I introduce a new translation of Joseph Smith's First Vision, giving some background to this interpretation of his mystical experience, the nature of translation, its pseudepigraphal nature, how it was done, and more.
Category: philosophy
The Mythological Messiah and its Mystical Qualities
I suggest that the mythology of messianism points to qualities of the mystical experience and the awakening of the true Self identity in nondual consciousness.
Be Ye Perfect? or Be Ye Whole? A Mystical Translation
Are we to strive for perfectionism, or are we to realize the wholeness that already exists within our true Self, our essential divine nature?
What is Consciousness? A Cosmic Mystical Perspective
Consciousness may be the "inner" experiential (spiritual) side of the "outer" material (physical) cosmos, these being two irreducible aspects of One thing.
Ken Wilber’s Fallacious “pre/trans fallacy” and the Condescension of Children
This fallacy says that people mistakenly believe that children are connected to the Divine in a similar way as those mystics who transcend ego. I don't think this is mistaken at all.
On Lineages and Transmissions of Mystical Knowledge and Spiritual Power
Can mysticism or spirituality be transmitted from one person to another? I suggest yes and no.
The Mystical Resurrection or Reincarnation of the Ocean in every Wave
I suggest that unique waves never return, but rather the ocean continues waving. The ocean is waving in you now.
Mystical Unity in Nonduality does Not Mean Uniformity in Duality
Oneness does not mean we must all become the same, but rather, that we have all manifested from the One, and it is in our differences that Beauty may be expressed.
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.
Our Mystical Dualistic Nature as Human-Divine
We live at the crossroads of a dual-nature. How well we bear that cross, integrating these dualities into one, may define our life.