Life Beyond Death
The purpose of death
The nature of life beyond death
How we can prepare for death
How we can assist the dying
Stage One - The Cosmic Panorama
At the time of death, this very experience [mind's ultimate nature] arises effortlessly. At this moment, mind arrives directly at it's own ground. It's just like coming home.
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 Consciousness.
This initial cosmic view offers a window of opportunity to awaken, once and for all, from the dream of individual consciousness. At this moment, it's possible to recognize that Divine Consciousness is all there is and to sever our attachment to individual experience, thus stepping off the wheel of birth and death forever. But unless we're prepared for this opportunity, it's unlikely that we'll recognize it or have the presence of mind to take the leap. Due to residual tendencies, it's more likely that we'll become involved in the continuation of our individual consciousness. And this will lead us directly to the next stage of life after death.
