New York Times on Near Death Experiences
Kenneth Ring: 'You Never Recover Your Original Self'
Published in the New York Times on Aug. 28, 1988
Probably the oldest mystery to vex mankind is what, if anything, occurs after death. For a decade, Kenneth Ring, a psychology professor and researcher at the University of Connecticut, has looked into the question through the near-death experiences of others. Like other researchers in the field, he has found some striking parallels in the ''out of body'' experiences people they say they experienced while near death. Mr. Ring ... talked with hundreds of people between the ages of 18 and 84 who have come close to physical death. [His books] Life at Death [and] Heading Toward Omega both deal with near-death experiences and how they change people's lives. A near-death experience ... often happens to individuals who find themselves on the verge of imminent biological death. It involves ... a sense of the most profound peace and well-being that is possible to imagine. It's a sense of being separate from the physical body and sometimes being able to see it as though a spectator off to one side or from up above. These people have a sense of moving through a dark space or tunnel toward a radiantly beautiful white or golden light. They are absorbed in that light, having in some cases a panoramic life review in which virtually everything that they've ever done in their life they're able to see; perhaps meeting the spirits of deceased love ones or friends. And in some cases, they are asked to make a decision as to whether they would like to continue or go back to their body. The most powerful antidote to the fear of death is coming close to death and having and remembering one of these experiences. So, one finding is that people who have a near-death experience almost totally lose their fear of death. After having a near-death experience, people believe the end of life isn't [the end]; they believe in some sort of life after death. Death vanishes for them. There's only life. They are so aware of what life is.
Note: To read the full, fascinating article on the New York Times website:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE1DB1E38F93BA1575BC0A96E948260
What a both blessed and intense journey you have been on. I know you have much more to teach and share with us. Thanks so much for gifting us with a small part of your story. I look forward to more!
With sacred love flowing,
Fred
The main theme of the Course is Forgiveness, and nothing could be more central to what our experience here on 3D Earth has been all about.
Aquene, I have not read the Course In Miracles although I have heard much about it. I rarely can afford books. It's wonderful how your path has taken you from anger and loss to forgiveness and transcendence. Ajo! Thanks for sharing this marvelous experience!
8-D
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