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Human in the LoopJonathan Harrell’s Commonplace Book

Reflections at the Golden Pavilion,
Beside burning incense and an ocean of stones.

The reflection of a golden pavilion building on the surface of a still pond, with slight ripples distorting the reflection. A single rock juts out from the water, adding to the tranquil and contemplative scene.
A close-up of an incense burner filled with lit incense sticks. A person’s hand is seen reaching toward the incense, which emits thin streams of smoke, creating a calming atmosphere. The metal burner has a green and gold finish.
A minimalist Zen rock garden featuring a central arrangement of large stones surrounded by meticulously raked white gravel. The garden exudes simplicity and calm, inviting contemplation and reflection.
A close-up view of the roof of a Japanese pagoda against a clear blue sky. The intricate design of the roof’s eaves and the decorative tiles create a strong geometric pattern, with light gently illuminating the edges.

Chasing foxes at Fushimi Inari Shrine,
Where torii run endlessly away from me.

A long pathway lined with bright red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. The gates are inscribed with black kanji characters, and the path leads upward along a series of stone steps, offering a view of the seemingly endless sequence of gates.

Kyoto sunlight striking over kanji,
Breaking through forests of bamboo.

A close-up of Japanese text carved into a stone tablet, with soft shadows of leaves and trees cast upon the surface, giving the image a peaceful and natural atmosphere.
A tranquil Japanese garden scene with tall, slender trees growing above a lush, green moss-covered ground. In the background, a traditional thatched-roof building is partially obscured by the dense foliage, adding to the sense of serenity and seclusion.

Faces frozen in stone,
At peace or silently screaming,
Gnashing their moss-covered teeth.

Close-up of moss-covered stone statues in a shaded part of a garden. The figures appear weathered and ancient, some with serene expressions and others with more abstract features, surrounded by ferns and plants.
A collection of moss-covered stone statues depicting various human-like figures. Some statues have serene expressions, while others appear to be smiling or in contemplation, all surrounded by greenery in a shaded area of the garden.

I, like the fish, follow the sunlight,
And swim in the shadow of Nijo trees.

The ornate roof of a traditional Japanese temple building adorned with intricate carvings and decorative motifs. A large pine tree frames the view, its branches blending with the temple’s rooftop.
A view of a traditional Japanese garden from an elevated vantage point, showcasing tall pine trees and dense greenery. The rooftop of a traditional building partially peeks through the foliage, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
A serene Japanese garden with a large pond surrounded by rocks and lush green trees. Small islands with moss-covered stones and carefully pruned pines reflect in the still water, offering a peaceful and tranquil scene.
A group of orange and yellow koi fish swimming in a calm pond. The sunlight shines down on them, creating a beam of light that highlights their movement beneath the surface of the water.

Where there are gates and demons, I turn away.

A detailed view of an old, patinated metal gate with rows of rusty rivets. The weathered texture of the gate is highlighted by shades of green and brown, and a decorative stone post stands in front, adding to the historic feel.
A close-up of a weathered statue of a fierce warrior or guardian figure with an intense expression, gripping a weapon. The statue shows signs of aging with chipped paint and a rough surface, giving it a worn, yet powerful presence.

I follow the sunset path to Kiyomizudera,
And watch the shadows take Kyoto.

A bustling street filled with people walking between traditional Japanese buildings. The sun sets in the background, casting long shadows and bathing the scene in a warm glow. The street is lined with shops, and trees with green foliage frame the scene.
A multi-tiered pagoda rises above a lush forest, with soft light from the setting sun illuminating its intricate roof. In the background, rolling hills and mountains provide a peaceful backdrop, while the pagoda stands in sharp contrast against the natural scenery.
A large wooden temple structure with a balcony overlooking a forested hillside at sunset. The light casts a warm, golden hue across the scene, creating lens flares. People can be seen on the balcony, enjoying the view of the surrounding landscape and distant city.