Dying to Know You

P.M.H. Atwater it is well-known in the field of near death studies as the author of 15 books, some of which concern her own three NDEs in the 1970s. Here she has distilled her reading and understanding of over 4,000 child and adult experiences where the main theme is that God exists, but a God beyond normal understanding and even description, a Source characterised by an all-encompassing sense of oneness. The chapter headings such as God, soul, life and death, heaven and hell, aftereffects and threshold indicate the profound nature of the insights. She writes that death is a step-up of energy implying a shift to an increased speed of vibration. Sometimes death is expected by the one dying but not at all by the family, and there are some striking instances here. I think she is right in saying that near death experience validates the core teachings of world religions but from a universal perspective. She quotes Steve Jobs to the effect that remembering you are going to die is the best way to stop thinking you have something to lose. I was fascinated to read about the role of near death experiences in the life of Walter Russell, culminating in his illumination at the age of 49 giving him insights into the underlying dynamics of the universe. It is important to remember we can only take the essence of ourselves into the next dimension and the love we have shared with others as we evolve in being, not only individually, but more importantly as an interactive collective. Towards the end of the book, there is a remarkable summary of the author's life philosophy of love, freedom, knowing and service - a timely reminder of essential values.