Chapter 20: "The Near-Death Experience: A Staircase to Heaven?" Summary

Sogyal begins this chapter by quoting several individuals regarding the experience of near death, and by stressing that modern science allows many to die, and be revived. Sogyal continues by describing a core experience, or common thread among near death experiences. Those who have experienced death report an altered state of feeling that includes peace, and a lack of pain, a buzzing or rushing sound accompanied by an out of body experience where the body is viewed from the outside, and an awareness of a dark alternate reality. Additionally, many report a bright, blinding light, filled with love, occasionally accompanied by a judgment of life. While some report visions of beauty and heavenly music, others report visions of hellish realms. Further, some report meeting deceased relatives, who...