- an intense, bright light
- a feeling of leaving the body
- movement into another realm
- spirit beings
- a tunnel
- communication with spirits
- a review of the major events in one's life
The Concert by Marc Chagall
Dr. Alexander himself notes a few major differences between his journey and the "typical" NDE. Two of the largest were not having a sense of himself or knowledge of his identity while on the other side, as well as how the severity of the illness ravaging his body completely shut down almost all brain function. Nevertheless, he was astounded by the similarities he came across, particularly of "feeling the intensity of unconditional love" (p. 131).
Records of NDE-like experiences stretch back into ancient literature, which-- while not the same as ancient history-- still encompasses a valuable version of human experience.
In The Republic, dating from around 380 BC, Plato writes about a soldier named Er who was mistaken for dead and visits "the world beyond" before reawakening.
In medieval times such trips to the afterlife evolved into morality tales intended to inspire religious fervor. Hell was frightening, heaven was glorious, and woe betide the sinner who did not take note!
One particularly fascinating tale is "The Visions of the Knight Tondal," about a rakish Irish knight named Tondal who suffers a seizure and is taken on a journey of both heaven and hell before awakening. The Getty Museum has an interactive online exhibit of the only extant illustrated copy, dating from 1475.
Tondal Appears Dead: Simon Marmion, from The Visions of the Knight Tondal
Still, one leaves Proof of Heaven far more aware of the radical uniqueness of this entire event rather than how it fits in to all that has gone before. What, in particular, strikes you about the particulars of Dr. Alexander's experience? Was it how "deeply" he seemed to travel? Was it something he experienced while gone? Was it how the intensity of his illness should have made his recovery impossible?
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