{Near-Death Experiences}[19th June 1988]

[Redbook5:179-181][19880619:1707i]{Near-Death Experiences}[19^th June 1988]

19880619.1707

[continued]

A practical example* arises from near-death experiences of light, for which a recent television programme (I think) advanced as a likely cause the activation of a particular part of the brain apparently associated with the appearance of light (if I recall correctly).**  But even if this connection is proved, it only answers how – not why; many suggestions as to why may seem plausible, to different types of mind.

Near-death experiences are an interesting issue, because they provide an instance where the mind-body dilemma cannot be compromised (It is perfectly possible, for example, to argue that the brain is wholly responsible for a genuine inner life; but near-death experiences compel attention to the question of whether there is another input (and output) of a non-material kind[,] to the Mind.).

I found the examples given, in the New Scientist article,*** of differences between cultures striking for their similarities rather than their differences; I presume the names of 'beings of light' are given by the patient rather than pinned to the being's chest, and would obviously be drawn from his**** own culture.

*[See last previous entry.]

**[& see footnotes to entry after next: [Redbook5:179-181][19880619:1707k]{Near-Death Experiences [continued (3)]}[19^th June 1988]]

***N[ew ]S[cientist] 19880505,1611,43ff

****[i.e. the patient's]

[continues]

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