Again, as mentioned earlier, an individual can be so certain that death is the end of all, that oblivion, though temporary, results. In many cases, immediately on leaving the body there is, of course, amazement and a recognition of the situation. At many funerals, the deceased is amidst the company — and no one gazes into the face of the corpse with as much curiosity and wonder.
(Sorry, but I rewrote the last sentence for clarification. Here’s the original sentence as it was written in Seth Speaks, the Eternal Validity of the Soul: “The body itself may be viewed, for example, and many funerals have a guest of honor amidst the company— and no one gazes into the face of the corpse with as much curiosity and wonder.” - Pete)
At this point many variations in behavior emerge, each the result of individual background, knowledge, and habit. The surroundings in which the dead find themselves will often vary. Vivid hallucinations may form experience quite as real as any in mortal life. Now, I have told you that thoughts and emotions form physical reality, and they form after death experience. This does not mean that the experiences are not valid, any more than it means that physical life is not valid.
Certain images have been used to symbolize such a transition from one existence to another, and many of these are extremely valuable in that they provide a framework with understandable references.
The crossing of the River Styx is such a one. The dying expected certain procedures to occur in a more or less orderly fashion. The maps were known beforehand. At death, the consciousness hallucinated the river vividly. Relatives and friends already dead entered into the ritual, which was a profound ceremony also on their parts. The river was as real as any that you know, as treacherous to a traveler alone without proper knowledge. Guides were always at the river to help such travelers across.
It does not do to say that such a river is illusion. The symbol is reality, you see. The way was planned. Now, that particular map is no longer generally in use.
The living do not know how to read it. Christianity has believed in a heaven and a hell, a purgatory, and reckoning, and so, at death, to those who so believe in these symbols, another ceremony is enacted, and the guides take on the guises of those beloved figures of Christian saints and heroes.
Then with this as framework, and in terms that they can understand, such individuals are told the true situation. Mass religious movements have for centuries fulfilled that purpose, in giving man some plan to be followed. It little mattered that later the plan was seen as a child’s primer, a book of instructions complete with colorful tales, for the main purpose was served and there was little disorientation.
In periods where no such mass ideas are held, there is more disorientation, and when life after death is completely denied, the problem is somewhat magnified. Many, of course, are overjoyed to find themselves still conscious.
Session 536, Seth Speaks – the Eternal Validity of the Soul Copyright © 1972 by Jane Roberts and Robert F. Butts. Current copyright holder – Laurel Davies-Butts
Posted on SethJaneRoberts@yahoogroups.com by Oceanside Rick, Fri 7/8/2011, 6:17 AM
In the late 1970s, we lived at Freedom West, a large housing cooperative in San Francisco. While there, I met an elderly Filipino man who was absolutely delightful. He had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. When he died shortly after I met him, my sense of loss was so great, I decided to attend his funeral for one last goodbye.
As his family and friends shared their fondest memories of him, I couldn’t help but think about how wonderful he was and how much I would miss him personally. Sensing his presence in the middle of my thoughts, I looked up at the casket and saw him sitting on it with his right leg crossed over the left one while bracing himself with both hands. He looked at us with the most loving smile I’ve ever seen, and hidden within it, was the thought, “if you only knew what it’s like on this side of reality, you wouldn’t be so sad.”
His knowing smile brought a smile to my face and I walked home with thankfulness for having attended his funeral and experienced this magical moment.
Pete – http://realtalkworld.com/
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having (creating) a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
“How you define yourself and the world around you, forms your intent, which, in turn, forms your reality.” – Seth
In other words, we create our reality from what we believe about ourselves, and the world around us.
If we do not consciously choose our beliefs, we unconsciously absorb them from our surroundings.
If our beliefs, attitudes, values and expectations create our reality, can we afford not to question them?
The more we love, understand and appreciate ourselves, the better we treat ourselves, and the world.
Blessings of love and understanding be to us all!
The secrets of the universe lie hidden in the shadows of your experience. Look for them!
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