Near Death Experiences

Near Death Experiences (nde)

The introduction to Quest For the Unknown: Life Beyond Death reads, “The possibility of an existence after death fascinates us all. For psychics, channelers, mediums, and reincarnationists the continuation of life is a certainty. In recent years many ordinary people without mystical connections have also become convinced, having had what they believe to be an inspirational glimpse beyond the grave.” That “inspirational glimpse” is referred to as a Near Death Experience (NDE).

In 1976, Dr. Michael B. Sabom of the University of Florida conducted NDE research with psychiatric social worker Sarah Kreutziger. Inspired by the pioneering work of Raymond Moody, they interviewed 100 patients who had undergone surgery and had suffered a near fatal crisis. Dr. Saborn reported, “Near death experiences were reported by 61 (out of 100). The details of these were surprisingly consistent and of three types: self-visualization from a position of height; passage into a foreign region or dimension; or a combination of both.” The self-visualization from a height was astral projection, after the spirit body had separated from the physical body. This usually took place at the point where clinical death was registered. Frequently the patient was later able to correctly repeat conversations that took place between doctors and surgery staff. Some have described, in detail, the surgical procedures that occurred.

Most of the patients spoke of a tremendous feeling of peace that came over them, and of going into total darkness. Some got the sensation of moving through the darkness at great speed, traveling through a long, dark tunnel. To add to the illusion, they would see a light at the far end, sometimes with a figure standing in it. Sometimes this “being of light” turned out to be a religious figure with which they were familiar, and sometimes it was a deceased relative. Many experienced the sound of wonderful music and found themselves in a beautiful garden. Most had the impression of scenes from their whole life flashing by. Many heard a voice saying they must return, or that it was not their time. Many begged to stay. British psychologist Dr. Margot Grey had a near death experience in India in 1976, and distinctly remembers hearing a stern male voice say to her, “Get back. Get back in there.” She immediately found herself back in her body.

After a near death experience, the person returns to his or her physical body and to any pain that might be there. All state that their view of life is changed from that moment on, often with a new or renewed interest in spiritual matters. It is believed that many thousands, if not millions, of people have had a near death experience but have not spoken to anyone about it.

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