afterlife anxieties

[ge0rge]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

 

[Zerengin96]

No one can grasp the concept of eternal nothingness, and in my opinion you cant really compare the nothingness before you where born with the apparent nothingness after the individual dies, because the former obviously wasnt eternal. I actually have this metaphysical believe that all organic life in this universe kinda springs from on entity, and when you as an individual die you will instantly be reborn as something else. Doesnt have to be a human obviously, could be an animal, an insect or might be some alien life form from a planet 3 billion light years away. Sounds weird, but thats what i believe in, and it honestly gives me hope, because i think life per se is not that bad, but being a human being just sucks. I think we humans where a serious mistake in evolution.

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

To put it short, i do think we will be reincarnated, but i think it is highly unlikely that we will be reincarnated as a human being in our next life, given that there are probably billions of organic life forms in our universe

 

[hankbank3928]

Yes I have the exact same fear of reincarnation as you just described. That's why I want there to be a God, so that we can avoid that bullshit.

 

[jimmy7754]

I don't think time exist outside of the human brain.

 

[Worndown]

I would not worry about this. If this theory proves accurate, none of us remember our last run. If it is inaccurate, it does not matter.

 

[Ta555]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

No my friend..you're a bit wrong. The black void is the best description we can do for a LACK of consciousness. That's what we mean by black void. No consciousness. Les when you're under general anaesthesia. You do not remember anything from the time you're under anesthesia. That is the black void. No time. No space. No awareness.
That's how death is. The electrical impulses between your neurons stop and your brain shuts down. There is no way to perceive anything anymore with a shut down brain.

Try to stop worrying and dig into some atheist resources. Reincarnation, along with every afterlife theory, is a load of bs.
The science leads very strongly to nothing happens. Like going under anesthetic and never coming out. That's it. Everything else is just new age nonsense.

 

[lonely30]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

I understand but don't worry. I don't want to offend anyone but it's really not real. Your mind is a product of your brain function and when that ceases, it's over. I promise. Of all the worries that you probably have, you can hopefully take that one off your list.

 

[ge0rge]

No my friend..you're a bit wrong. The black void is the best description we can do for a LACK of consciousness. That's what we mean by black void. No consciousness. Les when you're under general anaesthesia. You do not remember anything from the time you're under anesthesia. That is the black void. No time. No space. No awareness.
That's how death is. The electrical impulses between your neurons stop and your brain shuts down. There is no way to perceive anything anymore with a shut down brain.

Try to stop worrying and dig into some atheist resources. Reincarnation, along with every afterlife theory, is a load of bs.
The science leads very strongly to nothing happens. Like going under anesthetic and never coming out. That's it. Everything else is just new age nonsense.

I don't really vibe with that, philosophically. Like we can regard the black void of anaesthetic experience only because we then awake to realize what it was like. Non-existence doesn't make sense unless it leads back to existence. A void cannot exist without a non-void to define it by relation.

 

[Ta555]

I don't really vibe with that, philosophically. Like we can regard the black void of anaesthetic experience only because we then awake to realize what it was like. Non-existence doesn't make sense unless it leads back to existence. A void cannot exist without a non-void to define it by relation.

What are you talking about? That doesn't make any sense? Things can exist without relational definitions. What are you on about? We don't define 'cat' as 'not a dog' and vice versa. And a non-void DOES exist. It's called life. And life is the opposite death. Death is permanent. You go under and never wake up again. Why does non-existence have to LEAD back to existence? Why does it have to be a cycle? You exist and then you don't. Why does it have to go back to existence.
Look, if you want to stress yourself out and believe in woowoo that's your prerogative but the science, and logic, is not on your side.
Anyway, I won't reply here anymore because these sorts of beliefs, they're emotional and based on fear. Nothing I can say here is going to change your mind because it's the grip of fear making you to hold on to this thing.
Took me years of being an atheist to drop it so I'm not going to solve your issues in a few comments.
Good luck man.

 

[FuneralCry]

I do not fear reincarnation as there is no evidence that it even exists. Instead I fear things that are real, I fear the life we currently live in, existence is objectively so horrifying and it gives me anxiety to think about all the suffering in the world.

 

[ge0rge]

What are you talking about? That doesn't make any sense? Things can exist without relational definitions. What are you on about? We don't define 'cat' as 'not a dog' and vice versa. And a non-void DOES exist. It's called life. And life is the opposite death. Death is permanent. You go under and never wake up again. Why does non-existence have to LEAD back to existence? Why does it have to be a cycle? You exist and then you don't. Why does it have to go back to existence.
Look, if you want to stress yourself out and believe in woowoo that's your prerogative but the science, and logic, is not on your side.
Anyway, I won't reply here anymore because these sorts of beliefs, they're emotional and based on fear. Nothing I can say here is going to change your mind because it's the grip of fear making you to hold on to this thing.
Took me years of being an atheist to drop it so I'm not going to solve your issues in a few comments.
Good luck man.

you seem stressed :(

 

[Ta555]

you seem stressed :(

So do you

 

[toforigivelife]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

I'm hoping to ease your fears about death, the afterlife and reincarnation, not to encourage you to CTB.

I don't know where you're at in your suicide struggle journey. If you have feelings of trying to find a solution or seeking any kind of assistance I hope you'll do that before making any final decisions.

If you have truly thought it through, have come to an informed decision and feel that ending things is what's best then I respect your choice and respect your feelings. (I wish things would get better for you but obviously I understand where you're coming from.)

Outside of personal experiences the closest thing we mortals have as far as insights into the death process and the afterlife are accounts from those who have near death experiences or NDEs.

Some accounts sound like hallucinations or the work of brain chemicals and then there are the experiences that sound like genuine spiritual experiences.

According to those who have "seen the other side" the concept of reincarnation is a matter of choice. That you don't reincarnate or agree to come back to this life the moment that you pass over.

Choice is involved. And according to what are known as "experience-ers" the deceased person is given a chance to feel relief from their most recent life, from their body, from their mind and the choice to reincarnate - or to not reincarnate - is made from a place of love, wisdom and healing.

And, yes, according to experience-ers, the sense of love and healing also extends to those who have died by suicide.

Again, and I'm not trying to be a hypocrite since I am also one of Sanctioned Suicide's visitors, I hope that I'm not encouraging you to take the final step if you have a chance to improve your situation.

I just know that you don't need the additional layer of torment of fearing what the afterlife may hold.

I truly wish you all the best.

 

[ge0rge]

I'm hoping to ease your fears about death, the afterlife and reincarnation, not to encourage you to CTB.

I don't know where you're at in your suicide struggle journey. If you have feelings of trying to find a solution or seeking any kind of assistance I hope you'll do that before making any final decisions.

If you have truly thought it through, have come to an informed decision and feel that ending things is what's best then I respect your choice and respect your feelings. (I wish things would get better for you but obviously I understand where you're coming from.)

Outside of personal experiences the closest thing we mortals have as far as insights into the death process and the afterlife are accounts from those who have near death experiences or NDEs.

Some accounts sound like hallucinations or the work of brain chemicals and then there are the experiences that sound like genuine spiritual experiences.

According to those who have "seen the other side" the concept of reincarnation is a matter of choice. That you don't reincarnate or agree to come back to this life the moment that you pass over.

Choice is involved. And according to what are known as "experience-ers" the deceased person is given a chance to feel relief from their most recent life, from their body, from their mind and the choice to reincarnate - or to not reincarnate - is made from a place of love, wisdom and healing.

And, yes, according to experience-ers, the sense of love and healing also extends to those who have died by suicide.

Again, and I'm not trying to be a hypocrite since I am also one of Sanctioned Suicide's visitors, I hope that I'm not encouraging you to take the final step if you have a chance to improve your situation.

I just know that you don't need the additional layer of torment of fearing what the afterlife may hold.

I truly wish you all the best.

that's a very kind and thoughtful response. thank you so much! I've also read a few books on NDEs, they're soothing in a way. it's the closest we can get to the real thing. I'm currently reading a book by Pim van Lommel, who also goes into exploring the nature of consciousness and the brain -- even notions such as quantum physics or neuroplasticity. reminds me of some of the concepts explored in this book, which I really like.

 

[Alex6216]

Reincarnation is bad but remember if this were true you still will be reincarnated if you die via old-age.
Also I dont buy this 'choosing to be born' since no one would want to be born in the poor and/or in the third world yet those two make up most of the human population. Either you're forced or you're manipulated/lied to

 

[Resinn66]

Yes, this is my biggest fear too. I hope after I died there is nothing but nothingness. Can you imagine being reincarnated as an animal like an Impala or an Antelope and being eaten alive by a pack of Hyenas?

 

[Judy Garland]

I'll preface this by saying I'm not religious, just vaguely agnostic.

To me, the biggest anxiety ever when it comes to CTB is the possibility of reincarnation.

Hellfire I can deal with (provided it's metaphorical burning in regrets and sorrow and penance -- how are discarnate beings supposed to burn anyway?). The popular concept of a black void and an eternity of nothingness I really can't get behind, mostly because I feel that a black void becomes a black void only once it's observed, which presupposes some form of consciousness or identity. Nothingness doesn't make sense to me from a phenomenological/epistemological point of view, but I don't really have the philosophical vocabulary to describe it. I can feasibly imagine a boundless void but also some kind of perceiver of that void that is aware of itself.

What does make sense to me, what really terrifies me, is instant reincarnation. No karma, no cosmic leveling, just straight up closing your eyes in death and then opening in rebirth once you're out some woman's vagina, all in a heartbeat, starting it all over again, randomly. Existence has to continue itself. You wouldn't be you, as in a set of fixed experiences and emotions and cognitions, but a fresh new you that isn't aware of anything that's gone before. What if you're a woman born in China, or Afghanistan, or India? What if you're born in the midst of war or famine or some kind of calamity? What if it's all just randomness, someone bound for a lifetime of suffering? Now that's hellish.

Hellfire is one thing I can't deal with....same with a field of thorns. I also cannot deal with thinking we cease to exist. Don't worry about instant reincarnation...ask yourself why would you just be recycled into anything. You wouldn't. I feel and believe that we go Home. Home is where you feel the most comfortable. You know Home, You just don't remember it right now. We use forgetting so that we may repeat experiences that we enjoy. But on this earth, which I do not even want to capitalize,,,this place is very painful and everyone has forgotten why it is painful. It is negative. This world is a torture chambre for a lot of people. And no, we don't want to come back. I'm afraid that I've agreed to suffer for those who are dark and who enjoy this place, (they thrive in it). They want me suffering as I am in life. I hope I didn't agree to be thrown into a field of thorns. Think about it, there are people who like to see others suffer. And there's a lot of them on this earth because they enjoy the suffering in this place.

 

[obafgkm]

I think the moral implication of reincarnation is that our actions become reciprocal through rebirth. What we do or not do is also shaping the world we will return to. If we increase pain in the world more likely we will suffer pain next. Because no beginning no end, our next life may well be just any life, any person, any animal, here around us. Therefore do unto others....

 

[Still Flutter Girl]

I'm hoping to ease your fears about death, the afterlife and reincarnation, not to encourage you to CTB.

I don't know where you're at in your suicide struggle journey. If you have feelings of trying to find a solution or seeking any kind of assistance I hope you'll do that before making any final decisions.

If you have truly thought it through, have come to an informed decision and feel that ending things is what's best then I respect your choice and respect your feelings. (I wish things would get better for you but obviously I understand where you're coming from.)

Outside of personal experiences the closest thing we mortals have as far as insights into the death process and the afterlife are accounts from those who have near death experiences or NDEs.

Some accounts sound like hallucinations or the work of brain chemicals and then there are the experiences that sound like genuine spiritual experiences.

According to those who have "seen the other side" the concept of reincarnation is a matter of choice. That you don't reincarnate or agree to come back to this life the moment that you pass over.

Choice is involved. And according to what are known as "experience-ers" the deceased person is given a chance to feel relief from their most recent life, from their body, from their mind and the choice to reincarnate - or to not reincarnate - is made from a place of love, wisdom and healing.

And, yes, according to experience-ers, the sense of love and healing also extends to those who have died by suicide.

Again, and I'm not trying to be a hypocrite since I am also one of Sanctioned Suicide's visitors, I hope that I'm not encouraging you to take the final step if you have a chance to improve your situation.

I just know that you don't need the additional layer of torment of fearing what the afterlife may hold.

I truly wish you all the best.

Dealing with similar concerns, and this was a really helpful post

 

[Shu]

Nobody knows a DAMN thing what happens. Not even "lOgIc and sCIeNCE"

 

[toforigivelife]

Dealing with similar concerns, and this was a really helpful post

I'm so glad that this was helpful to you.

 

[Shu]

No my friend..you're a bit wrong. The black void is the best description we can do for a LACK of consciousness. That's what we mean by black void. No consciousness. Les when you're under general anaesthesia. You do not remember anything from the time you're under anesthesia. That is the black void. No time. No space. No awareness.
That's how death is. The electrical impulses between your neurons stop and your brain shuts down. There is no way to perceive anything anymore with a shut down brain.

Try to stop worrying and dig into some atheist resources. Reincarnation, along with every afterlife theory, is a load of bs.
The science leads very strongly to nothing happens. Like going under anesthetic and never coming out. That's it. Everything else is just new age nonsense.

Most of these beliefs aren't new age at all. In fact they are quite ancient.

 

[Lost Magic]

As my time on this earth draws near, I would prefer to think of death as an adventure. Let's be honest, have you died? The best ones to ask would be the ones who have had near death experiences or tried DMT. We don't know all the answers and that's a good thing. Sucking the mystery out of the universe and beyond would be boring.