Your
Eternal Self
by R. Craig Hogan, Ph.D.
2008 Greater Reality Publications
As you might
suspect from the title of this book, Dr. Hogan believes that the essence
of who we are has very little to do with our physical bodies. This book
takes the premise that we continue after our physical deaths and presents
the current body of scientific evidence supporting the survival hypothesis.
The author points out how we have advanced intellectually at a tremendous
pace over the last four hundred years, but emphasizes that “Today,
humankind, especially in the West, is intellectually precocious and
spiritually retarded.” Your Eternal Self is a body of work intended
to show that this rift between science and spirituality is now changing.
The book begins
with the chapter, Where Are You?, a challenging attempt to open us up
to the possibility that we are not our bodies. Evidence is presented
from medical doctors, neuroscientists and other researchers suggesting
that our minds are very likely not housed within our brains. The suggestion
that our memories are not stored in the brain, heresy to many “mainstream”
scientists, is particularly interesting. Dr. Hogan cites the work of
many researchers indicating that our brain cells are constantly dying
in large numbers and are replaced every second of our lives. If our
memories are stored in these brain cells, and these cells die and are
renewed ten thousand times in our lifetime, how is it they we can recall
memories going back fifty years?
Dr. Hogan himself
is an accomplished remote viewer, having the ability to “see”
and draw distant targets without using his eyes. The abundance of research
in this area is convincing evidence that our minds can indeed operate
independently of our brains, transcending time and space in the process.
The evidence cited from blind people who are able to see during near-death
experiences, out of body experiences where people have normal sensory
experiences, information gathered both psychically and through mediumship
under controlled conditions, all point to the fact that our minds find
our bodies useful for manifesting experiences, but are located elsewhere.
The author could
not resist a discussion of Darwin’s principle of “natural
selection,” and contrasts this with the evolution of spirituality.
Dr. Hogan’s assertion is that spiritual evolution is now taking
people out of the physical realm, less able to compete in the world;
this in contrast to physical evolution that favors the fitter, stronger,
and more ruthless. He posits the theory that our true design is to reach
a spiritual maturity as opposed to “a physical prowess that dominates
through force, and not toward intellectual self-centeredness that dominates
through devious cleverness.”
Of course, the
author’s purpose of this book is to get us to recognize our ultimate
evolution toward unconditional love. Since most of us require evidence
to challenge our lifelong assumptions, this is the path he has chosen.
Dr. Hogan has done a very good job in this respect. To those who remain
open to an evaluation of the vast abundance of evidence cited in this
book, as well as those who continue to search for an answer to the “Who
are we?” question, I highly recommend that you add Your Eternal
Self to your library.
-
Bob Ginsberg
|
PSIence
How New Discoveries In Quantum Physics and New Science
May Explain the Existence of Paranormal Phenomema
by Marie D. Jones
New Page Books, 2007
For those who
run away when they hear a discussion of quantum physics, don’t
despair. PSIence was written by a non-Ph.D. for all of us interested
people who happen not to have doctorates. This is a book about New Science
that is written in an interesting, logical, and easy to follow format.
Quantum physics is explained as it relates to the existence of phenomena
such as UFOs, ghosts, time anomalies, reincarnation, telepathy, telekinesis,
survival of consciousness, multiple universes and much more.
When a specific
concept is introduced, the author presents us with a brief history and
follows with a compilation of the various theories proposed by others
– all possible mechanisms that allow these phenomena to exist.
For example, when discussing the concept of synchronicity in the universe,
the theories of parallel universes, overlapping dimensions, frequency
phases, coherence, resonance, orgone energy, etc., all are outlined
and include specific discussions of everyday occurrences, such as dreams
and deja-vu, to which we can all relate.
The goal of the
book is to offer explanations for the things we see around us, as well
as to provoke thought about the universe we live in. As the author points
out, no single person has all of the answers: “We all know something.
Paranormal experts know something. Physicists know something. Those
working at the cutting edge of brain and consciousness research know
something. Science knows something. So, too, does religion. But nobody
knows everything!” PSIence is an entertaining and informative attempt
to get us to ask the big questions. After reading this book, you will
most likely have a new understanding of a universe that seems so disconnected,
but in fact is masterfully interwoven.
- Bob Ginsberg
|
|
Talking
With Angel
about illness, death and survival
by Evelyn Elsaesser-Valarino
Floris Books, 2005
If Talking with Angel was simply a moving story about a young girl battling
a devastating illness, it would be worth a read but hardly a significant
work. Fortunately, this book, written in the form of a novel, offers
so much more.
The
author has woven a tapestry that deals with illness, grief, guilt, purpose,
physical death and survival, drawing from insights gained from the author’s
extensive research of near-death experiences. The central character
of the book is a young girl who comes to the realization that she will
die from leukemia. During her ordeal she often finds solace and wisdom
in the form of communication with her doll, Angel. Whether we interpret
this inanimate object as her spirit guide, soul, or communication with
a discarnate entity, she finds great wisdom and takes much comfort from
her “conversations.”
Certainly,
anyone who has watched a loved one suffer from a fatal illness and be
“cut off” from life has many questions. The young woman in
this novel is reassured by Angel, “Don’t forget that life
is to be found in immobility as well as in action, in suffering as much
as in joy.” As this girl shares with her fellow hospital patients
the heartaches, exclusion, fears, and isolation of being terminally
ill, the reader cannot help but be struck by the bonds forged by the
experience.
It’s
more than reaching an understanding because these patients know what
the others are going through. I suspect that it has more to do with
spirit, love, and a knowledge not derived from our physical senses.
The true revelations in this story come from an unlikely source.
A
fellow cancer patient in the same hospital has a near-death experience
that he shares with our heroine. He remembers every minutia of the experience,
and begins by describing the action in the operating room. As he relates
all the agitation in the room, he wishes that he could make it stop
by yelling, “Leave my body alone . . . stop working so hard on
my body, can’t you see that I’m not here any more?” While
his pleas are not comprehended, he describes “an omniscience which
I cannot explain enables me to know all the thoughts and emotions of
the people present in the room.” The experience encompasses many
of the elements that we find in the NDE research: observing the body
and losing interest in it, thought communication, connectedness and
empathy, tunnel travel, feelings of absolute freedom, absence of fear,
movement towards the light, music, absorption of energy, feelings of
ecstasy, seeing and communicating with non-physical entities, life review,
etc.
As
our young girl listens in rapture as her friend relates every detail
of this experience, she seems to grasp the most important messages.
She realizes that she will gain a totally new perspective on the meaning
of her existence after she passes. As her friend counseled, “If
what we call life is in reality only the prelude to life, if what we
undertake during our physical existence conditions what we will be in
the other life, if there is discontinuity but no end, if there is transition
but not annihilation, if all our actions have a lasting meaning which
will not cease with the death of our body, but will continue beyond,
if what we make and create in this life will find its place elsewhere,
then I will never again feel like a pathetic puppet moving around in
an absurd cruel world, a world where children fall ill and die.”
Her
Angel provided the knowledge that she was more than her physical body
while she was in body form; her friend provided the evidence that it
was indeed true. Is this book another example of the convergence of
spirituality and science? Will this book bring comfort to the bereaved
and the curious? I think that the answer is a resounding yes.
-
Bob Ginsberg
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The
Scalpel and The Soul
Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the
Healing Power of Hope
by Allan J. Hamilton, M.D.
Published by The Penguin Group, 2008
Although there are certainly exceptions to the rule, the suggestion
to medical doctors that their abilities to heal could be enhanced
by incorporating “intuitiveness” into their practices would
not be held in high regard. Medical doctors are trained to be investigators
and practitioners of science, and science has no room for phenomena
that cannot be dissected, probed, and replicated in a laboratory.
When a patient experiences a spontaneous healing, reports seeing a
discarnate loved one, or has an out of body or near death experience,
the typical professional response is, “these things happen.”
Occasionally, some of these medical scientists, whether it is prompted
from personal experience or guidance from another source, undergo
an epiphany as they step back to see a larger picture. I think it
is a fair statement to say that there are not too many esteemed surgeons
who, as Dr. Hamilton did, consulted a shaman to help with his own
physical ailment. Dr. Hamilton is a shining example of a new breed
of medical doctors who practice integrative medicine as they weave
technical expertise with the concepts of the mind, spirit, and soul.
Dr. Hamilton, a graduate of Harvard Medical School, had one of his
early “unexplained” moments as a surgical fellow in Africa.
While stationed at a primitive hospital in a jungle town, his charge
was to not only perform complex surgical procedures and treat parasitic
diseases, but to travel by canoe to immunize children in remote villages.
Reaching these villages was a treacherous exercise, and Dr. Hamilton
was well aware that some of his predecessors had died in the attempt.
While traveling with his guide to reach the first village, they became
hopelessly lost and exasperated as they approached a fork in the river.
They spotted a small clearing in the overgrown brush on the bank of
the river, pulled in and scratched and clawed their way up an embankment.
Suddenly before them was a native man who they found had been simply
waiting there for them after “dreaming of two lost men.”
As this man, named Outeen, which means “who sees things,”
guided the pair to the village, Dr. Hamilton contemplated the apparent
invisible “force” that provided this guidance. The clash
of Western science and the “supernatural” had begun.
As Dr. Hamilton’s medical career unfolded, his intuitive skills
seemed to keep pace with his advanced technical skills as a neurosurgeon.
Precognitive episodes became commonplace, and he would not hesitate
to postpone a surgery if the timing was not “right.” He
also developed the ability to “feel” an impending death,
able to observe a “yellow, waxy light” emanating from under
one’s skin. He began to connect with his patients in ways not
taught or recommended by his traditional education. A steady stream
of extraordinary patients, as well as a battle with personal health
issues, served to reaffirm to him the fact that we are more than our
physical bodies. He began to realize that “Suffering is not the
point of living. It’s the background, the context, against which
we discover love’s power over death, over illness. Suffering
is what lends love its supremacy over death.”
As I read through each and every compelling story in this fascinating
compilation – true accounts of telepathic, spiritual and healing
phenomena, I could not help but see the parallels to which many of
us can certainly relate. It is so easy to chalk up each individual
experience to coincidence. After all, most of us have been conditioned
by our educational, societal, and religious influences. However, when
we can follow Dr. Hamilton’s lead of stepping back, expanding
our consciousness, and acknowledging the patterns of these seemingly
random events, we just might attain that same inner knowledge that
makes it so much easier to navigate our physical existence.
To those who have become disillusioned with the medical profession,
to others who have faced the devastation of severe or terminal illness,
and to all who have faced the “finality” of losing a loved
one, I strongly suggest that you read The Scalpel and the Soul. The
“truth” is not always what it seems.
-
Bob Ginsberg
|
The
Three “Only” Things
Tapping the Power of Dreams, Coincidence & Imagination
by Robert Moss
Published by New World Library, 2007
I suspect that
if one were to take a survey that asked people what they consider
dreams to be, the answers would fall into two camps. Some believe
that dreams are manifestations of the brain as it rehashes previously
stored experiences; others believe that our dreams are portals that
enable us to not only transcend time, but access other realms. Then
again, I am sure that many believe both explanations.
In The Three Only Things, Robert Moss, an innovator in dream interpretation,
combines his personal experiences, insights, and his knowledge of
history to orchestrate a blueprint for incorporating deeper truths
in our daily lives – what the author calls “creative living.”
He likens phenomena such as dreams, coincidence and synchronicity
to “open secrets,” and explains the methodology one can
use to uncover these mysteries of life. In discussing dreaming, Mr.
Moss feels that “... dreaming is less about sleep than about
waking up. We learn that time is always now....” – the inference
being that we must stop thinking of time as being linear.
The book draws from many different sources, with some of the most
interesting information taken from the author’s personal experiences
and interviews with thousands of people who he has encountered over
the years. However, what makes this book unique is the fact that the
author’s theories are also discussed in the context of current
scientific research – research that provides insights into the
true nature of time. Dream states transcend the three dimensions by
allowing glimpses of another dimension where past, present and future
occur simultaneously.
Moss provides ample evidence showing how some of history’s greatest
figures have utilized dreams to change the course of events. Precognitive
dreams, early-warning dreams, and early-opportunity dreams have been
and continue to be used to provide guidance and direction. For example,
the brilliant scientist Wolfgang Pauli described his dreams as a “secret
laboratory,” providing the imagery that led to his discoveries.
Fascinating stories are chronicled about the dreams of famous scientists,
musicians and writers, all detailing the direct cause and effect of
the message manifesting in the finished product.
The book goes into great detail about coincidence, as Moss discusses
the possibility of a “hidden” force or intention that plays
a hand in unexpected occurrences. He does not dismiss the possibility
that all of these universal connections have a physical explanation,
and cautions that they should not automatically be labeled as metaphysical.
From the Jungian concept of archetypes where currents of psychic energy
play with us through coincidence, to quantum physics that shows how
separated sub-atomic particles remain connected through space and
time, Moss posits an energy field where everything resonates with
everything else, and “The world we inhabit mirrors our thoughts
and feelings, and vice versa.”
If we examine the author’s “Nine Powers of Dreaming”
and accept his “Nine Powers of Coincidence,” we just might
open our hearts to a more meaningful world. If you find yourself using
the “only” word often, as in only a dream or coincidence,
this book is highly recommended.
-
Bob Ginsberg
|
The
Survival Files
The Most Convincing Evidence Yet Compiled For The
Survival Of Your Soul
by Miles Edward Allen
Published by Momentpoint Media, 2005
Books on the
topic of the afterlife are often written by mediums who present their
interpretations based upon personal experience. Some books in this
genre are also written by historians and researchers who compile anecdotal
evidence taken from channeled accounts of a world beyond the physical.
Many people find such works interesting, intriguing, and helpful as
they seek meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
In The Survival Files, Miles Allen has taken a different approach
to a discussion of survival. In a fluid writing style, a collection
of twenty three cases are presented from many disciplines of research.
Intriguing cases involving near-death experiences, mediumship, out
of body experiences, electronic voice phenomena and reincarnation
are carefully related in a clear and unbiased fashion. Each case presentation
is followed by a discussion between the author and his unidentified
“mentor” in which the evidence is evaluated. Although alternative
explanations are offered and probed, they are usually trumped by the
weight of the survival evidence.
For example, one of the cases outlined is a now famous near-death
experience case where a woman, although dead in every clinical sense,
after being revived tells hospital personnel about her traveling outside
her body and observing a worn blue tennis shoe on a ledge outside
the building. The description of the shoe and its placement was very
specific, including scuff marks and the fact that one lace was caught
under the heel. Is this proof that our minds can act independently
of our physical brains? Could the patient have had prior knowledge
about the shoe? Is it possible that the patient heard a hospital worker
talking about this shoe prior to the operation? The reader is left
to make his or her own judgment.
Adeptly placed in between the twenty three cases are discussions of
the “bigger picture.” Are there commonalities among the
various phenomena? What is the nature of time? Is there a purpose
to our physical existence? Does our perception shape our reality?
There is little doubt that the author is challenging the readers to
put some of their formal education and cultural biases on hold for
a few moments as they follow the data.
Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from this book is the notion
we all should step back and look at the totality of the evidence before
reaching conclusions. It is quite easy to dismiss any one of the twenty
three cases as coincidence. The point is, after absorbing them all,
does logic dictate that something else is at play?
For all those who are new to the science and are eager to learn more
about survival without getting bogged down in discussions of quantum
physics and mathematical formulas, I recommend reading The Survival
Files. In addition, those who already have a grasp of advanced concepts
just might find some new insights as well. Most importantly, a great
many people just might allay some of their fears of death.
-
Bob Ginsberg
|
Medicine,
Miracles & Manifestations
by John L. Turner, MD
Career Press, 2009
There are few
professions that require such precise and demanding skills as those
exhibited by neurosurgeons. Brain surgery is especially unique, as
the doctor must not only have detailed knowledge of an organ that
is mysterious by nature, but be able to anticipate and react to unforeseen
occurrences. These physicians are true people of science, which makes
it all the more remarkable when one decides to incorporate spirituality
into their practice.
Dr. Turner’s spiritual path began in graduate school after reading
about Edgar Cayce. The seeming incongruity of a man like Cayce, who
had little formal education and average intelligence being able to
extract information and prescribe effective alternative medical treatments,
was intriguing. Dr. Turner embarked on a dual quest, as he sought
both spiritual and medical answers to the big questions. On the spiritual
side, investigations of astral travel, chanting, meditation, remote
viewing and little known light energy healing techniques were included
in his quest towards enlightenment.
Many of his medical cases are detailed in this book, some of which
are considered to be medical miracles. Dr. Turner incorporated the
Japanese healing art of Johrei, a healing modality based upon spiritual
light energy, into his “spiritual-medical” practice. This
meant that Johrei practitioners became an integral part of his surgical
team and post-operative care. Since he was the first neurosurgeon
on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the fact that Hawaiian culture was
much more receptive to alternative medicine than many other places,
he did not receive the opposition that one might expect in many other
areas.
Many of Dr. Turner’s patients were saved through the integration
of information and techniques that are summarily dismissed by many
of his colleagues. However, readers of Medicine, Miracles and Manifestations
may be astounded by how many patients were cured or healed by such
means. Medical diagnoses made with the use of remote viewing, light
energy healing practices vs. known medical treatments, “synchronicities”
that matched patient and doctor, the effect of prayer and intention,
visions of discarnate entities – these all occurred and helped
Dr. Turner achieve his goal of medical and spiritual enlightenment.
If you have ever wondered if medical science is on the right track,
or questioned how and if our brains can connect with a universal consciousness,
this book will provide some of your answers. Dr. Turner will be the
first to tell you that we are much more than our physical brains and
bodies.
-
Bob Ginsberg
|
Testimony
of Light
An Extraordinary Message of Life After Death
by Helen Greaves
Rider 2005, An Imprint of Random House, London
Three
weeks after the death of Frances Banks, long-time friend, Helen Greaves
begins to receive a series of telepathic communications from her. The
messages Helen receives span almost a year, in earthly terms, and describe
Frances Banks’ remarkable journey after death. Frances expresses
to Helen the process of how she first becomes assimilated on the other
side, and the humbling and personal experience of reviewing her life
on Earth.
But
the story Frances conveys is so much more than this. She describes the
work she is currently doing as being “thrilling and soul-satisfying.”
She shares stories of how others she encounters are discovering their
own progression and moving forward despite the effects of their past
mistakes. “Here we live so much more in the realm of mind,”
she says. There is no hiding behind facades, concurring with what is
written in the Proverbs, “As you think, so shall you be.”
Although
heavily worded at times, and frequently sprinkled with Frances’own
religious beliefs due to her orientation as a nun, all readers should
come away with an exhilarating feeling of hope and excitement for what
is in store for us all.
First
published in 1969, its message is timeless. Frances conveys this firsthand
report of “the next phase of living to which we are all graduating”
with the hope that if made public it will help all of us realize what
we are working towards: spiritual perfection.
Review
by Melissa Gould
|
Entangled
Minds
Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality
by Dean Radin, Ph.D.
Paraview Pocket Books 2006
Researchers and
scientists that study phenomena that do not neatly fit into the established
mainstream principles of physical reality certainly recognize that their
endeavors will be widely criticized and anticipate their own frustration
levels to soar. After reading Entangled Minds, an extraordinary work
that encapsulates the history of, evidence for, and explanations of
why, one might be inclined to scream out in unison.
Evidence in the
scientific community is judged based upon odds against chance, or percentages
that a particular test could be wrong. For example, in DNA forensic
testing involving paternity questions, the odds that the DNA test could
be wrong in a match with the father are approximately 100,000 to 1.
In our legal system, those odds are sufficient for most of the courts
in this country to unequivocally accept this as sufficient evidence
and make rulings based upon this test. In Entangled Minds, Dr. Radin
presents the statistics of many Psi tests that include tremendous volumes
of data that show odds against chance in the billions to one, infinitely
greater than the conclusive evidence used by the legal system. One might
expect that such findings would make headlines and get featured as lead
stories on television news programs. Yet, as Dr. Radin points out, not
only does this not happen, but such results rarely even get mentioned
in the scientific journals.
Of course, through
direct experience, many realize that phenomena such as ESP and telepathy
are real. Knowing that the phone is about to ring, sensing that someone
is staring at you, dreams of a future event that later come true, all
provide personal empirical evidence. For those who still question, a
journey through Entangled Minds will very likely alter your view of
the universe as well as your part in it. The big question here is not
if Psi exists, but, “How does it work?”
This book will
open most readers to the possibility that our minds are “entangled”
with the universe, and it is very likely that quantum theory may offer
a plausible explanation of “how.”
Dr. Radin posits
the theory that our minds are embedded in what he playfully terms, “non-local
Jello-O ...where we can get glimpses of information about other people’s
minds, distant objects, or the future and past.” In other words,
when we experience the Psi phenomena, perhaps there is no actual “signal”
that is being sent out and received, as is the standard explanation.
Instead, Dr. Radin points out, it is “....because at some level
our mind/brain is already coexistent with other people’s minds,
distant objects, and everything else. To navigate through this space,
we use attention and intention. From this perspective, psychic experiences
are reframed not as mysterious ‘powers of the mind’ but as
momentary glimpses of the entangled fabric of reality.”
Dr. Radin’s
theories are profound, and will hopefully help to move Psi phenomena
out of the realm of “mysticism” and “psychic power”
into the more likely explanation of “entanglement.” More importantly,
perhaps we would be better off viewing ourselves as part of a greater
connected reality, a reality where our actions ripple through the universe.
Entangled Minds just may offer that glimpse of which you have been searching.
Dean Radin, Ph.D.
is Laboratory Director at the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma,
California. For nearly two decades, he has conducted research on psychic
phenomena in academia, corporate think tanks, and government projects.
|
The
Synchronized Universe
by Claude Swanson, Ph.D.
Published by Poseida Press 2003
There have been
countless books published about the paranormal and enormous volumes
of physics books made available to the public. Rarely do you find a
book that not only combines the two, but clearly and systematically
explains phenomena in terms that are understandable to the lay person.
Dr. Swanson, a physicist educated at M.I.T. and Princeton, has done
just that in his book The Synchronized Universe.
Dr. Swanson’s
goal is to take the reader on a journey of recognition that “we
are truly one universe.” In his introduction, he points out the
rift in the world today between science and religion. He states, “Modern
science does not allow for the possibility of the soul, or invisible
beings, or have any laws of force which can account for the power of
prayer. But what if modern science still has a few things to learn?
What if present-day physics is leaving out a few important truths about
the universe, as well?
“.... There
are many phenomena which have been proven in the laboratory, and yet
which mainstream physics steadfastly refuses to admit or recognize.
Why? Because if it did, it would turn the present world-view of physics
upside down.”
Dr. Swanson provides
details about experiments done involving remote viewing, the ability
to see and sense things at a distance. Our U.S. military ran remote
viewing projects for many years with many of the results still classified.
A comprehensive body of evidence is also presented concerning ESP (Extrasensory
Perception), including experiments done by NASA, various universities,
and the Chinese government. Startling experiments with psychokinesis
(the ability to move or affect objects or living beings without touching
them - done with only psychic interaction) are described and illustrated.
Other topics include communication between cells, group consciousness,
levitation, teleportation, out-of -body experiences, near death experiences,
and many other psi related phenomena. Each topic is thoroughly discussed
and includes the new evidence that supports the phenomena and how it
changes previous scientific thought on the subject. The book concludes
with Dr. Swanson’s own theory of the Synchronized Universe Model.
As you move through each fascinating and thought provoking chapter,
you cannot help but redefine a previously constricted view of what constitutes
consciousness and our universe. Evidence truly shows that our consciousness
can leave our bodies. It can not only travel to other destinations,
but travel back and forth in time. This book will certainly jolt anyone
who previously thought of their existence as their physical bodies and
worldly possessions.
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Life
At Death
A
Scientific Investigation Of The Near-Death Experience
by Kenneth
Ring, PH.D.
originally
published by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, c1980
This book was
written in 1980 and remains essential reading for anyone curious about
near death experiences. Dr. Ring spent over a year interviewing people
who had come close to death. Unlike prior books that were written on
the subject, this study was approached from a scientific point of view.
Personal biases and opinions were carefully avoided.
Throughout the
book we find the data surprising us with consistencies in the reported
stages of the near death experience. Statistical breakdowns are illustrated
showing percentages of those experiencing "peace and the sense
of well being." Other categories include body separation, entering
darkness, seeing and entering the light, and a decision to return. Most
fascinating were the descriptions of the cognitive process, a surprising
high percentage of people described very clear and rational thinking,
with senses remaining sharp. After reviewing all of the data, the reader
can draw his or her own conclusions as to the "prototypical"
near death experience. However, it is clear from the data that not only
does one become aware of another reality, but is drawn to it.
For those who
ever felt that their consciousness defined who they were, as opposed
to their bodies and brains, take a look at some of Dr. Ring's data.
To date, there are very few ways to conduct scientific studies of possible
afterlife phenomena. Advances have been made in mediumship research,
and scientists continue to investigate possible "hardware"
to enable communication with other dimensions. Much more research needs
to be conducted with those who have undergone near death experiences;
they offer us real glimpses of a world beyond. Dr. Ring is certainly
a pioneer in this field.
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The Conscious
Universe:
The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena
by Dean Radin PhD.
Harper
Collins 1997 Up until the
present, science has always considered phenomena such as ESP, remote
viewing, and mind-matter interaction to be on the “fringe”
and not worthy of serious exploration. Documentation of such occurrences
had been purely anecdotal, with little statistical data to back it up.
In “ The Conscious Universe” Dr. Radin breaks the barrier
and cites the evidence for psi to be included in mainstream science.
Too often we
have been conditioned to believe that if it is not explained by modern
science, then we should pay little attention to it. This presents a
problem to those who have direct experiences. The fact is, the scientific
community now has an overwhelming abundance of evidence proving that
psi exists; yet, inexplicably there still remains a controversy in the
scientific community. Dr. Radin examines the entire gamut of exploration,
from exploring skepticism to citing all the evidence for telepathy,
clairvoyance, precognition, psychic healing and psychokinesis. As the
author points out, “Psi is our experience of the invisible interconnections
that bind the universe together.”
After completing
the book one is left to wonder how there can still remain a controversy.
As Dr. Radin points out, “The bottom line is that if we do not
expect to see psi, we won’t.”
For all those
who wish to expand their knowledge and open up their minds to where
psi fits in with the universe, this book is the place to start.
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Experiencing
The Next World Now
by Michael Grosso, Ph.D.
Paraview Pocket Books 2004
One might infer
from the title that this is an exploration of methodology for catching
glimpses of the world beyond while we are still in the physical. However,
although such insights are most certainly shared by Dr. Grosso, this
book offers much more. The full gamut of afterlife evidence is examined,
from ancient wisdom to the technologically advanced experiments of today.
As the empirical evidence is methodically introduced to us, the author
makes it crystal clear that we should be equally concerned and moved
by its implications; the ultimate goal being a changed perspective of
the world in which we live and participate.
The evidence
that is examined in this work focuses on four aspects of consciousness
studies: mediumship, out-of-body experiences, reincarnation, and apparitions.
Cases are presented from such phenomena as near-death experiences and
death-bed visions, compelling evidence that our minds can indeed travel
and act independently of our brains. The implications are clear - if
consciousness is not dependent on the brain, survival after we physically
die is a logical assumption.
We often talk
about researchers and scientists “believing” but not really
“knowing.” When talking about apparitions, Dr. Grosso is able
to offer a unique perspective; he has had his own experience of seeing
a ghost. Despite this very personal vision, the subject matter of apparitions,
ghosts, and dreams is examined from an independent perspective, with
particular attention to the hallucination vs. true experience debate.
Throughout the book, in the author’s own words, “My aim is
to provide you with tools for making your own judgment, although I will
let you know how I feel along the way.”
Dr. Grosso has
a unique perspective with regard to psychic ability and evolution. The
question is raised as to the purpose of such ability while we navigate
our physical lives. The author’s suggestion as to the purpose is
both thought provoking and logical: perhaps after we physically die,
when we are pure entities of consciousness, these psychic powers are
the foundation for our whole existence. The implication is that if we
can recognize and hone these skills now, our existence and communicative
abilities in the next world will be enhanced.
In this remarkable
book the journey comes full circle. After being shown compelling evidence
for an afterlife, we are urged to find our own evidence and experiences
in this life. According to Dr. Grosso, “The proposal is that we
reframe life after death into a question of enlightenment now.”
Michael Grosso,
Ph.D. can be reached through his website www.parapsi.com.
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The
Miracle of Death
by Betty J. Kovács, Ph.D.
The Kamalak Center 2003
I must admit
that I was compelled to read this book by the title, as I was both appalled
and intrigued by the description. Why would anyone call death a miracle?
The author was either seriously misguided or possessed unusual wisdom;
as I read the book I realized that the latter was true.
Dr. Kovács
lost her mother, her only son, and her husband in separate car accidents,
all within a three year period. As a professor of literature, symbolic
language, writing, and mythology, Betty was very much aware of cultural
and mythological traditions that embraced the concept of death; however,
the horror of such personal tragedy would now test the limits of her
intellectual beliefs.
The author begins
by recounting her childhood where her cultural interactions conveyed
a sense of emptiness and lack of meaning. She describes a thirst for
knowledge beyond the information that her education was portraying as
truth. Instead of suppressing feelings that were not “logical”
to the rational mind, she decided to embrace her connections to the
universe and her intuitive mind. By exploration of the cosmic mind,
she knew that “there is nothing but life,” and, as Ghandi
knew, “Birth and death are not two different states, but they are
different aspects of the same state.”
Much of her adult
life was filled with dream imagery, most of which was meticulously journaled.
Many of these experiences, detailed in the book, offered great insight
into worlds that most cannot see in addition to being pre-cognitive.
The author insightfully draws the comparison between the ancients who
understood the mystery of death and birth, and modern quantum physicists
who find that sudden elementary particles emerge from vacuums, even
where there are no atoms, no elementary particles, protons or photons.
This concept of life emerging from emptiness is similar to the spiritual
notion that each of us is at the center of the universe, and is “an
integral part of the flaring forth of this continuous creative act that
began fifteen billion light-years ago with the Big Bang.”
The reader of
this book will have the good fortune to share in many messages passed
on from Dr. Kovács’ husband
and son from the other side. One comes away with the belief that, as
Betty writes, “Love and life are indestructible,” much as
Forever Family Foundation espouses “The bonds of love cannot be
broken, even by death.” I cannot help but think that one day in
the near future science will actually discover that the emotion of love
is a form of energy that allows this continuous communication. The concept
of death giving birth to life is certainly not a new one; however, Dr.
Kovács brings us a step closer to
the knowledge that death is a unifying energy that merges with creativity,
love and life.
- Bob Ginsberg
Dr. Kovács
can be reached via the website www.kamlak.com
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The
Gift
ESP, The Extraordinary Experiences of Ordinary People
by Dr. Sally Rhine Feather
and Michael Schmicker
St. Martin’s Press, 2005
One would be
hard-pressed to identify a family that has been more important to the
field of parapsychology than the Rhines. Drs. J.B and Louisa Rhine pioneered
the scientific study of ESP starting in the 1930’s. Their original
work has been replicated and expanded upon by major scientists and laboratories
around the world. Needless to say, as the daughter of this couple, Sally
was exposed to cutting edge research at an early age. Continuing in
their footsteps, Dr. Sally Rhine Feather has established a huge body
of research on her own. In a collaboration with accomplished writer
Michael Schmicker, The Gift is a comprehensive collection of experiences
and insights, tied together with examples of solid research.
The authors begin
by pointing out that the broad term of ESP, or extra-sensory perception,
is “the ability of the human mind to perceive or experience without
the help of the five senses.” Although the familiar five senses
might assist in the interpretation of the communications, they are not
able to act as receptors of the raw information. The book details personal
accounts of many different types of phenomena that fit under this general
category of “psi.” Fascinating examples of precognition, clairvoyance
and telepathy among the living, as well as reported messages from the
dead, are presented in dramatic fashion. ESP examples relating to love,
children, disasters, fate, and more fill the pages in a flowing fashion
that will make the book hard to put down. I suspect that many readers
will recognize some of their own experiences as they absorb these true
accounts.
One will come
away from the book with the understanding that ESP experiences do not
depend on age, religion, education, or culture. In fact, one logical
conclusion may very well be that ESP should be taken out of the “paranormal”
nomenclature. It has existed and has been reported throughout history,
and may be just as “normal” as our other known senses.
As each phenomenon
is examined, the authors are careful to balance, as they point out,
“open-mindedness and critical judgment.” Those interested
in the subject would expect and demand nothing else. If you have had
experiences for which you seek an explanation, if you want to see an
abundance of astounding evidence, or if you want to stimulate some inner
contemplation, I strongly recommend that you read The Gift.
- Bob Ginsberg
Dr. Rhine Feather
can be reached at the website www.rhine.org
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