On the imagination issue, my take is that all appearances take place within imagination. Imagination it seems, is the fundamental tool of creativity. That doesn't mean one is 'lost' in it as happens in a human context. That being said, it doesn't mean one cannot be lost in imagination even outside the physical human experience. It seems it's possible to create little worlds of experience, even hells, depending on the strength of one's self judgment and beliefs carried beyond the death of the body.Rick wrote:But the more interesting point was he said that it was all happening within the Imagination, or Minds Eye, as he called it. It is interesting to note that in other accounts, the persons religion, culture, environment and previous experiences were represented in the "place" they came to when the body was left behind for a time.
Since you have more knowledge about these things, a question I would ask is: are there any accounts of the Self-realized, Awakened having such experiences or are they limited to those whose identity is via mind identification?
Consciousness in the larger sense has no limitations, so for the purpose of interactions with other 'unique perspectives' (self aware beings) there are unlimited possibilities available as format for that interaction depending on the needs and desires of the moment.
The 'places' that those in different cultures and backgrounds come to are no more places than with the boy and man. They are familiar conscious/mental environments that make sense to those coming from similar environments in their human lives. It's not always that way, just common. Many see Beings as orbs of light, yet feel their unique conscious beingness.
I don't know specifically of an already awakened human having a near death experience, but there are many who have awakened because of it. Ask Jen. I even read somewhere that Jesus had a NDE during complications of his birth. We know childhood NDE's are now common so it's not such a stretch considering Jesus' early clarity.
WW