A near-death survivor (she "died" three times) and researcher P.M.H. Atwater has been involved in research into near-death experiences for over 40 years. This book represents her findings; a summing up of a lifetime of research. Her work has involved nearly 7,000 adults and children and is solidly grounded in their stories. She explores the physiological and spiritual changes that result from near-death experiences and looks at the connections between the near-death experience and what is often called "enlightenment." The near-death experience provides a glimpse of not only what lies beyond the veil of our temporal existence, but points to what - or who - we really are and what we are meant to be. Part story-based research, part philosophical speculation, part metaphysical musing and part examination of contemporary neuro-science, this book is breathtaking culmination to what has been a successful and controversial career.