Inspired to Loving Action
The Transformative Power of Near-Death and Related Experiences
Near-death experiences (NDEs) and related experiences often inspire and nurture compassion, creativity, and curiosity, leading to closer relationships, deeper spiritual practices, and generosity toward others.
Once again, researchers have published an article about bursts of brain activity in the dying human brain, and people interested in the question of the origin of NDEs have contacted Journal of Near-Death Studies editor, Jan Holden, EdD, asking whether the results described in the article provide a materialist explanation of the source of NDEs.
A challenge for intelligent lay readers is that most of us do not have the expertise to understand technical references to medical procedures and assessment results, such as "EEG gamma bursts," described in such articles. So, Jan reached out to two IANDS members who do have such expertise: cardiologist Pim van Lommel, MD, and emeritus professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences Bruce Greyson, MD.
In the brief (4.5 double-spaced pages) Invited Commentary linked below, these experts explain—in terms most readers should be able to understand—why the findings of this most recent study and others like it "do not and cannot explain" either confirmed aspects of NDEs or the source of NDEs. Their Invited Commentary will be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal but, as a service to IANDS members and to the general public, is provided here as a pre-print publication.
With sadness, but also with gratitude for her many years of devoted service and contributions, IANDS announces the passing of Diane Corcoran on Sunday, March 5, 2023. At the time of her transition, Diane was an active member of the Board of Directors, a multiple-time IANDS past-president, creator and leader of the Veterans Sharing Group, and near-death experiencer (NDEr).
FULL DETAILS OF THE SPRING SYMPOSIUM HERE: https://symposium.iands.org/
THE ROLE OF NEAR-DEATH AND RELATED EXPERIENCES IN GRIEF AND GRIEF COUNSELING
The 2023 IANDS Spring Symposium will address the topic of the role of near-death experiences and related experiences in grief and grief counseling. The event will be online on Saturday, April 22, from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern time.
IANDS co-founder and first president, Kenneth Ring has published his new book, A Near-Death Researcher's Notebook; What I Have Learned About Dying, Death, and the Afterlife. Nancy Clark, IANDS group leader of the Ohio, Columbus group shares her recommendation here:
I've read just about everything Ken Ring has written. He is one of the most renowned near-death experience researchers of our time. But lately, he has woven together in his current book not only what he has learned from his NDE research, but he gives you an appreciation for the fragility and complexity of life itself.
Ring beautifully interweaves scientific fact with captivating storytelling in a way that provides the reader with a perspective that allows one to cherish life for as long as we have it.
Spiritual Awakenings: Scientists and Academics Describe Their Experiences
Edited by Marjorie Woollacott, PhD, and David Lorimer
The essays in this volume are a wonderful and varied collection of personal insights into individual spiritual awakenings and the resulting transformation in the lives of scientists and academics.
Scholars share the experience of their own spiritual awakening and journey, including encountering challenges to their credibility in academia, if they shared these experiences. Their comments about transformation in values, beliefs, and approaches toward life are very moving, expressing a deep inner wisdom and connection, not only with humanity but also with the earth and cosmos.
If you have had a near-death experience (NDE), NDE-like experience or related experience, please consider participating in the on-going research studies below. All of these studies have been reviewed and approved by the IANDS Academic & Research Committee.
Founded in 1981, IANDS is a membership-based, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes research, education, and support around near-death experiences and related experiences. Our mission is to advance a global understanding of these experiences. We envision a future in which all people embrace near-death and related experiences as sources of meaning and inspiration for a better world.
If you are not currently an IANDS member, we kindly invite you to join our organization.
Why Join IANDS?
You are here for a reason. We hope you will stay in touch!
On this website you will find near-death experience accounts (and NDE-like accounts) submitted by experiencers. These first-hand testimonies offer compelling insights and perspectives about consciousness and what happens after we die. You can also see more NDE accounts on our YouTube Channel (IANDSVideos) and in the IANDS publication, The Self Does Not Die.
We add a video to IANDS’s YouTube channel every week. Subcribe to IANDSVideos and ring the bell to be notified when we post a new videos.
Abstract: An expanded scale, the Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale, has been developed by Charlotte Martial and colleagues (2020) to assess near-death experiences (NDEs). The scale was modeled after the existing NDE Scale (Greyson, 1983), using reworded scale items, and added five additional items, notably items about a gateway or tunnel and a feeling of non-existence or fear. NDE-C uses a rating scale of 0–4 for each item and thus ranges from 0 to 80. In this article, we raise concerns that several of the reworded items appear to have changed the meaning of NDE Scale item and appear to be significantly more prevalent or less prevalent than the original item, as demonstrated in a Rasch statistical analysis of the NDE-C results. We suggest wording changes for these items so that they return to their original context and meaning. [This page is an abbreviated version of the full article PDF, which can be downloaded here.]
Reckoning: Discoveries after a Traumatic Near-Death Experience
A devastating near-death experience--a disempowering NDE of the Void--overturned the certainties and worldview of Nancy Evans Bush, a young teacher and new mother. Decades later, recognized as a trusted pioneer in research of distressing near-death experiences, she writes for the first time about her long struggle to come to terms with the experience. In this third book, she looks at reconciling foundational beliefs with the powerful messages of a strange and otherworldly NDE. The unexpected, sometimes humorous, often synchronistic discoveries point beyond herself to challenges and reassurance for everyone.
We are now accepting applicants for the following position.
Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer Position)
Manage all aspects of volunteer coordination for IANDS. This position does not involve direct supervision of volunteers, which is provided by the leader of the area in which the volunteer is working. Hours: Initially 10 hours per week, and later 10 hours per month.
Thank you!
The Netflix series "Surviving Death" Near-death experiences are the subject of episode 1 of the Netflix series "Surviving Death". It features in-depth dramatizations with commentary by NDErs Dr. Mary Neal, Jose Hernandez, Pam Reynolds, and Stephanie Arnold. Both Jose Hernandez and Stephanie Arnold have presented this month on ISGO (IANDS Sharing Groups Online). The recordings of their talks can be found by clicking on their names.
11/24 When You Die Episode
Dr. Mary Neal is a spinal surgeon with an adventurous side. She used to think that near-death experiences could be written off by science – caused by lack of oxygen or certain drugs. But on a kayaking trip down the rapids she becomes trapped under water for 27 minutes – and changes her mind. T. Scott Marr was on life support. His family is told that he had a massive stroke, and brain death is inevitable. They pull the plug. Then, he wakes up – and has an amazing story to tell. Everyone has a perception of death – but what really happens when we die? For thousands of years, the dreams and visions of the dying have captivated cultures. But what are they, what causes them? And are they real? This episode also includes IANDS co-founder, former IANDS President and Near-Death Experience Researcher, Dr. Bruce Greyson, current IANDS President, Dr. Diane Corcoran, Dr. Sam Parnia and Maggie Callanan, RN. For a Trailer Click Here Or For More Info Click Here
From the IANDS Board of Directors:
IANDS members from around the world have diverse views on many topics. As an organization, IANDS is neutral and does not align itself with any particular social, religious, or political ideology. We promote respectful dialogue.
Dr. Christopher Kerr and his team at Hospice Buffalo in New York has been recording death-bed visions of residents for ten years now. Of 1,400 clients studied, 80% have reported vivid episodes of deceased family or friends or even pets that appeared to them. The vast majority of these are felt by the experiencer to be positive events welcoming them for what happens with their impending death.
Source: KDKA2 CBS Pittsburgh
The new video DVD, Understanding Veterans' Near-Death Experiences, is NOW ON SALE ($24.95 IANDS members, $29.95 non-members). Service members who have had an NDE should be assisted by medical personnel or chaplains trained to deal with those who have experienced NDEs. However, because of lack of training, that care is often not available, and the impact of this crucial gap of care can be great. It is traumatizing, exacerbating the effects of already devastating injuries, as well as PTSD, and magnifying feelings of confusion, fear, isolation and hopeless despair. Veterans may carry these feelings for a lifetime. This new IANDS-sponsored Veterans' NDE Training Video provides answers.
IANDS and many generous donors contributed $25,000 to produce the video. We are still seeking donations of an additional $15,000 to promote the video to veterans and veteran care givers. See the video trailer on YouTube. Order a copy today!
