration to perceive this hidden truth. The piece also explores the idea that in silence, everything is known, without the need for naming.

7. Singular Spark
Explanation:
Here, the concept of the singular spark alludes to the awakening of consciousness in Neidan tradition. This « spark » could be the seed of Qi, the primordial energy that initiates the alchemical process. The piece highlights the idea that true awakening does not lie in grand desires, but in the subtle perception of this inner spark, beyond love or desire.

8. The Lamp Banner
Explanation:
This piece symbolizes the inner light that guides the practitioner through the darkness of ignorance. The « flame » dancing within the walls of silence recalls the spiritual light that shines in the darkness. In Neidan, the inner light represents the understanding that gradually reveals itself as one progresses along the path, although this light is not visible from the outside, but only perceived within.

9. Advaita
Explanation:
This title refers to Advaita, meaning « non-duality, » a concept shared between Taoism and certain mystical traditions, notably in the mystical theology of Dionysius the Areopagite. In Neidan, non-duality is reflected in the union of yin and yang, where opposites are not seen as separate, but as a complementary unity. « One does not walk without the other » indicates this necessary complementarity for spiritual ascension.

10. The Great Journey
Explanation:
This track evokes the idea of the great initiatory journey in Neidan, an inner journey that traverses the subtle dimensions of reality. The « memories of past lives » refer to the experiences accumulated within the soul, which can be transmuted during this journey. « The promise of a life » refers to the idea of spiritual immortality attained through purification and inner transformation.

11. Luminous Darkness
Explanation:
This piece is a beautiful allegory of the light that emerges from darkness, a central theme in Neidan. The « doorless chamber » evokes the mysterious inner space of the alchemist, where profound transformations occur, hidden from the world’s eyes. The light that « opens from within » symbolizes the revelation of the Tao, which cannot be perceived from the outside but unfolds slowly in the darkness of the depths of being.

12. All Voices
Explanation:
This piece closes the album as a synthesis of the entire initiatory process. « All voices » refer to the universal harmony, the resonance of the Tao in every aspect of life. It is a return to the original unity, where one understands that all voices, all actions, are interconnected and lead to the ultimate truth. This track embodies the completion of the alchemical process, where the individual becomes one with the universe.

13.The Vak Within
Explanation:
This piece explores the profound power of silence and subtlety. The title « The Vak Within » refers to the « vak, » an ancient Sanskrit term for the divine voice or sound that is beyond mere words. The introduction sets the tone by suggesting that not all sounds are meant to be spoken; some reveal truths through their silent unfolding.

Zi