What Happens When A Person Dies
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.
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