26.11.13

Ideas Surrounding Life Beyond Death

By Georgia Diaz


Literally thousands of books have been written about the idea of life beyond death. Many people are quite fascinated with this idea, even if it does seem a little scary. It is probably due to the simple fact that sooner or later we all die. No matter how rich or important ours lives may have been, at the very end we are all one and the same.

Some people are convinced that there is no afterlife. They feel that time on earth is the pinnacle of existence and that nothing special will happen afterwards. However, when faced with their own imminent demise even these non believers often begin to change their minds. If circumstances are very difficult they may even begin to pray.

Much of the discussion about an existence after death comes from people who have clinically died and then been brought back to life. People can stop breathing for several minuets and be safely resuscitated. They often bring with them incredible stories of what it was like on the other side. There are many reports of an intense white light and the presence of spirit guides or guardian angels.

These themes are quite common to many different cultures. They do seem to point to a core belief that others who have already passed over are waiting to welcome those who have just departed their earthly life. Interestingly, some people feel that although they died they made the decision to come back as they had unfinished business on earth.

Religion has a lot to say about what happens to a person after they die. In the Christian teachings only those who have accepted Jesus as their savior will be allowed into heaven. There they will live in eternal life with God and those who have already passed on ahead of them. Many people find great comfort in the thought that they will be reunited with their beloved family members.

A common theme in many belief systems is the idea that immediately after the time of death the individual will be faced with their own emotional baggage. This is often unresolved feeling particularly anger, guilt or hostility. If they are unable to face it they may have to return to earth and their body. Most people seem able to face this challenge and move on towards the afterlife.

The experiences of the individual remain with them for a while as they journey into the great divine consciousness. This part of the process can last for days or weeks in the time frame that we know on earth. It is these experiences that are often called ghosts or spiritual experiences. The moments when the veil between this world and the next is blurred.

Ideas about life beyond death vary widely depending on the religious, cultural and educational background of the individual. Some people love to ponder the great question of what will happen when the pass away, whilst others feel quite uncomfortable participating in such a discussion.




About the Author: