Summary
"Life After Life" by Dr. Raymond A. Moody, Jr. delves into the phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs), presenting a collection of accounts from individuals who were resuscitated after being pronounced clinically dead or who came very close to death. The book explores the common elements found in these narratives, constructing a composite "ideal" experience that includes feelings of peace, out-of-body sensations, passage through a dark tunnel, encounters with spiritual beings, a life review, and a return to the body. Moody emphasizes the similarities across diverse backgrounds, noting that these experiences profoundly affect individuals' views on death and life.
The investigation begins with an exploration into what it feels like to die, addressing the psychological and cultural taboos surrounding death. Moody highlights the difficulty in discussing death due to linguistic limitations, as language primarily alludes to sensory experiences. The book contrasts two ancient views on death: annihilation of consciousness versus passage into another dimension. Moody shares his personal journey into researching near-death experiences, starting with coincidental encounters and evolving into a systematic collection of cases.
The central portion of "Life After Life" meticulously dissects the common stages of dying as reported by individuals. These stages include hearing oneself pronounced dead, experiencing a loud ringing or buzzing noise, moving through a dark tunnel, having an out-of-body experience where one observes their own body and resuscitation attempts, meeting spiritual beings or deceased loved ones, encountering a "being of light," undergoing a panoramic life review, and approaching a border or limit. Moody underscores the ineffability of these experiences, noting the difficulty people have in articulating them with three-dimensional language.
Furthermore, Moody explores the transformative effects of NDEs on individuals' lives. He notes a common theme of reduced fear of death, an increased emphasis on love and knowledge, and a shift in priorities. The book also addresses skepticism from both religious and scientific communities, highlighting the need for open-minded investigation into these phenomena. The book is written by a human being, and naturally reflects the background, opinions and prejudices of its author. So, although the author tried to be as objective and straightforward as he can, certain facts about him might be useful in evaluating some of the extraordinary claims which are made in what follows.
In the later sections of the book, Moody draws parallels between near-death experiences and accounts in the Bible, the writings of Plato, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, and the works of Emanuel Swedenborg, enriching the discussion with historical and cross-cultural context. Addressing common questions and objections, Moody acknowledges the limitations of his study while emphasizing the value of exploring a phenomenon that has significant implications for psychology, psychiatry, medicine, philosophy, theology, and how we lead our lives.
Ultimately, "Life After Life" is not an attempt to prove life after death but an invitation to consider the profound impact of near-death experiences on individuals and society. Moody calls for a more receptive public attitude toward this phenomenon, urging readers to explore these accounts with an open mind. The book is a report on a search which the author has personally undertaken.