There are few more contentious issues in this material world than the arguments surrounding life after death. Religious teachings differ according to belief, from a long wait for the last trump, to reincarnation, or even hell fire and eternal damnation for those that disbelieve. Yet common sense dictates that belief should play no part in a natural process. For example imagine that you believe that rain is an illusion, would you remain dry walking through an April shower because you disbelieved? Of course you would not. So it must be that the location of the next dimension of life, that which exists after the death of the physical body, is the same for all without reference to colour or creed. You don't have to believe that, but as sure as day follows night you are destined to discover the truth.

One man that has discovered the truth is Peter Shires. For the first thirty years of his life Peter was a confirmed agnostic, he simply did not believe that there was life after death. What changed his mind has been set out in an interesting, informative and highly readable book titled 'A Beginner's Guide To Life After Death'. This title explains in easy to understand terms just what takes place after the metamorphosis of life and the death of the corporeal body. This is how Peter describes his spiritual awakening:

'I did not have that conviction (that death ends all) changed by a priest, bible or any orthodox religious persuasion. Almost by accident the door was opened for me and I peeped through the chink.' Peter Shires discovered that he was able to receive communication from the world of spirit by the use of automatic writing. 'I am gifted with automatic writing. This means that friends (I can no longer refer to them as spirits) who have previously lived on Earth and are now considered dead, communicate by using me and in particular my hand as an instrument for their thoughts and messages.'

Peter has recorded the messages he has received and published them in a book. They amount to a series of teachings concerning the nature of life after death written through Peter by the communicating spirits named as Wilhelm and John. I found these insights to be both insightful and comprehensible i.e. they do seem to make sense. Let me give you some examples:

On The Life of Jesus:

'That was a special event and special circumstances. He set the faith for all to follow. Love, nothing but love. Unfortunately the religious dogmatists have distorted his truths and the modern world demands proof. We cannot and it is not in people's interests to give proof, otherwise the whole of life on Earth is a waste of time……Jesus is the highest spirit known to us and he is present at the 7^th level.' Within this book Jesus is referred to as a highly enlightened spirit and, whilst on Earth, as a very gifted medium.

On Uri Geller:

'Uri is a highly developed medium. This gift is given to few people, people who have earned it.' Throughout the book reference is made to the use of psychic powers and those that have these are considered by the communicating spirits to be evolved individuals who have lived many lifetimes.

On The Law of Karma:

The first thing you must understand is the law of Karma. You have to work your karma through eons of time. Beginning as a very low organism and repeatedly reincarnating up through the spheres of existence. …..From time to time we have to make a new journey onto the Earth plane and into a newly formed body in order to gain experience and to learn'.

On The Essence of God:

'God is the highest spirit in the universe. God is the essence of life. God is goodness, light, power and absolute love. God is uncomprehendingly advanced in love that he (for the time being we will say 'he') can allow evil to have its place in the universe, in order that the spirit may dwell on such and fight to overcome this evil.'

Peter Shires states that the text of this book and the many messages and teachings it contains was communicated through him by the use of automatic writing. He simply placed his pen onto a blank sheet of paper and the spirits wrote the book for him. Certainly there are some unique insights given by his communicators amongst these there is a section on the truth about the pyramids in Egypt. I found the idea that theses ancient structures were built not by the Egyptians but by the population of the lost continent of Atlantis thought provoking. The book even touches upon the nature of UFO's stating that the people of the planet Earth are too far down the scale of development to receive meaningful contact from the highly evolved space travelling occupants of various planets in the universe.

However, it is on the nature of the meaning of life after death that Peter Shire's work excels. I found the section on the truth of reincarnation most interesting of all. The idea that we as discarnate spirits alive in the next dimension actually select and are selected for particular parents makes sense if one accepts the truth of karmic responsibility. No doubt, given the choice, we would all chose to be born to wealthy and influential parents, but that would not assist us in our spiritual progression. The law of karma dictates what we each require to gain from a particular incarnation and we are therefore born into the body that will permit us to acquire the experience. Those who are not currently enjoying a very easy life may find some consolation in this doctrine. As for the rich and famous, well karma will get you in the end so better do unto others as you would they should do unto you, or else it may be your turn next to take the mucky end of life's stick.

As an easy to read and entertaining insightful look at life after death I found this book to be first rate. One may or may not believe all that is written within its 135 pages but it will certainly make you think. 'A Beginner's Guide to Life After Death' is published by Fortune Books Limited at £8.99 ISBN: 1-903782-00-7 Available at £7 direct from the publisher telephone (0113) 260 0010 fax: (0113) 232 6536

Web Site: http://homepages.about.com/fortunebooks/fortunebooks/

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