Near-death and out-of-body experiences in a Melanesian society.

Accounts of near-death experiences, a vision, and a dream from Melanesian villagers share common features with those reported in North America and India, such as apparitions and visions of paradise. However, the interpretation of these experiences is shaped by cultural expectations, as demonstrated by analysis of the Melanesian texts within their cultural context.

Study at a glance

Abstract

"The texts of three near-death experiences, one vision, and one dream by Melanesian villagers are presented and analyzed with regard to their cultural context. Comparison of these experiences with those reported from North America and India suggests that while they have common features (such as the appearance of apparitions, and visions of paradise), their interpretation is structured by cultural expectations."