What Happens Guide

Posts Tagged ‘death’

Trying to understand what happens when someone dies will never be easy. There are many theories and opinions as to what is happening, and what takes place afterwards.

The End of Existence

The contention of many scientists is that when a person dies, it is the end of existence. The consciousness ceases to exist. Consciousness here is defined as the “I”. It is true that everything is made of energy and energy cannot be destroyed.

However, that doesn’t mean consciousness continues. Based on this theory, when the organs of the body cease to work, existence is over. From the scientific point of view, there is no soul or spirit; life ends the moment the physical body expires.

Religious Views on Death

The majority of religions believe that what happens when someone dies is the soul residing in the body is released. In Christian theology, a person that lives according to the principles set by Christ will ascend to Heaven.

Those who live wicked lives will be sent to Hell. The idea of a soul or that people go on after death, is reflected in other religions too. The concept of rewards and punishment in the afterlife can also be seen in other religions and philosophies.

People are Born Again

Hindus and Buddhists believe there is a soul. At the moment of death however, the spirit does not go to Heaven or Hell. Instead the soul will be born again into a new body. The circumstances surrounding its rebirth will depend on its karma.

In this philosophy, what happens when someone dies is entirely dependent on their karma. If their karma is positive (i.e., they did good things during their lifetime), they can be reborn under more comfortable situations.

If they have negative karma, they will experience difficulties in the next life and make amends to the people they wronged. When the karma is balanced, the soul will no longer have to reincarnate. The soul experiences a state known as Nirvana.

What is the Near Death Experience?

People who have had near death experiences believe there is life after death. These people often recount going through a dark tunnel and emerging in a place full of light and love. Usually they undergo a review of their life. Their purpose for living is explained and afterwards they are told they have to return to their body.

Scientists still doubt these are really accounts of what happens when someone dies. Their notion is that a person cannot come back from the dead; the person who underwent a near death experience did not die and is just seeing the actions of an injured brain.

Other Theories to Consider

There are many other theories. Some believe the consciousness does expire after death, but the individual ends up being one with God. There are also those who attest souls of the departed stay and watch over their loved ones still living.

Because death is a part of life, this subject will never be far away from the mind of man. The question of what happens when someone dies is something that most people have and will always contemplate.

No definitive answer to the question of what happens when a person dies exists. The following is an overview of the most commonly held beliefs and theories.

End of Consciousness

This theory suggests that when people die, it is the end of consciousness or the “I”. When the body and its organs cease to function, it is the end of existence. There is no afterlife. Those who believe in this theory (including most scientists) point to the fact there is no scientific evidence for life after death.

However, those who believe that there is life after death contradict this view. Their proponents maintain there are several cases of people who have seen, photographed and spoken with departed friends and relatives.

The Near Death Experience

No study on what happens when a person dies is complete without discussing the near death experience or NDE. Accounts of NDEs vary but some aspects are included in most accounts.

The first is that after death, the individual feels a sense of freedom and release. The person sees the dead body and almost always, those who have undergone an NDE say they feel no attachment to the body.

From the Dark Tunnel into the Light

The soul or consciousness is drawn to a dark tunnel. At the end of the tunnel is a pinhole of light. The light increases as the person traverses the tunnel. At the end they are greeted by their departed relatives, loved ones or friends. In some cases, the individual is “welcomed” by an angel or another religious figure.

A Life Review

Based on NDE accounts, what happens when a person dies is a life review. Scenes of the life they have lived up to that point flash before them. The person is then told they have to come back.

The person often balks at this due to the feeling of love they feel there. Then they find themselves back in their bodies. The experience is often a life changing one.

What is an NDE?

NDE believers contend it is proof of life after death. Those who are skeptical say it is merely the activities of a dying brain. The answer to this question is still being debated.

Heaven or Hell

Religious groups have their own belief as to what happens when a person dies. Christians believe a person who has lived a virtuous life will go to Heaven to be with God. The wicked are punished in Hell. Muslims also believe in the concept of a heavenly abode.

Reincarnation

Buddhists, Hindus and followers of New Age philosophy believe in reincarnation. Their contention is that when a person dies, the soul enters the body of a newborn baby. Reincarnation continues until their karma is balanced.

When karmic balance is attained, the soul no longer needs to reincarnate. It reaches the stage known as Nirvana. In Hinduism however, reincarnation does not end; it goes on and on.

Trying to figure out what happens when a person dies will lead to discussions about science, religion and spirituality. Although nothing can be proven conclusively yet, one thing is certain: everyone will find the truth out sooner or later.