On Life After Death

It's not often that a book reduces me to tears, but this one did.

I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2-2016, to fulfill the "book under 100 pages" and "book of essays" categories. I'm glad I did. Reading about major topics like life and death and life after death, eternity, religion, spirituality and terminal illness or near-death experiences is never easy, which is why I'm glad this was a short book. If it had been much longer, it would have been too intense, at least for me.

Kubler-Ross undoubtedly took some flack from the scientific medical community for writing this book, but the issues she addressed are necessary to living a good life on planet Earth, especially in times like these when it seems that people are at show more war and civilization as we know it is being ripped apart by forces of rage, fear and sorrow.

The book consists of four lectures which Kubler-Ross gave at various points in the 80's and earlier. It was published in 1991. She discusses the evidence she has seen firsthand for life after death, as well as research she and others have conducted to ascertain the existence of life after death, and to answer the question, "What happens when we die?" She answers spiritual questions, such as the different layers of consciousness we experience during life, during near-death experiences, during the dying process, and after death, and when those close to us are dying. She also discusses the death of a parent and the impact it has on a child, depending on the time in the child's life when the parent dies, whether it be infancy, childhood, adolescence, or in adulthood.

I suggest reading this book with an open, inquiring mind, without passing judgment on the author if you don't happen to agree with her findings. Agreement is not required. We all find out sooner or later, right?

I read her most famous book, "On Death and Dying" while my mother was in hospice care at home, dying of a terminal illness. It was very comforting, and it made many things clear to me and helped me cope with an impossible situation with more understanding than I might have had if I hadn't read it. That book provoked some negative responses from people when they saw me reading it in public, but there were also people who gave me positive feedback, for which I'm grateful. Death is perhaps the one topic which is still taboo in Western society, where we talk about everything, including the most intimate details of our lives. Kubler-Ross approaches death and the afterlife in a positive, life-affirming, loving, compassionate and helpful way, as a guide in uncharted waters. I found this book comforting and reassuring.

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. The writing is excellent, there are no typos or printing errors to distract from the text (at least in the edition I read) and the font is easy on the eyes. My advice is to read it from cover to cover. It's probably the best way you can spend a Sunday afternoon. show less

On Life After Death beautifully illustrates, through examples of her work with dying patients, strong evidence of the possibility of an afterlife through her patients' near death experiences. The descriptions of what her patients experienced are very reaffirming. Although the book is short, it would have been better to have quotes direct from the patients about their experiences. Kubler-Ross, toward the end of the book, goes into the grieving process for those dealing with the loss of a loved one which, to me, got a bit off topic. Nevertheless, this shirt book left me with a good feeling, and wanting me to read more about her work.

I read this after my father passed away and it gave me a little peace of mind. I guess when you are looking for answers you'll read anything that comes into your hands and this book helped me a little. Mrs. Kübler-Ross has done wonderful work with terminally ill patients: she has shown compassion and she should be recognized for that, among other things.

This collection of shorter works is pretty much stuff people already know, but its a comfort to see it written down, and analyzed. It is good if you want to stop avoiding the subject of death and actually learn about it.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s On Life After Death is a concise primer on the dying. The author a psychiatrist at the University of Chicago explained the stages a patient goes through while dying. She reported that as people die, they shed what she described as their cocoon – their outer shell.
This process Kübler-Ross emphasized take the form of leaving their cocoon like a butterfly, and transforming into an ethereal state. With this consciousness an individual can witness the events of his death. He will know details of the operation room, and the doctors that are endeavoring to save his life.
These phenomena have repercussions for individuals who have had near-death experiences. The author pointed out that handicap people whether they show more are blind or amputees come to experience bodies that are completely rejuvenated when they encounter that brilliant light that they often describe.
Kübler-Ross explained as people transit to their ethereal bodies they will normally go through a channel, cross a bridge, or be guided across a mountain pass. On this journey there is a “guardian angel” or “guide.” This individual the author considered to be a religious figure like Christ, Mary, Mohamed, or a spouse, or good friend who has previously died. In death it does not matter if an individual is religious or non-religious. He or she will experience this same reality.
The author hopes that her audience will be able to look at death as a normal phenomenon. She suggested listening to the dying, and providing an environment that facilitates for the smooth transition to the other world. show less

On Life After Death
by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD

I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to review such ground-breaking material on death and dying. This 85 page gem has made a huge difference in my life. This world renowned author will always be remembered for her clear and accurate account of the 5 stage dying process, and the impact her work has had will echo through the corridors of time.

There are many excellent books out on the subject of near death experiences, and life after death experiences, but I had always been curious as I got older what the process of shedding my body suit was all about. Just about the time I thought I would even start looking for a book on the topic I would get a funny feeling in the pit of my show more stomach and decide maybe it wasn't a good idea after all. I would recommend this gentle honest helper to anyone who has a true desire to learn the many facets of such a natural part of life.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann show less

Not nearly as good as her groundbreaking book on the 5 stages of grief. A little out there, a little wacky.