Ring, K. (1994). Solving the riddle of frightening near-death experiences: Some testable hypotheses and a perspective based on A Course in Miracles. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(1) 5-23.
Abstract: This article discusses three varieties of frightening near-death experiences (NDEs), as distinguished in the typology of Bruce Greyson and Nancy Evans Bush (1992). “inverted” and hellish NDEs are analyzed in terms of the terror of ego-death that results in resistance to the experience and inability to surrender to it. The third kind, experiences of a “meaningless void,” may reflect an “emergence reaction” to inadequate anesthesia. Testable hypotheses stemming from this analysis are presented, and the relevance of the conception of reality based on teaching found in A Course in Miracles for understanding NDEs is indicated. Finally, the ontological status of both transcendent and frightening NDEs is briefly considered.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Literature, Fictional
Media Treatment of NDEs
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Grof