Stage One – The Cosmic Panorama
Immediately after death of the physical body, there’s usually a lapse in awareness, which may be brief or last for several weeks of Earth time. Eventually we awaken to discover that we’re alive. And miracle of miracles…there is no death! After years of living with a physical body, the weight is suddenly lifted and the immediate freedom and ecstasy are beyond anything we’ve experienced during life on Earth. At the same time, we catch a glimpse of the whole panorama of creation, from the physical plane, which we’re now leaving, through the inner planes of creation, all the way to the Divine realm.
This initial cosmic view offers a window of opportunity for final liberation. At this moment, it’s possible to recognize Divine Consciousness as our true nature and to sever our attachment to experience, thus breaking the bonds of ignorance and stepping off the wheel of birth and death forever. This opportunity is described in various Buddhist texts. But unless we’re prepared through years of meditation, it’s unlikely that we’ll recognize the opportunity, or have the presence of mind to take the leap. Due to residual tendencies, it’s more likely that we’ll become involved in a continuation of our individual consciousness. And this will lead us to the next stage of life after death.
