Spirited Away: The Phenomenology of Near-Death Experiences Among Filipinos

Abstract

This study explores the "lived experiences" of Filipinos with near-death experiences and the phenomenon's effect in their lives in general. A near-death experience or NDE, is a profound psychological and spiritual phenomenon that typically occurs during a trauma, health crisis or clinical death, although similar experiences can happen spontaneously in emotionally intense situations or during every-day life. Each near-death experience is unique, but as a group NDE displays common features. By itself, coming close to death without any of these special features is not what is meant by a "near-death experience" (IANDS, 2008) A qualitative approach was employed in this study. A group of 10 people, both male and female, were asked to participate in this study by answering a questionnaire and taking part in an in-depth interview afterwards. The interview covered their subjective experiences, highlighted the salient themes found to be common in such experiences, and embarked upon the effects of these experiences in the person's life in general. Results agreed with the salient themes common to near-death experiences reported by previous Western researchers despite the difference in culture and practices. People who experienced nearly dying also reported a qualitative change in their life particularly in their spirituality and morality. The near-death experience also effected a deeper principle on the importance and meaning of life and a positive view on it They were also able to give concrete definitions and meanings to the concepts of life and death based on their experiences.