Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully

by Penny Sartori, Pim van Lommel (Foreword)

Penny Sartori is a registered nurse who began researching Near Death Experiences (NDEs) in 1995 after one of her long-term intensive care patients begged her to let him die in peace. The event shook her deeply and eventually led her to enroll in a PhD program to research NDEs. The findings, along with the profound spiritual lessons that she has gleaned from her work, are published here.

During her academic work, Sartori studied three samples of ICU patients during a five year period. The first consisted of 243 patients from the first year of data collection who survived their ICU experience. Of those, two experienced an NDE, and two an out-of-body experience (OBE). The second cohort consisted of survivors of cardiac arrest during the five year period. Of those, 39 patients (or 18%) experienced an NDE. The third cohort consisted of all the patients who experienced an NDE during the five year period. Their stories are captured in her new book.

One patient in particular, patient number 10, stands out for Sartori. “He was in bad condition,” she says. “When we put him into bed he was unconscious and unresponsive. Later he reported an OBE. He was accurately able to tell us which doctor was in the room and what he had said while he was unconscious. He claimed to have met his deceased father and a Jesus-like figure. But the most extraordinary part was that afterwards he was able to use his hand, which had been paralyzed since birth. There is no medical explanation for how that healing occurred.”

When asked about the biggest takeaway from her research, Sartori says, “In medicine, we’re trained to believe that the brain gives rise to consciousness. My research into NDEs has made me question this prevailing paradigm, which admittedly is very widespread. The most important lesson for me has been a deeper appreciation for death and a whole lot less fear and anxiety about it.”

In addition to detailing dozens of case studies, the book also discusses childhood NDEs, differences in NDEs among different cultures, and the after-effects of NDEs--one of which is the inability, in some patients, to wear a wrist-watch.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Science, Psychology, Self Help, Research

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars *

*There are plenty of books about near death experiences, (NDE’S) but many years of research have gone into this particular book, and what elevates it slightly from the rest is the fact that this research was carried out by a member of the medical profession. Someone well used to being around patients who have suffered cardiac arrests where the heart stopped beating.

There are some really interesting case studies here, from those who have had such experiences, and they often have a profound impact on those people, leaving them with the feeling that death is nothing to be feared. An interesting read whether you believe in this phenomenon or not.

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary book by a nurse, now doctor, who worked for years in the NHS. She realized that with end life issues, there are many categories of experiences that are not discussed in medical educations but that happen often enough to be tacitly understood by practicing medical staff. Dr. Sartori compiled this book with the aim of helping other medical professionals understand near-death experiences and their potential effects on recovering patients. Refreshingly, Dr. Sartori writes simply enough for a lay-person (like me) to completely understand the text and I found account after account fascinating, uplifting, and educational.

Some of my favorite bits:
"Ineffability: When people try to make sense of the (near-death) experience or try to verbalize it they find that words fail them. They have experienced something with which they have nothing to compare, and to try to find words to describe it is impossible." pg 9 I've read about a lot of near-death experiences and I've always gotten the feeling that there was something more there. Sort of like, in reading the account, I was viewing a light behind a veil if that makes sense. It's nice to be able to put a word to that feeling. "Ineffability"

At the end of the chapter about international near-death experiences:
"It is evident that NDEs are worldwide phenomena and it has therefore been suggested that they are merely the effects of a dying brain. However, some cultures report components that are not present in other cultures, which would rule out materialist explanations. As some components are interpreted according to culture then it is reasonable to construe that the components may be interpreted symbolically through each individual's cultural filter. This could suggest an underlying collective consciousness, as discussed by Carl Jung." pg 83

About the power of love:
"Hospice and palliative-care consultant Dr John Lerma has reported that 70 to 80 per cent of his patients waited for loved ones to leave the room before dying. He also remarked that he had witnessed patients who had been certified dead return to life as the pain of their loved ones had pulled them back from a place of peace and love." pg 103 Mind blown.

"Texts such as the Books of the Dead have many similarities to NDEs. For many thousands of years these have been reduced to myths but now they appear to be 'maps of the inner territories of the psyche encountered in profound non-ordinary states of consciousness'. Maybe this is what is needed to reintegrate our spiritual roots with our huge advances in technology."pg 191 I agree.

And finally:
"One thing I've come to realize over the past few years is that heaven is not a location - it is a state of mind and is within us all. We just have to go within and find it." pg 191 Absolutely, Dr. Sartori, absolutely.

If you enjoyed The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences, I would definitely suggest The Map of Heaven by Eben Alexander. You may also enjoy Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton- a hypnotherapist explores between life/past life consciousness with his patients to heal current issues.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly interesting!!!

[Robin Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall an interesting book. The author has undertaken extensive research on the subject of 'Near Death Experiences (NED's) as well as having much knowledge of other research on the subject. I found the book very interesting, as it is filled with accounts of NED's and her own conclusions of how the medical profession should reconsider how they are viewed. To me her views are valid, however, I am a person that does not believe that consciousness is a bi-product of the brain, those with a different view may not find the book so interesting.

[Michael Nalbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The week before Christmas 1998, I left this plane of existence due to pneumonia. The Medics that were present when I returned did not mock me, but clearly did not believe me. I told them my Grandfather was at the end of a tunnel of a light. He pushed me from the opening, telling me "Go back, you have something to do, this is not your time." I flashed back to when I was very young, nearly drowning running off the end of a dock into the lake. As I sank down below the surface a white light was shining on me, I had no fear, I started to rise up to enter it, leaving my body behind. The next thing I know, my Grandfather has his hand clutched on my chest having dragged me up from the water. Someone pushed water out of my lungs, everyone is hollering, screaming, crying, so, I started crying. Until that moment the experience had been peaceful. I only got scared because everyone else was. Then, October 2013, I fell backwards, creasing my skull on the rocking chair rocker. I did not know what happened, but found myself starting on a path to the light. My wife's voice was very adamant, "oh no you don't, get back here, we have many more things to do together." So, I turned around and woke up lying on the floor, nauseous, and in extreme pain. She got me medical help, and took care of me the several months it took to recover. This book verifies my experiences. I recommend EVERYONE reads it in order to realize the transition from a Physical life to a Spiritual Life is going to happen to everyone.

[David Torgerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several books on this subject over the last 2 years, this one appears to be written with agnostics, scientists, & unbelieving doctors in mind. The author includes her own scientifically rigid 5 yr study of interviews with 1000's of patients in order to get her P.H.D. She was a full time nurse during most of this time & it left her exhausted. She covers every possible explanation provided for NDE's & OBE's by materialists that simply cannot explain many of these experiences. Consciousness appears to continue apart from the brain....which is what life after death is, but a majority of those in the medical field still are taught is impossible in our culture. Having had my own spiritual encounter, which cannot satisfactorily be explained materially, this book has further supported my confidence in life after death.

[Frank Lawton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of interesting accounts, a lot of interesting ideas. Penny certainly made me think, her research was valuable, and her passion shone through the pages. I found myself waiting at times to get to the point and seeing things repeated and also found that whilst her claims about life, death, and dying are worth pondering on, many came from a limited understanding of mind.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely interesting book which looks objectively at death, culture, consciousness and attitudes without being religious. It is very positive and encourages readers to be community minded as well as rethinking the dying process in ourselves and our loved ones.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very though provoking.

[Tahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful enlightening book that anyone interested in death, healthcare (especially those working within the healthcare system) and spirituality should read.

It details the author's experiences/accounts of near death experiences while working in an ICU of a hospital, as well as others who have relayed their own accounts on.

This book contains everything you need to know about near death experiences, such as their history, difference between cultures, description, possible scientific explanations and the effects it has on the people afterwards, often for the rest of their lives.

Things I found most interesting:
- it is common for clocks to stop at the time of death - I experienced this when my grandfather died. The clock in the room beside him had stopped at the exact time!

-some people who have experienced NDEs report that during the experience, they can communicate with others through their minds - there is no speech

- NDErs often experience trouble with electrical equipment/appliances afterwards such as watches not working and computers misbehaving

[21zhou · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good collection of NDE stories. However, the author seems to be really upset about people's materialist's view on consciousness and their effort to explain these phenomenon scientifically, judging by the number of "unfortunate" in the final chapters. I think this quote from Dan Dennett's TED talk fits nicely. "Real magic, in other words, refers to the magic that is not real, while the magic that is real, that can actually be done, is not real magic."

https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_dennett...

[Lara Calton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could! This was an extremely well researched book with so much heart and research from many angles put into it. It's a great combination of anecdotal evidence and science for the skeptics! At times I found it a bit dry and repetitive but that's my only criticism. Penny has really produced a special piece of work here which is recommended to anyone interested in learning more about NDE's( particularly health care workers or those supporting terminally ill family members or friends).

[Robin Hedderich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death is part of life.

Five stars
This is a far more scientific approach to NDEs. Usually one reads anecdotal or collections of red stories with 'll title supportive


More of a scientific approach to NDEs. Previously read anecdotal stories of the retelling of similar events. This offers more of a backbone to these experiences. Should be required for medical and nursing students.

[Donna Wittlif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satori gives a thorough review of Near-Death Experiences through her long career as an ICU nurse. Her history of NDE's and the stories of her patients' NDE's in different cultures are eye openers. She raises more questions than she answers. Her book is a great starting place leading to further studies about NDE issues.

[Jerry Esterbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching the Masses


This book should be read and contemplated by all who are afraid their life has no meaning and death will bring it to a total end. It should be read by grieving families and those who feel their loved ones have left them alone or behind. It should be read by those who feel they are inferior or superior to others. It should be read by everyone.

[Malum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping this would be a book collecting and examining the various similarities of NDEs and it kind of is but mostly it's just a collection of various NDE stories.

Worth a read for anyone interested in the topic because it also has information on non-Western NDEs, which a lot of books like this don't really focus on.

[prue yannakos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a condensed and readable version of the author's doctorate conducted on near death experiences. A fascinating read, especially for sceptics as it is a research document conducted within scientific guidelines.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vitally Important View of Death

The often untold story and glimpse into the inevitable. Dr. Satori is at once humane and thoughtful in this most forbodden of subjects. Get your house in order, life makes promise for tomorrow.

[Grete · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderfully informative. mostly well written.
Fascinating subject.

[Virginia Ingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

This book has answered a lot of questions I have about death. I also feel like it has changed the way I look at dieing and I feel more at peace with myself.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[RANDOM PERSON · Rating 2 out of 5]

okay, interesting idea. Bad writing and generally disengaging.

[Paul Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but too wordy.

what the author had to say was very interesting,but too much of her own ideas. Would like to have heard more near death experiences.

[Candace Smith-Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had some interesting information but overall its was anecdotal, repeated itself over and over & didn't include enough study information. Perhaps I should've picked up her other book instead

[Jemima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it at a thrift store. It was more interesting and less woo-woo than I thought it'd be. Gonna look more into the subject now.

[JeffJefferson53 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start and ending
short. repetition of the basis of NDE which is nothing

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry

[Tim Larison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

In her new book “The Wisdom of Near-Death Experience: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully” Dr. Penny Sartori builds a convincing case that out-of-body, Near Death Experiences (NDEs) are very real. Drawing from her experience as a registered nurse caring for dying patients and from her own research, Sartori shares a number of captivating accounts of NDEs. “As long as one has not experienced an NDE themselves,” she writes, “it seems impossible to really understand the impact and the life-changing after-effects of this overwhelming experience.”

I like how Sartori includes NDEs from a variety of people. The young and the old. The religious and the agnostic. Those who had positive NDEs and some who didn’t. “I am not trying to prove or disprove an afterlife,” Sartori writes in the first few pages of the book, though most of the experiences do tell of consciousness after the body appears to have died. “What I have been trying to do is gain a greater understanding of the dying process so that care for dying patients can be enhanced,” she says. Her approach is scientific, and not to prove or disprove any particular world view of what happens to us after we die.

Sartori was initially a skeptic of NDEs. When a dying patient relays an experience of meeting her deceased mother in a beautiful meadow, Sartori thinks the woman “must have been hallucinating or had too much diamorphine. I never gave it a second thought and I didn’t question her further; I simply listened. It was a few years later … that I was to realize the significance of what she had said.”

That patient early in her nursing career had a NDE experience similar to what Sartori was to find from others. During a NDE, she writes, “most people are sent back by the deceased loved ones or ‘being of light’ that they meet. They are often told that it is not their time or that they still have work to do. Often the individual is left with a sense that there is a mission in their life they need to accomplish, though they do not know what that mission is.”

More than NDE stories, the book also touches on the doubts a person with a NDE encounters from friends and relatives. One woman looks back on her NDE as a child. She asks her grandmother about the beautiful lady she had met during her NDE. Sartori relates, “her grandmother told her not to ask such questions and from then on believed the young girl to be possessed and always reminded her of it.”

I have reviewed accounts of other authors’ near death experiences (Anita Moorjani and Eben Alexander). While moved by those first hand stories, I feel Sartori’s work is the best book I have read yet on the subject. “It’s time to acknowledge that NDEs are a very valid phenomenon and to treat people who have an NDE with the respect that they deserve,” the author concludes. Reading “The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences” caused me to reconsider my views on death, and I suspect it will do the same for you, too.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that's considered the primer on near death experiences, or NDEs. It matters because it is an attempt to change science, so claimed to in its idea that materialism has no room for spiritual experiences, so that the same science used to save lives can't necessarily be used to soothe those who have lost loved ones. As a sort of last ditch effort in understanding the DMT and lucid dream phenomena I read this book as it seemed NDEs could temporally be related in that whole sphere of occurrences.
There was the speculation that DMT comes into play seven months of incubation of the fetus to onset the experience of life, or beginning of a conscious mind. Similarly, right before death it was said that the brain is flooded with dimethyltryptamine or similar chemicals, to fully represent death of the body in a sense, while the mind/consciousness can go on elsewhere perhaps.
The thing that makes NDEs remarkable is that they must be unique and can't necessarily be artificially stimulated or simulated, since a brush with death is, apparently, required. What happens, though, if that were to happen? Luckily, some cases have been documented and reported in this case study of a book. The main thing patients get out of them is that we are all here for a reason, one of them is to give a love, but that we also can't die unless "it is time". That's what they are all told before being sent back, and this could be a complex metaphor the body uses to make sense of it all, not unlike a dream, but also this would call into question free will and the ability to introduce chaos into a system.
As part of a survey to look at all the proposed explanations for the NDE and accompanying mechanisms drugs were mentioned but it was emphasized that with DMT contact with alien like beings was more likely, rather than with deceased relatives or God. Meanwhile any spirituality gained from an NDE can happen in the same way as that which happens after taking a psychedelic drug - a newfound appreciation for life can be obtained if correctly administered. Given the relative rarity of NDEs, a study found some 15 out of 3000 IC ward patients, another thing that's far out about them is that the survivors usually claim to have some new powers or gift such as instant healing or the odd habit of having electronics fail when they are nearby. So far as I know this hasn't been corroborated and remains as much of a myth as the NDEs themselves, although I am fairly certain seeing is believing, and if people could have an NDE, they would definitely become somewhat of a preacher on the subject should they eventually open up to the experience at all, as some are afraid of being labeled heretic.
Heaven is a state of mind (similar to how aliens or UFOs can be), is the conclusion she comes to in this work. Go. Live your life now, is what all the near death patients said. Be more compassionate so we can have a heaven on earth. Proponents claim that if everyone had a NDE there would be more peace on the planet tomorrow. I would certainly suppose that the world would be different if everyone had saw the light and supernal fountains of wisdom, as I have seen them.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Learn how to die and you learn how to live.' Morrie Schwartz

Penny Sartori PhD, RGN is an expert in Near-Death Experiences and undertook the UK's first long-term prospective study. She is the author of The Near-Death Experiences of Hospitalized Intensive Care Patients: A Five Year Clinical Study and lectures both nationally and internationally. She currently teaches two courses she has written entitled Death and Dying as Spiritual Transformation and Science, Spirituality and Health at Swansea University. She lives in UK.
Though there are many books about NDEs by individuals who wish to share their insights and other books written by people who have out-of body (OBE) experiences with the same intent, few have studied these phenomena to the extent that Penny Sartori has. This book is more than just a tickler for those who are curious about what NDEs may be: this is a comprehensive study of three groups of patients Sartori studied - those who survived ICU having had a NDE, those who survived cardiac arrest, and a core group of all those who she encountered who had an NDE over a five year period.

Interviewing and working closely with these patients provided Sartori with an immense amount of information that show links among the experiences, commonalities, and the life changes that these patients experienced - unafraid of death, better adjusted to life, diminished anxiety, and the various forms of change in physical status as well as mental status that results in a compendium that becomes as much a philosophical treatise as a scientific examination of a heretofore poorly understood phenomenon.

Reading this fine book restores a sense of trust in the workings of the universe and the place we each fill with our lives here. It is very well written, completely comprehensible, and should be read by all those who fear death or are dealing with a friend or family member in the throes of the fear of dying. Experience it: you will never be the same.