Introduction and the progression of my personal perspective:
Death is probably the biggest and most difficult topic for human beings. No subject terrifies us more as a species, and as individuals. They say the death of close family members is the single most stressful thing anyone can go through. Losing a parent can be very painful, even when they have lived a long life and where there was foreknowledge that their life was coming to an end. In the case of losing a young child I cannot (and do not wish to) imagine the grief.
The question of what happens when and after we die is a great mystery. As always, there are many different opinions about this subject. However, this can be a particularly touchy subject, as so much is at stake here. Ultimately no one can claim absolute certainty about what does or doesn’t happen. Having conceded this, I have spent quite a lot of time over the past 15 years or so exploring this subject, and I wish to share today my own perspective on death.
To start with, I will say that I certainly can sympathise with the despair that so many feel about death, as for some of my life I felt the same. When I was 14, a girl from my year level at school took her own life and I was truly devastated. She wasn’t a close friend, but she was very popular and was nice to everyone. She would always talk to me when I was around, and I always saw her treat everyone equally.
I believe I didn’t sleep for a couple of nights afterwards, as I was raised to believe that those that took their own lives would suffer eternal torment in hell. This idea seemed inconceivable in the wake of her suicide, as I couldn’t accept that such a kind soul would be made to suffer, simply for seeking an end to her own suffering. I raised my thoughts with some leaders from my youth group at church, but was never satisfied with their responses. This sowed probably the first real seeds of my dissent from my Christian upbringing.
A little later when I was around 20, my best friend (who would have been considered the same by a number of people) took his own life. Again I was shattered, but probably even deeper than when I was 14. My friend was a lively, brilliant and very intelligent soul who made people laugh, and also created lots of drama as well. He also had a darker side to him, in that he suffered deep depression and also suffered as the results of poor choices in life.
At the time this occurred I was not in a good way personally, and I responded by plummeting deeper and deeper into a deep hole of depression. I was barely functioning as a human being, barely sleeping and internally I was a mess. At this time I wasn’t sure what I believed in. I wasn’t going to church and I felt I was no longer a Christian. However, I hadn’t yet gone through the process of evaluating different ideas and considering evidence for and against different concepts and teachings. I still felt that there was probably something beyond this life, but I didn’t know what it was.
Losing a close friend at this time truly shattered me. In many respects, this is a very common human response, to be lost in grief, unwilling to internally accept the finality of the situation. When I started getting myself together again a few years later I started having a reoccurring dream where my friend came back and explained to me that he wasn’t really dead, but was on holiday in Queensland (I live in Victoria, Australia; Queensland is where we would typically go for a warm, sunny holiday by the beach). Speaking in the symbolic language of dreams, the meaning of this is quite easy to understand. His Soul was still alive, and living in an easier, less challenging environment (we could say a “better place”, but I don’t think that quite encapsulates the differences fully).
As I started to get myself back together again, I started to investigate spirituality, religion and philosophy. I read as much as I could from many different sources, watched videos, attended lectures and tried out different environments, and conversed (and debated) with many different people. It was quite clear to me that I did (and do) believe in an afterlife. It was also quite clear to me that I objected to the notion of eternal damnation. I developed the strong desire to lead towards a separation of spirituality and the harsh, judgmental aspects of some religions. This then became the beginning of my desire to start writing, to lead and teach.
Through my own experiences and investigations I have reached a point where I have no doubt in the reality of the afterlife. I have no doubt in the goodness of life, and no doubt that all beings that die will be ok (though perhaps for some it might take some time). For me it is not a question of faith. I cannot unsee what I have seen (and do not want to), and cannot unlearn what I have learned (and again, do not wish to). I do not claim to have exact knowledge of what goes on beyond this physical dimension. However, there is no question for me that what we can perceive through our physical senses is only a minute fraction of reality, and that there is a great, benevolent intelligence that regulates all of life (that we call God, though we often project our own ideas onto the reality of God).
Since I have come to absolute belief in the afterlife, I have lost a few family members and friends. My grandmothers have passed on both sides, a young friend took her life and a close family friend of my mothers generation passed in middle age. In each case I still felt the normal human feelings of sadness and loss. I cried, but yet there was this great peace. There was a sense of the deep sacredness of the transition from earthly life to higher, astral life (I will explain this shortly). It felt like something really special had taken place, and there was a profound presence that is difficult to explain.
The human approach to death:
It is only natural that from a human perspective, death is seen as a great loss. To our perception we perceive that the life has left the physical body, leaving only flesh and bones behind, absent of the personality we once knew. Given that human beings develop strong attachments to family and friends, the death of a loved one naturally causes great pain.
There are however differences in the degree to which we suffer after losing someone, and particularly for how long we grieve afterwards. For some of us, we experience the natural sadness and loss, but can still function and continue with our life and the things we love. Others however are so utterly devastated that it overshadows everything else, and they are unable to function afterwards (as I explained in the introduction, I have now experienced both sides of this).
The question if anything exists beyond the physical dimension and our physical perceptions (and if so, what) is one of the deepest questions for humanity. We cannot see with our eyes if there is life before birth, or after death. Rather, we see a child emerge from its mother, and then we later see the body become cold and lifeless at death.
We hear many opinions from different sources as to how we should understand life and death, and it can be difficult to find a way through the maze of conflicting arguments to a clear understanding. Ultimately, most of us cannot see for ourselves what (if anything) is on the other side, so we must simply attempt to use reason and examine evidence to determine what we believe in.
However, we human beings are perhaps not always as reasonable as we like to think we are[i]. We are all greatly conditioned by our upbringing, our culture and unique life experiences, and by our choices along the way. Whilst we all like to think that we are intelligent and unbiased, the reality is that most of us have not really examined our beliefs in anywhere near enough depth to be really confident in them. This has significant consequences for human civilisation as a whole, as almost all of us believe strongly in things that are not completely (or even partially) true.
There are probably very few (if any) topics that are perhaps of greater significance than understanding death, and the context it gives to life. Hence, I would argue that it is worth taking some time to really consider the question of what happens after death, and comparing the different opinions on the subject in some depth.
All of us will one day face death, and many people experience intense fear of the unknown as they experience the decline of their health. Obviously then, this question of what happens after death has significant implications for the quality of life of us all. Even further, the question of whether we exist after death has huge ramifications for how we life our life as a whole, even whilst young and in good health.
If there is no continued existence after death then there are no consequences beyond this life for misdeeds. If there is no life after death then the only thing that matters is getting the most out of one physical life (and some people will believe they can do so at the expense of others). However, if there is indeed life after death then one will have to potentially live with the choices one makes whilst on earth, even after the body has gone. Likewise, if there life after death then your earthly existence needs to be seen from a greater context, as part of a longer life cycle or eternal life.
I want to be careful not to imply that all people that reject spirituality are naturally immoral people (I have seen some religious apologists – including one that has recently been publically disgraced – argue this). Certainly this is not the case. Nor are spiritual or religious people always more moral. There are many examples to the contrary. Certainly however, we can see that many people do reject morality by believing that there are no ultimate implications to their actions. However, it is also common for religious believers to simply justify their actions and believe that God approves of their behaviour. There are other cases however where spiritual, religious and/or philosophical beliefs cause an individual to be keenly aware of the choices they make, and the effects of their choices on others.
Certainly in general, rejection of life after death can be connected to rampant materialism (by which I mean pursuing of objects, possessions and experiences in an attempt to feel fulfilled). Alternatively, belief in life after death can sometimes be connected with extreme aversion for all of the physical experience (both the higher and lower sides), in favour of an aspiration for a purer, heavenly existence.
So, subtlety and balance are required here, as there are many extremes to be avoided. One could be obsessed with fear of death and thus never really live. Or alternatively, one can be obsessed with life after death and also never really live. One can deny the responsibility for their actions by denying anything beyond the physical world. Alternatively, one can justify and rationalise their behaviour by way of their religious beliefs.
So, as always I wish to encourage a balanced approach to this topic. Whilst I have my own opinions on the topic, which I will lay out here, I do not wish to make general judgments about groups of people on the basis of their beliefs. That is, I am not interested in going to war with people that have different opinions to myself. I believe we can have respectful dialogue and debate without watering down our convictions. Ultimately I see the common humanity of all people as being primary, and differences of opinion as being secondary (and largely superficial).
I wish to be clear that I don’t believe that human beings are separated into different categories with different eternal fates on the basis of their beliefs (or non-belief) about the afterlife. Rather, I believe that all beings are ultimately safe and well, regardless of what (if anything) they believe on this subject. I believe that whilst human beings are tribal and fickle, God is not. Much of what human beings believe about God is diluted by their own projections, and because there is no clear defining line between spirituality and psychology[ii], we experience both.
Fear of death:
It is only natural that in times of danger, human beings experience fear as a healthy instinct to preserve the physical vehicle. Likewise, this instinct is also found all across the animal kingdom. However, the psychological fear of death isn’t necessary or healthy. Fear should never be a self-created (note: ego self) state in which habitual thoughts or deep beliefs create a state of unease. Such fear is a psychological aberration, and is contrary to the health of the body, mind and soul.
Fear of death can relate both to a disbelief in life after death, and thus fear of annihilation, or it can also relate to fear of divine judgment and wrath, or simply a fear of the unknown.
One way or another, death is the end of the physical life experience, and it is time that human beings come to terms with this in a healthy way. Our modern Western culture in particular has made death a taboo, and we are now largely in denial about its reality. I believe it is time we made peace with death as an essential and even healthy part of the life cycle. In doing so we can free ourselves to truly live.
Whether or not we believe there is life after death, the simple fact that our earthly life will end at some point is enough by itself to create significant discomfort in the minds of many. For most people, earth is all we know (or perhaps we could say, all we think we know). That is, many people only ever experience earthly life through their senses, and within the constraints of or time and space. The main exception is of course dreaming, in that most people are at least partially aware of their nightly adventures. However, in general most people do not conceive of dreams as “real”[iii].
It is very hard not to put earthly priorities first whilst incarnated on earth. In fact, it is only healthy and natural to do so, and in many ways it is also essential, as it is very difficult to prioritise spirituality without neglecting earthly responsibilities. Balancing the two can seem to be a very challenging task for spiritual aspirants. Hence, physical death involves everything our life has revolved around being taken away.
For those that either have no specific belief in spirituality and/or religion or have strong beliefs against them, facing death also means facing the belief in annihilation/non-existence. This is a naturally terrifying thought to have to face. Therefore, spiritual/religious beliefs and experiences can be a source of great comfort, in diminishing or even completely removing ones fear of annihilation. However, we should not simply believe in spirituality just because it is comforting, but rather because we have become convinced that it is true.
Likewise however, belief in divine wrath can also induce fear of death. That is, many people believe that God is wrathful and places strict criteria upon entrance to heaven. Under such conditions, religious beliefs can be a great hindrance to a fulfilling earthly life, as they can induce a state of perpetual background fear.
I have recently started saying that most spiritual and religious beliefs and concepts are approximations (this is something I have felt for some time, but perhaps is a new way of expressing it). That is, very few are 100% correct. Some may be 60% correct and 40% false, others, 70/20, 95/5, or 20/80 etc. For this reason, a belief, practice or organisation can be a salvation for one person, and repressive to another (depending on their unique circumstances).
My point here is that spiritual and religious beliefs about the afterlife can be both helpful and damaging, and it is quite difficult to keep the wheat whilst getting rid of the chaff. As always, the ideal of balance is much easier to aspire towards then to realise in practice.
Ideally, a consideration of death should inspire us to eliminate fear of life or death, but live life to the full, with a consideration of the greater context beyond this earthly life. That is, true spirituality, religion and/or philosophy should inspire us to live without fear, knowing that life goes on beyond this incarnation, and that we will one day be reunited with those we love. However, it should do so without bringing about superstitious projections of the human ego that paint God as a cosmic tyrant.
The reasons for the change in my view of death:
I have already explained in the introduction that whilst I once felt great anguish over the passing of others, I now feel a great peace in the face of death. I would like to here give a little more detail as to how and why this transformation took place.
There came a point in my life (around the age of 25) when I developed a great thirst for knowledge and understanding on spiritual matters. This led me on a quest not only for intellectual understanding, but also personal experience. Through a combination of both I have come to solid faith in the reality of spirituality. I could say that I don’t believe that spirituality is real, but I know that it is real. I feel however that this isn’t so helpful in communication with others that might not necessarily share my beliefs.
Anyways, I came to this faith partly through reading about the common spiritual experiences of many different people from different backgrounds, from reading about serious investigations by researchers into these matters, and also some features of modern science which I (and others) feel support a spiritual worldview. Primarily though, my personal faith in the reality of spirituality came through personal experience.
Something I have said before and will say again here is that my personal experiences are evidence (or proof) for me of the reality of spirituality. However, I cannot expect them to be evidence for other people. The simple fact of the matter is that personal anecdotes are never as convincing for others as they are for ones self. I cannot expect other people to have faith in my own personal capacity for critical thinking, self-examination and honesty. Hence, everyone must have their own personal experience to really understand the reality of spirituality.
Having acknowledged this, I have experienced and witnessed countless things that confirm a spiritual worldview. I have mentioned this before in a number of other articles[iv], but here is a brief summary of some key points. In terms of experiences of a supernatural nature, I have seen physical objects virtually levitate in mid-air, I have experienced countless examples of precognition (which began in my dreams as a child and has continued on into adulthood) and I know many people that possess the capacity to know things that can only be explained by consciousness existing outside of the confides of the brain (and these abilities are categorically different to those presented by skeptics, magicians and cold-readers in their attempts to debunk the supernatural).
Far more significant and touching have been true spiritual experiences (which are now a part of daily life) from meditation, prayer and worship, which involve a truly otherworldly peace and love, and direct contact with an intelligence infinitely greater than my own. Human beings go to great lengths and spend great wealth in the pursuit of temporary pleasures on earth, many of which are dangerous or even destructive to the body and mind. If only everyone knew that the greatest high of all is completely free, and can only be found exactly right where you are. God lives within us all (and everything exists within God), and the direct experience of this truth brings joy that surpasses all else. There really is no comparison.
And of course, the genuine experience of divine contact also brings objective signs that demonstrate explicitly to the devotee that they aren’t merely subjective inner states of emotional ecstasy, but rather direct contact with the true reality, above and beyond their own projections (noting of course, that human beings do typically color these experiences with their own projections, or perhaps we should say our experience of the divine is colored by our mental vocabulary).
As I have now have countless experiences that validate to me both objective reality of spirituality and the inherent goodness of it, I no longer feel a fear about death. I am still as human as anyone else and believe in taking wise actions to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Human life has meaning, and belief in higher spiritual worlds doesn’t mean we abandon our physical experience. However, it means that I now don’t have to simply believe in comforting ideas, but rather have direct experience of their reality.
I mentioned before about the transcendent nature of spiritual peace and love. A unique feature of this experience is that it is truly universal. There is a knowing that it is for everyone and everything, and that no one is excluded. The peace is so all-consuming that you naturally want to share it with everyone (though not everyone is open to receiving it yet). For this reason I feel that everyone and everything will at some point return to the light. No one would reject this forever. Hence, I feel that all beings are ultimately safe, even if many of us unconsciously create our own suffering for some time.
Conceptions of the afterlife, heaven and hell:
We live in a world in which our ideas about the afterlife are largely conditioned by the dominant religion/s of our culture. As Christianity is the worlds largest faith, when many of us think about an afterlife we think of the conceptions of heaven and hell as expressed by orthodox Christianity[v].
Whilst there are still some significant differences between the beliefs of different orthodox Christian denominations, most conservative/orthodox Christians believe in one human life and eternity in either heaven or hell. In this view heaven and hell and essentially worlds apart, and one cannot escape from hell to heaven.
However, there are many, many different beliefs about the afterlife, both from history and current thinking on the subject. My own beliefs are informed from studying a number of different spiritual and religious perspectives, reading first-hand accounts from Near Death Experiences (NDE’s), other Out of Body experiences (OBE’s) and hypnotherapy (as well as past life regression, hypnotherapists have at times succeeded in regressing patients to the period in-between earthly incarnations), accounts of visions and meditations from mystics and saints, personal experiences in meditation and conversations with others on the same subject, and deep consideration and contemplation of the ins and outs of the topic.
I don’t have the space here to go in-depth to explain exactly why I have reached the conclusions I have on this. Rather, I will simply explain my views on the subject, and I will make available my reasoning at some later stage (in book form, other articles and also videos).
The first thing that we must all concede is that whilst on earth, none of us can claim absolute certainty on this topic. All we can do is evaluate the evidence and apply reason as best as we can, and recognise the fallibility of our human perceptions.
So, I believe that reality is essentially spiritual in nature (Spirit being consciousness that is Infinite), and that creation is composed of a number of different dimensions (exactly how many I cannot say) within the single, indivisible and unified whole. In Yogic traditions it is common to group them into causal (composed only of mind), astral (composed of light and sound vibrations) and physical, though there may be multiple dimensions within the causal and astral planes.
The easiest (and most literal) way to explain this is that when one dreams at night one experiences oneself as a character within the dream, interacting with other characters, amongst various objects and within an overall landscape. However, literarily everything within the dream is a projection within the one finite mind of the dreamer. Even the sense of time and space are relative within the dimensionless and timeless space of the mind. So, in the grander sense, all reality exists within the mind of God, projected within Itself as cosmic dreams, experienced by us as characters within it.
The physical dimension is the furthermost projection of God’s mind, and whilst we appear to exist here for the experience of physicality, we simultaneously retain higher levels of our being that exist in higher, non-physical dimensions. At physical death we simply shed the outer physical body but retain the causal and astral body (or bodies).
I have come to believe that after death most human beings will temporarily inhabit a place within the astral cosmos, which correspond roughly to their level of spiritual growth. This might be the equivalent of a human life (or perhaps a little less or more). I don’t believe that anyone is given an eternal punishment for misdeeds, or damned to cosmic suffering for choosing the wrong faith (if any), or missing out on a unique salvation. Rather, I suspect that divine justice and grace work in a manner that reflects the fact that they emerge out of an intelligence and love far greater than our own.
By contrast I would argue that the idea of eternal damnation is a barbaric superstition projected from the lower end of human potential. Many (perhaps even most) human beings can summon greater love than implied by the concept. By it’s very definition, divine love and justice must be greater than human conceptions, not less than.
An interesting feature of NDE’s is that there are many cases whereby someone was having a nightmarish experience of a lower-astral (hell) dimension, but as they cry out for help, help appears. Likewise, during the common “life review” feature of NDE’s, when someone witnesses and re-experiences situations from their life in which they created suffering for others, the beings of light (or you might call them angels) do not judge them, but continue to offer them love.
This would imply that any suffering that is experienced after death is self-inflicted, and that higher beings are only ever there to help us, rather than to enforce punishment upon us. The life review immediately after death is itself a perfect expression of divine justice, in that one simply cannot escape from the reality of the choices one has made. During this experience there is no capacity to attempt to rationalise or defend ones actions. Rather, the true motives are clearly visible and there is no escaping from the consequences of ones choices.
And yet, higher beings will not deviate from love, not for a moment. That is, justice can occur without coming from anger, hate or desire for revenge. There can still be consequences for misdeeds, whilst grace and love are never absent.
Hence, there is no reason or need to be fearful of divine wrath after death. One can expect to have to face the truth of ones human nature and see (and also feel) how one impacted others around them. However, this is all proportionate to the nature of ones behaviour. If you at least attempt to live well whilst on earth, there is no need to fear divine retribution. If you however live at the expense of others on earth, you will at eventually have to come to terms with it.
Having said this, the single most ubiquitous feature of NDE’s and other true spiritual experiences is the presence of an overwhelming divine love, and I consider myself fortunate to be familiar with this love whilst living on earth (as are many spiritual practitioners). This love is quite simply different to what most human beings experience under that name. This love is pure and clean, yet overwhelming and all consuming.
To restate what I said before, it is probably this personal experience of divine love that is mostly responsible for me coming to terms with death. I don’t claim to know all the details about what goes on when the body dies. But, I know what heaven feels like. I know it well. I therefore say that I know where my loved ones are going when they disappear from this world, and more importantly, I have some experience of what it is like there.
It is common to read in NDE’s about someone not wanting to come back to earth after tasting this overwhelming love. Likewise, I commonly hear people saying after meditation that they didn’t want to come back. The trick for spiritual practice is to bring that love and peace into ones physical expression, rather than just retreating into it or hiding from life. I for one am definitely still working on this.
Moving on, I believe that a single earthly life is only a small spec in the grand scheme of eternity. I accept that one may live many lives on earth in different circumstances, and that in between each earthly experience one returns to the astral dimension. When one has evolved spiritually one may then move on to higher and higher forms of life, in a myriad of other places. There is so much evidence of the grand scale of infinity. I suspect we are really only aware of a fraction of a fraction, of a fraction of a fraction.
Ultimately, death is a blessing:
Whilst to many (if not most) people death is seen as the greatest curse, I would argue that it is actually the greatest blessing. Human beings have the capacity and tendency to become attached to all manner of false beliefs and unhealthy behaviours whilst on earth, and these cause us great suffering. At some point it becomes too much and we must drop it all and return to the astral heavens. In many respects, the astral dimension is closer to home than earth is, and it is a return to an easier, less painful existence for all those that accept the light[vi].
On earth we can suffer for many years with physical and psychological ailments. Death however removesmost[vii] of these from us in an instant. In this way it is one of the greatest healers, as it takes away our choice to resist wellbeing. It is the natural birth right of all beings to live well, and prolonged suffering is unnatural. This may seem like a naïve idealistic statement based on the reality of suffering that we perceive across the globe. However it is a spiritual reality that is largely unknown to humanity as of the moment, and its truth is clearly perceived once beyond this world. Death brings us back into the knowing of this truth, as we drop all that prevented us from living in joy, and once again taste a larger portion of the bliss of the Spirit.
Therefore, death can be a forced healing. It is a sad reality that most people are their own worst enemies. Human beings will cling to their suffering and defend their poisons, seemingly fully convinced that it is only others that inflict pain upon them[viii]. At death however, all our defense mechanisms can collapse and we can allow in the love that was always there for us.
I can’t believe that anybody would want to suffer forever. Everyone tires of it eventually, as it wears us down and destroys our body and mind. Just as everyone enjoys the rest of deep sleep, everyone naturally enjoys letting go of their pain, and being restored by unrestricted connection to our divine Source. Most people come into this life filled with sweetness, joy, optimism and vitality. By the time we leave, many (or most) of us have been so thoroughly disconnected from our Source (by our own thoughts and actions) that we have forgotten what it feels like to truly feel good.
So, contrary to the common belief that death is the worst thing and the opposite of birth, in a sense it is a rebirth. We are reborn into connection with God. We rediscover sweetness, joy and vitality. We rediscover true love. In this sense, for many (or even most) people who have been on this planet for some time, death will be the very best thing that ever happened to them.
Implications of an acceptance of death for society and human civilisation as a whole:
It could certainly be said that human civilisation as a whole currently is in denial about the certainty of death, and it’s place in the circle of life. Much of human behaviour and culture as a whole is based on simply attempting to make the most of physical life, without a greater context. There are however significant implications to believing in a greater context to life, in that it changes the priorities one has.
I believe it is possible to live life both personally and as a society in way that honours our spiritual nature, and the reality that we only visit this planet for a short while at a time. It is possible to remember the big picture, and see ourselves as part of something so grand and marvellous that it puts our individual achievements and desires into their correct context.
When human beings begin to do that we will recognise that the end does not justify the means. There is truly no reward worthy of a misdeed. How we treat ourselves and others has far more meaning in the long run than material possession and temporary sensory pleasures. True happiness can only come from living with purpose and integrity, from a healthy self-respect and balance between wise self-control and joyful spontaneity.
When only a fraction of human beings live like this, society as a whole prospers greatly as a result. If we can imagine large numbers living like this we could perhaps one day experience more than a glimpse of heaven on earth. Ultimately, there is no peace externally without peace internally. A fair and just earth can only be created by human beings that are filled with peace and clarity, by whatever legitimate path they walk that connects them.
The inevitability of death and impermanence of earthy treasures:
One way or another, regardless of what we believe, we all have to leave behind the things of this world at some point. In the end it won’t so much matter how much money you have accrued, or how you are perceived in the eyes of others, or how many amazing experiences you have had. We will all have to let them go at some point.
That is not to say that earthly things are without value, and there is indeed a sense in which we do take them with us. We take with us the memory of our earthly life experience, or more specifically, the personal impact that our experiences had on us internally, or the way we experienced them. That is, whilst you cannot take your money with you when you pass, experiencing financial freedom whilst on earth can positively impact your personal experience on earth. Hence, we should not seek wealth and possessions for their own sake, but from a spiritual perspective they can be appreciated for the way they can enhance ones life experience.
Likewise, when you leave this world you cannot take your earthly status with you. However, a productive earthly life that contributes to the good of all will often bring about a degree of status as a secondary effect. Such a life will also be extremely satisfying to look back upon in later years, and also after leaving this world. Those that hurt others for their own gains on earth however will feel the strong pains of guilt after death, as they look back on their life without the egoic defense mechanisms that prevented them from facing the reality of their human nature on earth. However, even for such beings death is still a healing, in that after dropping the egoic defences they can begin to allow the healing of their mind and soul.
If one pursues only shallow pleasures on earth, one will find that these do not carry on beyond earthly life. However, if one has a balanced approach and seeks to make the most of human existence whilst seeing it from a greater perspective, one’s earthly experiences can be spiritual treasures that enrich the soul beyond the veil of death.
In conclusion:
It is only natural that we experience a sense of loss when our loved ones pass from this world. Likewise, it is natural that we feel some sense of uncertainty and trepidation about our own mortality. However, we can honour that human experience whilst feeling a deep sense of peace, and recognising the deep sacredness of death.
Ultimately, there is no reason to fear death, as it ultimately brings about the greatest of healings. If one is sick in body, mind or soul on earth, death will (in most cases) restore one to wholeness and well-being.
We will all see our loved ones again one day. I don’t know the how or when, but I feel it deep within me as a truth. Joyously participate in the dance of life as best you can. Be kind to others and yourself, and accept the flaws of human nature, whilst doing your best to aspire to and inspire others to higher ideals.
Much love to you all.
Peace.
Final note: If you found this article worthy of consideration, please consider sharing with others and engaging in discussion about its content. Thanks
[i] https://jameshiscoxblogs.wordpress.com/2020/12/10/how-do-we-really-know-what-is-true/
[ii] This is a central idea/teaching that I think we all could benefit from recognising. I’ve touched on it before, and will do so in far greater detail in the future.
[iii] I would explain that dreams are experientially real, just as our waking state life is also experientially real. The reality in both is consciousness. The difference is however that in the waking state we are experiencing a common reality shared with other beings, whilst our night-time dreams are (largely) personal realities projected within our own mind (please note above the “largely” in brackets, as I do believe that some elements of somedreams can involve interaction with objective beings and realities beyond our own individual mind).
[iv] https://jameshiscoxblogs.wordpress.com/2021/03/18/my-thoughts-on-free-will/ and also: https://jameshiscoxblogs.wordpress.com/2018/10/08/my-personal-spiritual-journey/
[v] Please note here that “orthodox” (lower case o) Christianity refers to all denominations that are in the larger sense not considered heterodox (i.e. Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox (capital O), mainstream Protestant denominations (Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Evangelicals etc.)). I would exclude Mormons and Christian Scientists for example, as they are clearly not Christian in the traditional sense.
[vi] By “accepting the light”, I simply mean going into the light after death (not rejecting or hiding from it). This is independent upon what (if any) spiritual and/or religious beliefs one held during earthly life.
[vii] One may still carry psychological aberrations with them after death, but it would involve rejecting the light that comes to guide us from earth to the astral heavens.
[viii] I’ve written about this in some length in the following article: https://jameshiscoxblogs.wordpress.com/2020/12/01/trauma-suffering-conditioning-and-the-ego/
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