Customer Reviews

Heading Toward Omega: In Search of the Meaning of the Near-Death Experience

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Dr. Ring was my advisor at school (Connecticut) and being ableto see him at work and pick his brain on a regular basis, I can saythat he is greatly underappreciated as a scholar and scientist (albeit a "social" scientist, with all of the stigma that such a title undeservedly carries). Heading Toward Omega and The Omega Project are tremendous contributions to the literature of the Near Death Experience in particular and Consciousness Studies in general. Although the dire predictions of global change in the later chapters of H.T.O. seem a bit goofy from our 1998 vantage point, Ring nevertheless forged new ground with this book that remains, I believe, the best "second" book to read on the subject (after Moody's Life After Life). It is intellectually challenging, thought-provoking, life-affirming and just a darn good read...on every page, no less. High praise, deserved high praise. Not to mention, you'll pick up a few dozen groovy vocabulary words along the way.

I read this book over ten years ago and have never forgotten it! It gave acounts from so many and made me feel as though I were sitting in on the interview. I have read many books on this subject, but I cant wait to read it again! Now if only I could just find it!

This book serves it purpose well as an introduction to the NDE. The book is very well organized and well written. As a writing exercise, I would give this book very high marks.

However, I do have one serious problem with this book. The author goes to great pains to present his material in an objective fashion, but this comes off as nothing more than wishful thinking on his part. These experiences, by their very nature, are utterly subjective, and therefore beyond the scrutiny of science. At the end of the book, the author presents a hypothesis to explain NDE's which I find to be frankly ridiculous. It is a wish based on an assumption which is founded on whimsy. This is not science, this is good karma.

Kenneth Ring's work, and study of those who have experienced death, then have come back, makes for exciting reading. It can also go a long way toward alleviating the American culture's fear of death.

In the foreword (p.12), Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, writes of her own experience:
"I was allowed to become part of that light that so many people try to explain in words. Anyone who has been blessed enough to see this light will never again be afraid to die."

Ring observes (p.19) that we have learned to view "death from the outside." When we conceive of death from this perspective, we may have images of physical deterioration and the pain of separation from the dying person.

But the understanding of death suggested by near-death research, provides an "interior view of death." Through collective testimony of those near death experiencers studied, we are told that actually dying (for however long) can be exceedingly pleasant.

Many NDE survivors proclaim that there are no words to accurately describe the "sense of ultimate perfection" that characterizes the "entry into death."

Ring notes that often those who have had an NDE, experience personality changes such as greater feelings of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-worth.

Another result noted after NDE's is that individuals tend to have a greater appreciation of life, more love and concern for others, plus a heightened sense of spiritual purpose.

This is a book that offers hope, information, and enlightenment. It is not only fascinating reading, but offers comfort, as we are all going to experience death. Very highly recommended!

Even though it has been several years since I read it, I still find Ring's book[s] inspiring. Heading Toward Omega is an excellent, provacative read, and contains as much information as one could hope to glean from such an abstruse experience as an NDE.

This book is fascinating and uplifting, and is still applicable even if it seems dated. There is one topic that Blackmore hasn't seemed to speak to: McDougall and his experiment.

I have read many books on this subject after having a NDE - this one wasn't my favorite. Just not that many actuall accounts with details.