Article discussing kundalini rising, and associated profound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes which are occurring with increasing frequency to uninitiated and unprepared Westerners, often as a result of near-death experiences. A new paradigm in health care, emerging as a complement to traditional Western medical science, incorporates a variety of body-based and psychological therapies that validate the role of the True Self in health and wholeness and work with energetic and experiential phenomena such as kundalini.

Article discussing the relationship between near-death experiences (NDEs) and positive changes in attitudes, beliefs, and values that might be expected to enhance the experiencers' satisfaction with life.

Article discussing three varieties of frightening near-death experiences (NDEs), as distinguished in the typology of Bruce Greyson and Nancy Evans Bush.

Article exploring the historical and research evidence that the awakening of latent spiritual energy is the biopsychospiritual basis of near-death experiences (NDEs).

Article responding to commentaries on the paper, "Misidentified Flying Objects?" elaborating a middle ground position regarding the question of what is "really real."

Article responding to Stuart Twemlow's discussion of UFO abduction experiences paralleled with near-death experiences.

Critique reviewing Stuart Twemlow's paper and presenting some evidence for the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Abstract: In this commentary, I discuss the responses to my paper on frightening near-death experiences (NDEs) written by Christopher Bache and Nancy Evans Bush, and I try to show that there are many points of agreement among us all. While Bache and I saw the ontological status of frightening NDEs differently than did Bush, all of us agreed on the psychological reality and importance of these experiences. Research on frightening NDEs, long overdue, is encouraged and reasons for its urgency are briefly mentioned.

Article exploring a theory that the first stages of transcendental experiences might be induced by blocking or saturating sensory input to the brain at the level of the hippocampus. Many accounts of kundalini awakenings are consistent with this theory, as is an extended version of Itzhak Bentov's physio-kundalini model.

Abstract: In addition to the hypotheses on UFO abductions and near-death experiences described by Stuart Twemlow, another one has been put forward by researchers over the years that increases the complexity of the question of the reality of these experiences. Furthermore, there is some claimed physical evidence for abductions, while there is none for near-death experiences (NDEs). The exploration of unusual personal changes at the time of an abduction or NDE certainly warrants further attention, but investigators should give the well-being of the experiencer top priority.

Article proposing an integrated psychodynamic perspective to account in part for a variety of similarities between near-death experiences and UFO abductions. The psychodynamic psychology of these experiences implies that their "realness" is mainly a function of that psychology, rather than primarily of an objectifiable external reality. Clinical and research examples highlight the theoretical and practical usefulness of this model.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' knowledge of and attitudes toward near-death experiences (NDEs). The study population consisted of 143 staff physicians in the Baptist Memorial Hospital System. Participants completed by mail a modified version of Thornburg's (1988) Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire. Less than one-fourth of the physicians had a well-grounded knowledge base regarding NDEs, while two-thirds had a positive attitude toward NDEs. These data suggest the need for inservice programs for medical and nursing staff regarding near-death phenomena. Further studies assessing physicians' knowledge of and attitudes toward NDEs are recommended utilizing a larger population from a wider geographical region.

Article examining interviews of 100 subjects in the Salt Lake City, Utah, region who claimed to have had a near-death experience (NDE) or analogous spiritual event.

Article proposing a more comprehensive interpretation of frightening near-death experiences (NDEs), in response to a paper by Kenneth Ring.

Article detailing a personal mystical experience that led the author to the belief that a little known structure in the center of the spinal cord, Reissner's fiber, is identical with the anatomical entity described by kundalini yoga. The author's struggles to understand the meaning of that experience have led him to believe that an understanding of the deeper realities underlying quantum phenomena can be integrated with an understanding of the mysterious realities of near-death and other mystical experiences, and that Reissner's fiber can serve as an empirical basis for a scientific investigation of these phenomena.

Abstract: Stuart Twemlow's argument for a psychodynamic approach to anomalous experiences contains some weaknesses. First, Twemlow argues for a primarily mental model of UFO abductions without addressing the presence of physical evidence in some UFO sightings. This omission may reflect the practical limitations of the therapist's role, which usually does not include fieldwork to collect and analyze corroborative physical evidence. Second, it may be difficult for some experiencers to understand or accept a purely psychodynamic approach. Kenneth Ring's imaginal model, which encompasses Twemlow's basic ideas, is suggested as a practical clinical model.

Article exploring the relationship between near-death experiences (NDEs) and activation of the kundalini.

Article proposing a scientific approach to explain the fact that some near-death experiencers (NDErs) are able to recollect and verbalize real events occurring in the environment during the experience.

Abstract: This article questions the recent report by Susan Blackmore (1993) of tunnel sensations in near-death experiences in India, and presents anthropological and methodological reasons for doubting the validity of that finding.

Abstract: Stuart Twemlow's article has made an important dual contribution to our thinking about anomalous experiences: first in offering a heuristic psychodynamic model in terms of which to view them, and second, in suggesting a definite link between near-death experiences (NDEs) and unidentified flying object (UFO) abductions. I consider his argument largely from the standpoint of my own recent research, which also brings out the similarities between precisely these same two types of encounters. My empirical findings support many of Twemlow's observations, but important differences are noted between his more psychoanalytic perspective and my imaginal one. My comments conclude with a strong endorsement of Twemlow's therapeutic stance toward anomalous experiences.

Article contending that Kenneth Ring's arguments are the same that have been used by skeptics to question the validity of the radiant near-death experience (NDE); that as they have been found inadequate there, so they do not adequately address the meaning or value of the terrifying experience; and that experiences of the depths may be equally productive and as worthy of serious study as are experiences of radiance.