A cross-cultural comparison of ancient beliefs about death and the afterlife, this work reveals the powerful influence of near-death experiences (NDEs) on the formation of religious beliefs, mystical literature, and ritual practices. It focuses on the afterlife beliefs of five ancient world regions: Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt, Sumer and Old Babylonian Mesopotamia, Vedic India, pre-Buddhist China, and Maya and Aztec Mesoamerica.
The book shows how the similarities among afterlife beliefs and their correspondences with NDEs indicate that they both stem from universal truths. Taking readers on a thought-provoking journey into our ancestors’ beliefs about death, dying, and the afterlife, it emphasizes the influence of near-death experiences throughout human history.
By drawing on anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, the author explores how each civilization interpreted NDEs and how afterlife beliefs developed over time. The metaphysical implications of these discoveries are also discussed, including what an actual afterlife would look like. This study reveals the enduring impact of NDEs on our understanding of what lies beyond death.
