The Light of Death

I have long been curious about the mystical symbols spoken of by the adepts. Symbols universal like water and light, like unconditioned Love and Joy. More and more science adds clarity to the metaphysics behind such language, yet our subjectivity is still the domain of "gnosis," that intimate knowledge of experience which can not be denied. There is much research about the near death experience. For those who experience it and those who encounter it second hand it can be life changing. Yet does one need to nearly die to experience its life transforming reality? 

My short answer is NO! I have spoken of my own initiation into the experience of Unity Consciousness. The two dominant attributes for me were Joy or Bliss of which I have had much to say. The second attribute was that of a light which began in my heart and came to rest slightly above my head and toward the front, yet which can be duplicated in any location. It is this light that keeps me company and I have come to call it the light of death because of its similarities with the Near Death Experience. The difference for me is that this experience with light is not of a limited duration nor a experience outside the body necessarily. An out of body experience is neither exclude not required in the interaction with this light, nor a cessation of life functions.

There is a sense of certainty that this light is not only an environment of rarefied experience but also a living entity, that illumines all living things from within. There is nothing truly exterior to it, not even the world of the senses which I have termed the world of color. The dominant experience of this light is not one of color but of brilliance. I have also come to recognize it as glow, meaning it is a self generated light from within itself. The world of color is a world of reflected light yet not different essentially from the light of life. I like to use the Dzogchen word "rigpa" or "clear light" when referring to the light of life.

As a spectral phenomenon, light is divisible into different frequencies or vibrations, each manifesting, geometrically, and with temperature differences, combing in kaleidoscope like patterns with emotional content and cross linked symbolic meanings. This I understand as the "aura" referred to in many traditions. Within this light, the energetic signatures of family, friends and loved ones and the ancestors are available ... even to dialogue with. The archetypes are as well fully represented along with intelligences far different from ours.

I am inclined to say that this is a virtual world and that our ancestors may not abide here "in reality" (reality being so much more than personality). Yet in a virtual world, things virtually identical are indistinguishable one from the other and yet are virtually autonomous and possessed of a temporal independence.

This to me is the very "mind" of the creative. It holds the imprint of memory and designs for the future, yet there is a suspicion that these poles are fluid and that not even the past is fixed nor the future entirely random. it is all "story" being made up in accordance with our capacity to confront or embrace it.

The effect of this light is fundamentally two fold. It is purifying, and clarifying. By purifying I mean that it brings into contrast all things which are not of what Socrates called "the good and the beautiful." By clarifying I mean that it gives a sense of direction and draws us toward our goodness that the things to be released may be released without counter intention. Thus it is always life affirming and seals us with an imprint of the good as our guide.

The effect of the light too is to reveal the indivisible unity and omnipresence of life. Most will experience this Unity as an unconditioned love. The Omnipresence will likely be perceived as some flavor of joy and delight. The dominant mood of these effects is often described as a peace. I offer this brief commentary that all may know such peace is available. May all come to know this light of life where death looses its sting.