It seems the more we see outwardly, the less we see inwardly? Some thoughts on the nature of the veil.
Tag: mind’s eye
God “Pointed”/”Touched” Joseph Smith’s Eyes in the First Vision, Revealing the “Beloved Son” in Him
I suggest that details in the accounts show that Joseph Smith experienced theosis or divinization in the First Vision, realizing his Oneness in God, or Christ living in him.
Joseph Losing the “Plates” and “Interpreters” was Mystical not Literal
The "Urim & Thummim" were perhaps Joseph's own eyes, which in a mystical state of consciousness could "see" the visionary "plates." He lost these "gifts" for a time.
Was Joseph Smith intentionally deceitful or lying about the “Gold Plates”? A Mystical View
If Joseph made the plates he had in his possession, then didn't he lie in saying otherwise? Maybe there is more to it, which ties into the mystical nature of his visions.
The Mystical State of Consciousness in Joseph Smith’s First Vision
I suggest that Joseph Smith's earliest direct encounters with God happened in mystical experience, or what is also known as altered states of consciousness.
St. Augustine's "First Vision" Account
And being admonished by these books to return into myself, I entered into my inward soul, guided by thee... And I entered, and with the eye of my soul—such as it was—saw above the same eye of my soul and above my mind the Immutable Light.