Margot Grey

AWARENESS OF the Near Death Experience (NDE) has been increasing over the last decade following the publication of Raymond Moody's Life After Life, a study of the subject which prompted much speculation, TV documentaries and some further research.

Briefly, an NDE is sometimes encountered by people who have clinically 'died' yet revived and returned to life. In the intervening period they (in the form of their 'spirit', 'soul' etc) leave their body and enter a different sphere of existence.

Most NDErs become aware of natural laws which are greater than those of material existence. They loose their fear of death and gain a respect for the sanctity of life. Most remarkable is the sudden discovery of paranormal powers; among NDErs there are many examples of ESP and telepathy while some develop astonishing powers of healing.

Many tell of increasing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, droughts, famines, unexplained diseases, social unrest and likely nuclear war. The resultant catastrophe being necessary in order to 'purify' the planet and herald a Golden Age of harmony.

All this sounds quite fantastic and it's no surprise that orthodox science scoffs at NDEs. Grey gets a tad carried away speculating on the pineal gland (situated in our mid-brains and thought to be the 'third eye') and the mysteries of kundalini (thought to be a latent force within us), but allowing for her personal involvement (she's had an NDE) the book is exciting and tautly argued as it skirts around the frontier where science meets mysticism.