#enlightenment

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James Hutton (1726–1797), father of modern geology, was born , 14 June (NS; 3 June OS). One of the first European proponents of “deep time”, the conclusion of his 1788 paper “Theory of the Earth” has been called one of the most lyrical sentences in all of science:

The result, therefore, of our present enquiry is, that we find no vestige of a beginning,—no prospect of an end.

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https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/2808

A portrait of James Hutton, painted by Sir Henry Raeburn. Oil on canvas, c. 1776. Hutton – a slim, middle-aged man, clean-shaven and with a receding hairline – sits in a plain wooden chair. His left leg is crossed over his right knee, and his hands are interlaced on his lap. He wears a brown eighteenth-century suit, with knee breeches. To his left is a table covered by a green cloth; on the table are piles of papers and a collection of rocks and fossils.

quoted Mindfulness in Plain English by Henepola Gunaratana

Henepola Gunaratana: Mindfulness in Plain English (AudiobookFormat, 2016, Audible Studios)

With over a quarter of a million copies sold, Mindfulness in Plain English is one …

Meditating your way through the ups and downs of daily life is the whole point of vipassana. This kind of practice is extremely rigorous and demanding, but it engenders a state of mental flexibility that is beyond comparison. A meditator keeps his mind open every second. He is constantly investigating life, inspecting his own experience, viewing existence in a detached and inquisitive way. Thus, he is constantly open to truth in any form, from any source, and at any time. This is the state of mind you need for liberation.

It is said that one may attain enlightenment at any moment if the mind is kept in a state of meditative readiness. The tiniest, most ordinary perception can be the stimulus: a view of the moon, the cry of a bird, the sound of the wind in the trees. It’s not so important what is perceived as the way in which you attend to that perception. That state of open readiness is essential. It could happen to you right now if you are ready. The tactile sensation of this book in your fingers could be the cue. The sound of these words in your head might be enough. You could attain enlightenment right now, if you are ready.

— Mindfulness in Plain English by 

What a wake-up call!

#mindfulness #enlightenment #awakening #awareness #meditation #Buddhism #vipassana #perception #attention

One happy Buddha here, celebrating pride and gender-fluidity 🌈.

Happy #BicycleDay to everyone! I’m enjoying the evening and the good vibes 🚴‍♂️.

Tomorrow is 4/20, the day for #Weed, but for me, it’s a time to reflect on my journey from 4/19, while others celebrate 420 🌿.

Wishing you all a fantastic Saturday evening! ✨

#GenderFluidity #GenderFluid #Bisexuality #Bisexual #LGBTQIA #LGBTQ #LGBT #Pride #SelfLove #LoveIsLove #buddhism #buddha #meditation #dharma #zen #mindfulness #spirituality #peace #compassion #enlightenment

Two flags, a rainbow flag and a gender-fluid flag, are displayed on a light wooden shelf, with a statue of a happy Buddha in the middle holding onto the flags!
Two flags, a rainbow flag and a gender-fluid flag, are displayed on a light wooden shelf, with a statue of a happy Buddha in the middle holding onto the flags!
Two flags, a rainbow flag and a gender-fluid flag, are displayed on a light wooden shelf, with a statue of a happy Buddha in the middle holding onto the flags!
Two flags, a rainbow flag and a gender-fluid flag, are displayed on a light wooden speaker, with a statue of a happy Buddha in the middle holding onto the flags!

An interesting blog post from one of our Arts Library Associates, here at the University of Glasgow and coordinated by my colleague. The Associate's project focussed on restoring a book from the collection of Adam Smith (of the institution's notable alumni). 😀 Fascinating reading, mainly because this is an area about which I know little.

Adam Smith Conservation project https://universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.com/2025/02/19/adam-smith-conservation-project/

Syntax & Diction • Canon t2i, 2011

When you entered Mr. Fedell’s room, before you saw the man, you saw the swarm of books. But then, you’d find his eye contact with deep intent. A man of a thousand words, but his stare said it all. During my time with him, I read over 60 pieces of literature. But the quantities is not what’s important, it’s the thoughtfulness behind what you are reading. How it connects to both our inner workings and our outer world history.

#blackandwhite #bnwphotography #portrait #literature #mentor #human #portraiture #portraitphotography #canon #photographer #monochrome #enlightenment #bnw

A teacher stands in front of a chalk board that is covered in graphs and notes with no spaces left in between. He gives a thoughtful stare. The image is black and white, digital photography.

I keep trying to tell anyone who will listen: the conservative institutionalists are dead, Creepy Weirdos™ in the form of neofeudalist reactionaries have taken over the Gallant Olde Party. They don’t want to roll things back to 1950. The idea of implementing policies of 1850 is cute.

These fascists are intent on rolling back the and the , going back to 850.

The problem is not that I’m right.

The problem is that you think I’m exaggerating.