Near-Death Experience in Ancient Civilizations - 2nd Edition by Gregory Shushan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Originally published in 2009 by Continuum International Publishing Group under the title Conceptions of the afterlife in early civilizations"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

A cross-cultural comparison of ancient beliefs about death and the afterlife

- Reveals the powerful influence of near-death experiences (NDEs) on the formation of religious beliefs, mystical literature, and ritual practices

- Focuses on the afterlife beliefs of five ancient world regions: Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt, Sumer and Old Babylonian Mesopotamia, Vedic India, pre-Buddhist China, and Maya and Aztec Mesoamerica

- Shows how the similarities among afterlife beliefs and their correspondences with NDEs reveal that they both stem from universal truths

Taking readers on a thought-provoking journey into our ancestors' beliefs about death, dying, and the afterlife, Gregory Shushan, Ph.D., reveals the powerful influence of near-death experiences (NDEs) on religious beliefs and ritual practices throughout human history. Focusing on five ancient world regions in Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, and Mesoamerica, Shushan expertly explores each civilization's afterlife beliefs. He explains how each of these civilizations developed independently of one another, yet there is a series of similarities among afterlife beliefs too consistent and specific to be mere coincidence. This leads to the profound implication that afterlife beliefs are not entirely invented by cultures: they also stem from universal truths derived from NDEs.

Drawing on anthropology, psychology, and philosophy, the author explores how each civilization interpreted NDEs and how afterlife beliefs develop over time. He also explores the metaphysical implications of his discoveries, including what an actual afterlife would look like. Revealing that NDEs have occurred throughout human history, Shushan shows how they continue to influence our understanding of what lies beyond death to this day.

Review Quotes

"A crucially important contribution to NDE studies, this book firmly places reported near-death experiences as the source of many of the world's afterlife beliefs. It ushers in a new era of research in this enigmatic experience and, in doing so, becomes essential reading for anybody who seriously wishes to dig deeper into the true significance of the NDE."-- "Anthony Peake, author of The Near-Death Experience"

"A groundbreaking exploration that masterfully connects ancient afterlife beliefs with the cross-cultural consistency of near-death experiences. Gregory Shushan's meticulously researched work is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, spirituality, and human consciousness."-- "Jeffrey Long, M.D., author of Evidence of the Afterlife"

"Gregory Shushan offers here a learned comparative vision of the history of religions to plumb the depths of the idea that religious beliefs of the dead and the afterlife do not come from wish-fulfillments, denials, or simple dreams but from consistent and constant experiences of the disembodied soul or spirit."-- "Jeffrey J. Kripal, Ph.D., author of How to Think Impossibly"

"Gregory Shushan shows the seminal importance of near-death experiences in shaping afterlife concepts in disparate societies around the globe. Only someone with Shushan's comprehensive grasp of transcultural spiritual beliefs could document so persuasively how near-death experiences have influenced human society through the centuries and continue to challenge our own thinking today about death and what may follow."-- "Bruce Greyson, M.D., author of After"

"Gregory Shushan, the undisputed leading scholar of historical NDEs, presents spellbinding cases from five diverse cultures to arrive at his concept of the universal, cultural, and individual features of NDEs--sure to become a fundamental way to conceptualize these fascinating experiences. This book is a must-read."-- "Janice Miner Holden, Ph.D., president of the International Association for Near-Death Studies"

"Gregory Shushan's work on near-death experiences is detailed, rigorous, and compelling. His thorough analysis makes it clear that reductive approaches are inadequate to fully understand the pervasiveness of these experiences. His exploration encourages fresh perspectives on this universal human phenomenon, regardless of one's stance on NDEs. A must-read for anyone interested in the subject."-- "Diana Walsh Pasulka, Ph.D., author of Heaven Can Wait"

"In this major opus of research and scholarship, Gregory Shushan takes his readers on a panoramic vista of ancient texts and traditions dealing with what are today called near-death experiences (NDEs). This makes for fascinating reading, and Shushan explores it all, from his own unique perspective, in this reader-friendly account. A magnificent tour de force."-- "Stanley Krippner, Ph.D, author of A Chaotic Life"

"In this seminal, thoroughly researched study of five distinct ancient civilizations, Gregory Shushan argues compellingly that near-death experiences have shaped and informed afterlife beliefs throughout human history. A carefully argued, groundbreaking contribution to the fields of near-death studies, religion, psychology, anthropology, and beyond."-- "Stephen E. Potthoff, author of The Afterlife in Early Christian Carthage"

"The rigorous investigation in this book demonstrates that modern near-death experiences (NDEs) are not simply the result of suggestible cultural influences, brain physiology, or mere illusions. Shushan's brilliant examination broadly supports that the best understanding of the similarities between these ancient cultures and modern reports of NDEs involves maturing our metaphysical assumptions to accept the reality of an afterlife realm. Most highly recommended!"-- "Eben Alexander, M.D., former Harvard neurosurgeon and author of Proof of Heaven"

"This book is a treasure. Shushan's analysis and comparison leads to the conclusion that there is an experiential basis underlying the afterlife beliefs of many ancient cultures."-- "Jeffrey Mishlove, Ph.D., host and producer of New Thinking Allowed"

About the Author

Gregory Shushan, Ph.D., is the leading authority on near-death experiences and afterlife beliefs across cultures and throughout history. He is an award-winning author affiliated with Birmingham Newman University, University of Winchester, Marian University, and the Parapsychology Foundation. A former researcher at the University of Oxford and University of Wales, he lives in San Francisco.