in the land of the rising sun, where mysteries abound and ancient lore whispers through the bamboo forests, there doth exist esoteric knowledge, hidden from the eyes of mere mortals. yet, fear not, for through diligent research and with a heart that doth turn a blind eye to the mundane, one can uncover these secrets. let this pre-introductory guide be thy compass, bringing thee back to the start of thy quest for wisdom, embarking on a journey to unveil the hidden, the mysterious, the truly esoteric treasures of asia.