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IMMORTALITY AND THE AFTERLIFE
How to find clues as to what immortality might entail
(2nd edition - February 2006) by A.O. Kime
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'renting' this article, see Rent-a-Article
Whether immortality is in the cards for humans has been debated for
centuries, assuredly since the Stone Age. Yet there
are only two sides of the coin when it comes to the question of immortality.
It is simply yes… or no. Either it exists or it doesn’t. It is a simple matter
only initially however, and especially simple if the answer is no, because then
the trail would end. If the matter is yes, and if to pursue the particulars,
it would become just like all other metaphysical questions… elusive and subject
to all sorts of possible answers.
Compounding the problem... answers to metaphysical questions lie within a
vast sea of unknowns where everything is diametrically opposed to human logic.
This makes very precarious humanly-conceived metaphysical theories and spiritual
beliefs. From even the slightest deviation from the truth, the reality of a
theory (or belief) could be situated anywhere on the map. And this map
is, well, huge… the scope of metaphysical matters seems to be infinitely
dimensional.
While theories about immortality have only two doors to choose from initially,
either the ‘yes’ door or ‘no’ door, there would be countless other doors behind
the ‘yes’ door. They would be doors to rooms containing, of course, answers to
all questions surrounding the hereafter. Of all the possible scenarios humans could
possibly imagine, there are surely countless unimaginable scenarios. Humans
have probably imagined thousands of afterlife scenarios, if not
millions… which means, by virtue of this, the range is wide for the imagination
to roam. Perhaps though, we can narrow it down somewhat.
Afterlife clues
First of all… where do we begin? Well, we can only begin with clues… because
there are only clues from which to begin. That’s because no facts exists. While
religions tell us of an afterlife, they offer no details, no proof… leaving the
matter in doubt. Religions, therefore, are of no help.
Near-death experiences aren't much help either. While they might make someone
believe more in an afterlife, they yield no information as to what lies beyond.
Other than these near-death experiences, there just isn't any circumstances
whereby ordinary folks might become privy. Meanwhile, theories are just
theories. Ordinary folks, therefore, are of no help... which leaves the
spiritual-minded.
Of course we already know science would be of no help... scientists know
nothing of the metaphysical and try to explain phenomena in 'rational' (scientific)
terms. Except to be rational, according to science, one must stay
within the boundaries of their core belief… which is, answers must be ‘logical’.
However, it is instead illogical to think man's version of logic would apply to the
metaphysical... comprised of different realities. The only metaphysical existent science
acknowledges is life itself even though, contrary to practice, it does not 'square'.
For obvious reasons, science is forced to acknowledges life.
While science would accept metaphysical realities if they could be proven but
some things are so evident they shouldn’t need proving. Why even try? Why should
mankind try to square everything with his subjacent realities? After all, they are
subjacent due to the fact the reality of the spirit world
is more encompassing. Who says so? The mysteries of metaphysics.
So, if religions, ordinary folks and science are of no help... how do we find clues
as to what immortality entails then? Well, there is only one way… spiritually.
There are at least two spiritual means available...
the Divine Intellect and dreams.
Actually, dreams serve to corroborate what is learned from the Divine Intellect and in
this sense, they compliment each other. The Divine Intellect lets it be known certain
facts exist, otherwise unknowable, and some dreams add credence to it. It isn't that any
particular dream would shed clues, but instead it is recognizing the significance of
a particular type of dreaming. Assuredly, that type of dreaming
represents the activities of our spiritual soul. That type of dreaming is
clearly different from all the other types of dreams… in that they are drawing
very little, or nothing, from our memory banks to create the plot and the characters
within it. Often the characters are like nobody we’ve ever met and the scenes
aren't derived from experiences. While the human imagination
does play an important roll, perhaps dominates, that doesn’t lessen the wonder just
because it is commonly viewed as humanly (psychologically) created. In other words,
scientific terms don’t automatically limit or lessen a metaphysical marvel. The roll
imagination plays in this type of dreaming suggests only its profound complexity,
its astounding ability to 'create', whereas scientific explanations of these dreams
merely demonstrate shallow straight-line thinking, much
as Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Immortal philosophical failings
Before we continue along these lines, let’s first better understand
where we’re at today and what we’re faced with in trying to figure out
metaphysical questions. First of all, science hasn’t made the slightest headway
in the last 2,000 years. What science claims to know is almost invariably the
result of a forced fit. Matters of the spirit world exist within a different
environment than our physical world… just as the term
‘metaphysics’ suggests. It follows that a vastly different reality would
relegate to the spirit world a vastly different ‘logical
disposition’. In other words, the circumstances dictate what can be
considered logical and why ‘earthly logic’ doesn't apply to
spirit world curiosities. While occasionally science may have caught the scent
of some particular spiritual reality, it is forever left with nothing to
hold in its hand, that is, nothing logically compatible with physical realities. And
since it isn't compatible, it is summarily tossed aside. In other words, human logic
is based upon all those things established by the known laws of physics and
therefore human logic isn't applicable to the spirit world. It’s a horse of a
different color. As a result, as in psychology or sociology for example,
scientific assessments aren’t painting the full picture and often the wrong
picture. Academia tries to force-fit God’s modus operandi into their professions…
well-paid professions by the way, to explain the human psyche.
This is not to say it is impossible for humans to figure it out,
just human logic. One needs to set aside human logic for these purposes. It is
to scrap all previous notions and begin thinking in ways never
before imagined. Forget about known scientific contentions, and except
for Plotinus, forget about what all the other philosophers
have said as well although at least Immanuel Kant recognized this:
"Metaphysics has been the battlefield of endless conflicts. Dogmatism at
first held despotic sway; but ... from time to time skepticism destroyed all
settled order of society;... and now a widespread indifferentism prevails. Never
has metaphysics been so fortunate as to strike into the sure path of science,
but has kept groping about, and groping, too, among mere ideas. What can be the
reason of this failure? Is a science of metaphysics impossible? Then, why should
nature disquiet us with a restless longing after it, as if it were one of our
most important concerns? Nay more, how can we put any faith in human reason, if
in one of the very things that we most desire to know, it not merely forsakes
us, but lures us on by false hopes only to cheat us in the end? Or are there any
indications that the true path has hitherto been missed, and that by starting
afresh we may yet succeed where others have failed?" --- Immanuel Kant
(1724-1804)
Since the spirit world has a different ‘logical disposition’, the approach to
metaphysical questions must therefore be different. Just like man learned to
swim, similarly, man needs to learn how to ‘think spiritually’. First though, one
must sense spiritual logic to get anywhere. It must be recognized and its essence
grasped. Spiritual logic will tender spiritual truths simply because its logic
represents its corresponding reality whereas human logic, based on completely
different realities, is only applicable to itself. Logic, you see, is the child of
realities. But, in order to be a legitimate child (logical), it must accurately
represent a given reality.
In another way to describe spiritual thinking, it's like tuning into the correct
radio frequency for input from the spirit world. Spiritual thought then acts
like a processor to decipher spiritual logic and begins thinking in those terms.
Within spiritual logic, one can find purpose. Purpose, of course, is man’s
biggest curiosity. And if you can nail down purpose, it answers a lot of other
related questions.
The Divine Intellect and immortality
But hold on, it isn’t so easy. Unless you measure-up, you’ll never have a clue
what spiritual thinking is all about. One must prove themselves worthy first.
Further, while man managed to teach each other the art of swimming, spiritual
thinking is something you can’t teach someone, you can only teach yourself. That
capability is within everyone however… it is an inherent feature.
Human logic is useful for one thing though, for ascertaining the correct door... the
immortality door. As a result of pondering the magnificence of it all, life in general,
the perfect nature of it, even within the most insignificant things, there is only
one logical door… the ‘yes’ door. It requires a little more than logic to
determine this door is the right door however; it takes an especial appreciation
of these wonders. Most people aren’t appreciative enough however, having just
taken the gift of life and ran… like some giddy beggar would do after getting a
whopping 100 bucks from some sympathetic donor. For anyone found guilty of being
unappreciative, even though they might have chosen the right door, they will find
nothing behind it.
Yet, people still listen to academia as if the final authority. In concert, the
media spreads science’s biased findings to the point of muffling out all other
voices. The initial successes of science have resulted in a large following, no
longer interested in spirituality… hence having left behind the proper attitude
to think spiritually. In order to think spiritually, nothing has changed
however; it’s still all about gratitude, attitude, worthiness and brains.
At any rate, once the correct door is selected… what’s next? Well, once it is opened,
the next door is for Room 101, that’s where the basics are taught. Until some of the
basics are known, one cannot imagine how to open the remaining clue-doors… no more than a
blind man can imagine eyesight. The professor in Room 101 is the Divine Intellect.
As a current student of the Divine Intellect, albeit not a very good student,
having often been expelled from class, I can still tell you the school's entire
curriculum surrounds immortality since it is the ultimate purpose. It is the
purpose for everything in existence. Transient life is illogical even in the
opinion of the spirit world as it serves no ultimate purpose. Without purpose
there would be no meaning... arbitrary then, born of chaos, would be all
existents. The word ‘purpose’ is unique in a way because it is one of the few
words both man and the spirit world understand and agree upon in a similar
fashion.
Everlasting life and the senses
So what will the afterlife be like and where will it take place?
Will we be flesh and blood or become a spirit of some sort? Well, I can’t say, I
haven’t completed the course in Room 101 yet... therefore I can't open any more doors.
So far, the professor hasn’t said either. I’ve often raised my hand to ask those
questions but he ignores me. Apparently he is of the opinion that if you're
searching for clues, the right to open those doors must be earned. While reaching this
point would demonstrate a fervent desire for eternal life, whether it makes any
difference is unknown, but it would seem important.
I also gathered that whatever immortality will be like depends on what senses
we’ll get... although it is unknown whether the professor hinted at this or I
surmised it on my own. Five of the six senses which we now possess require a
physical body assuredly unlike the sensing capabilities of the
spiritual soul. Since 'to live’ means 'to experience’, and since the senses
provide these experiences, in effect then, the senses represent life itself. So,
as to what immortality will be like… it depends on what senses we get. However,
so far the Divine Intellect hasn’t shed a clue about what these senses will
be… and maybe he won’t. Or perhaps only those more ‘in-tune’ are capable of grasping
that answer. Perhaps Buddhist monks are more capable… since they found for themselves
the best environment to learn such spiritual things. A hermit might also be... distractions,
after all, are a killer. Also, some people seem naturally more capable than others... such
as Irish females, the redheaded ones.
The other thing one must learn is how to listen. There are no languages spoken, as
you might have already guessed, it’s like mental telepathy. Similarly, it
requires one to interpret messages through a sensing mechanism… what could be considered
another capability of the sixth sense.
This particular capability of the sixth sense is like a processor which breaks
down messages into something understandable… but it takes time to get the hang
of it.
To summarize, full success depends upon whether you’ve been deemed worthy… and it is
your very own subconscious mind which makes that
determination. Failure occurs for many obvious reasons but largely due to insincerity.
Insincerity creates a feeling you can't hide. You know, it's the feeling you get from
telling someone you love them when you really don't. This
feeling resonates to the subconscious mind effectively ‘blocking’ spiritual
communications. Otherwise, with the proper spiritual connection (syntax),
communications will flow.
Forever to dream?
Lastly, if we don’t receive a new set of senses in order to experience living as
we now know it, then another possibility exists, the dream
state... call it afterlife dreaming.
However, the dream state would completely shatter our concept of what is
required to be considered 'alive'. Who knows, in light of the awesome
capabilities of the creator, omnificent, maybe life can exist in varying degrees
after all. Perhaps the following is a clue ... even though all living creatures
are considered ‘alive’, it is a term consistently applied to each creature
equally, as if being 'equally alive', whereas it could be a relative matter...
as in one form of' life possessing more 'features' of life than another. For
example, a 'lowly' creature with merely instincts is not as 'featured' as a
larger animal which also possesses awareness. The 'human element' is one more
additional feature. What if even more features existed? Perhaps then... ‘alive’ and
‘life’ should no longer be viewed as synonymous.
We shouldn’t necessarily feel cheated by the dream-state possibility however. Many
of our dreams, especially those mentioned earlier, are effectively the same thing as
living. After all, the images and action are vivid enough to believe them real
while dreaming. Besides, 'afterlife dreams' could be even more vivid. To a
large extent, reality equates to that which is believed to be reality anyway.
Importantly, those images and scenarios experienced in dreams (or in afterlife dreaming)
wouldn’t take place if we didn’t have our current senses however… perhaps the
purpose for being human.
A.O. Kime
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