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Death and Dying Since Raymond Moody Published Life After Life it in 1975, and Kenneth Ring Life at Death in 1980, the expression "near-death experience" has been a part of our vocabulary.' These highly unusual altered states of 220 consciousness occur when the body faces life-threatening circumstances, such as when a rock climber free-falls off a cliff. They also may occur when the body actually has begun to die, such as after a massive heart attack or when drowning. The broad outline of a near-death experience (NDE) includes the sen- sation of rapid travel through a tunnel, sometimes accompanied by voices, songs, or music. There is the presence of "others'—living or dead rela- tives, friends, and family members. These beings also may take the form of spirits, angels, or other "helpers." The realization may come that one really is dead. Many experience feelings of great peace and calm, although others report terrifying images and emotions. Some experience a "life review," the organized and rapid recollection of personal memories ending at this