What Happens when We Die?

When we die, and we all will, it is the end of our lives as we know them. Death may be an end, a beginning, or another stage on our path. Religion plays a big role in helping individuals decide what will happen when they die. For these people, there is generally at some point a new beginning after this life. These new lives come in the form of moving into a new life here on earth, a new life on a new earth, or a new life, for those judged divinely and given access, into a beautiful paradise oftentimes referred to as heaven. Be good though, or the flip side is eternal damnation.

Whatever the result, we die. Most people, whether they are willing to admit it or not, are afraid of death. And why not? We don't like the pain that may go along with it. The thought of our body that we care for and call home, decaying is an unpleasant thought.

There have been those who have claimed to have had a near-death experience. This is a controversial subject among scientists, religious leaders, and philosophers. The similarities in 80% of all documented cases make some scientists rethink theories of human consciousness.

There are noted causes for near death experiences. It could be due to a coma, dreaming, extreme stress, near-death accidents, seizures, brain stimulation, psychedelic drugs, surgical procedures, and deathbed visions. Even though the state of being varies, there are some similarities that are present in all near-death experiences.

Seeing a blinding light that comforts is common. So is seeing relatives or friends that have died. Many have claims of viewing places of peace and beauty. An overwhelming feeling of love is usually present while family and friends are blanketed in the bright light. Communication is by telepathy, not verbal. Descriptions of places and people vary, but none of the experiences take place on earth. Needless to say, all the love and beauty leaves those who claim to have had the experience not crazy about leaving that light and coming back to what they left.

Skeptical people write these experiences off as hallucinations or dreams. Those who believe these occurrences are too similar to be gibberish, think that this phenomenon is proof of some kind of existence outside of our realm. The similarities could be due to what's been ingrained in us from childhood about going to heaven, seeing loved ones again, and peace and beauty in death. Perhaps during the time that we transpire, while our brain is still active, we dream of this common theme, thereby explaining the similarities in these episodes. We really can't be sure.