Self, eternity, and the mysteries: A speculative response to Kenneth Ring's paper.

Abstract

This response to a paper by Kenneth Ring (1984) deals with three issues of broad philosophical import: (1) near-death experiences (NDEs) and the expanded sense of self-identity; (2) the distinction between postmortem survival and the experience of premortem eternity; and (3) the relation between NDEs and the idea of mystery cults, ancient and modern. Four properties in particular are singled out to identify the expanded NDE-mediated Self: a new attitude toward the body; the emergence of the observing mind; extended psychic sensitivity; and the potential for transpersonal love. These features of the NDE are viewed in light of a model of a more evolved human being, marked especially by a pacific disposition. Near-death research offers fresh empirical data for individuals to revise their personal mythology of life and death.