Is there life after death? It is a question which polarizes differing opinions, because we don’t have any scientific experiment to test it with. Those who believe in it do so because they have a spiritual belief system in place, and this can be a very powerful thing. It is worth exploring and considering, because if it does exist it throws new questions back onto this life that we are living right now.
Anecdotal evidence of life after death
Many books and papers have been written on this subject quite apart from the scriptures and writings of various religions that support the idea, although I will point out that this is not an investigation pertaining to reincarnation.
Personal experience provides strong suggestions that there is definitely life after death. Providing further substance to this idea is the very consistent similarities between completely unrelated experiences, affecting humans all over the globe. Even my own brother who was close to death after a vehicle accident many years ago described the moment when he wanted to succumb to death. He had severe injuries and at the point when he was letting go he said he felt the most profound sense of peace. It was so comforting and pleasant that he willingly allowed himself to proceed in that direction, until a very authoritative voice said ‘you have to go back, it is not your time.’
It was not the first time I have heard that permission was not given to pass over. It is one of the consistent similarities of a near death experience. As I am writing this, I have to say the evidence has made me a firm believer. Cynics and atheists may have an opposing view which I am not here to dispute. This is just having a look at something very interesting about this world, our life and the suggestion that there is yet more to come.
What life after death says about this life
Much is written about our purpose in this life. Many sermons have used this subject matter at the pulpit, and philosophers have produced heavy leather-bound pages about it, still referred to today. If there is a life after death, then this life must have a significant purpose. If that purpose has something to do with improving our next life, or preparing ourselves for our next life, it begs the question: how can we do this well?
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche speaks to us of being conscious of our death and our journey towards death as a normal part of our daily life. We are encouraged to pay attention to our spirituality in particular as a pathway to enlightenment. But what is enlightenment? It is said to come via prayer and meditation, which is the food of the soul. Feed the soul and it becomes stronger and more connected to a spiritual realm which is felt rather than seen, although many describe ‘seeing’ compelling dreams of a spiritual nature which speak of a sublime and enlightened nature. It seems as if the dream world is perhaps one step closer to that spiritual realm to which we must one day pass on to, or at least the veil that separates us is much thinner during our sleep.
Building on our spiritual nature
When people return from a near death experience, many people describe a desire to really make use of this temporary physical life to give of themselves to others: to be of service to humanity and to make their efforts something which contributes to making this world a better place. There is a recognition that by doing this, they will have fulfilled their life’s purpose and will be able to pass on one day feeling that they have done their best.
They overwhelmingly speak of a loss of fear about death, and a sense that it is somewhere sublime and beautiful that they look forward to when their work is done.
Even those who have been living quite a selfish and materialistic life by their own admission, quite dramatically change tac and embark on a new career or direction which is of a more giving, humanitarian nature. They speak of love and the importance of being kind and compassionate towards others. Connection to each other is valued, and having family unity and harmony is something to strive for. There is definitely mention of the ‘oneness’ of us all living in this physical world, that we are all somehow connected, and that what one person might do or think, affects everyone.
Encountering a ‘Being of Light’
Unique to the near death experience, is the meeting with a ‘Being of Light’. In her experience, Reinee Pasarow of California, said this Being, showed her various aspects of her past life and the feelings and consequences were reviewed together. Acts of kindness were highlighted for their supreme value over and above normal aspects of this worldly life like position or power.
Light is a significant description used in every near death experience, whether it was something growing stronger at the end of a tunnel, or just a pervasive element of the experience. The unconditional love that is felt at this time is quite phenomenal. At one point Reinee states:
‘It was the most blissful, the most excruciatingly beautiful moment that I could imagine.’
The consequences of a near death experience
After a near death experience, problems that were thought of as problems are no longer seen as such. Fear of death is eliminated. Life is all about love, unconditional love. Each day is seen as an opportunity to strengthen their spiritual nature, and a new interest or renewed faith in a religious belief is very purposefully instigated. Generally, there isn’t specifically one religion mentioned but rather a broadly similar experience regardless of what religion that person was affiliated with, of a God-like connection. The Being of Light was perceived in terms of the faith they already knew, so for example, many talk of seeing Christ if that was a connection they already had growing up, regardless of being actively involved in their faith or not.
A sense of being deeply loved and forgiven and the slate being wiped clean meant they could start anew when they returned. Each of them had strong and clear memories of the experience which propelled them into a different way of living, of believing and feeling. Some now felt that they had ‘a work to do’ which was always of a giving and loving nature towards others.
Whether a near death experience is true or not, there is no doubt of some compelling conversations that suggest this life is not all there is. Furthermore, the life beyond this one seems to be something wonderful and incredibly beautiful, truly the definition of heaven. Judgement is an aspect of the life review, but done with love and understanding. The kindness and mercy of God or a Being of Light is highlighted, and the outstanding effects are positive on the rest of that person’s life.
