This article explores the mysteries of the afterlife through the lens of my cultural beliefs, offering a glimpse into how these ideas shape my life and spirituality. Whether you share these beliefs or not, I hope it encourages you to reflect on your own understanding of life, death, and what may lie beyond.
What Happens After We Die? Exploring the Mysteries of the Afterlife
Most likely, you have asked yourself this question or heard someone else ask about it: "What happens after we die?" It’s a question I’ve heard repeatedly throughout my life, from childhood conversations to adult discussions. It’s a question I had asked myself before I had any knowledge of the subject.
This is a timeless inquiry that continues to intrigue people across generations. Some are deeply curious about it, while others may not seem interested. I don’t believe they lack interest, though; I just think some people prefer to live and let life take its course without questioning it. We all know that everyone must die, so it's not something to ignore. Whether you are the strongest person on earth or the weakest, we all reflect on it at some point. Even soldiers are concerned about what happens after they die. Even a person who has taken the lives of others is afraid when their turn will come because people lack knowledge of what comes next after the body is no longer in a state to live.
What Happens When We Die? A Cultural Perspective
Let’s set aside the vast array of global research and beliefs for a moment and focus on one culture: the one I was born into. In my culture, death is believed to be not an end but a transition into another dimension—a spiritual one that our eyes cannot see. We believe that even after someone passes away, we remain connected to them. Their spirit lives on in the spiritual world, even as their physical body is laid to rest.
To us, death doesn’t mean disappearance—it means the soul or spirit of that person has moved into the spiritual realm, leaving behind their physical form, which their spirit can no longer inhabit. This belief shapes how we view life, death, and the connections we maintain with those who have passed on. It brings us comfort and assurance that we are not losing a loved one but simply saying a short goodbye until our turn comes to go through the same experience.
Where Do Spirits Go in the Afterlife? Insights from My Cultural Beliefs
From what we have learned—and by “we,” I mean others in my culture who share these beliefs—the spirit journeys to a place described as a crossing point for the dead. I have no idea what this place looks like because I’ve never been there. I’ve never had the chance to ask someone who had passed on to describe the place to me directly. This is because when our ancestors visit, they come with a direct purpose and only deliver that purpose. Any other questions about their afterlife experiences are out of the picture. Their short visit is for a specific purpose only, though sometimes they do share a little about it.
When ancestors visit, it’s often brief and purposeful. They come to deliver specific messages, and while we might ask a question or two, their answers about the afterlife are rarely straightforward. It’s like piecing together a puzzle to get a clearer picture.
One intriguing detail I’ve gathered from a visit I received from the spiritual world is that a tall, dark-skinned man guards a massive gate. When you die and cross over, you meet this man. He controls the passage of souls, opening and closing the gate for those entering the afterlife or for spirits from the afterlife visiting the living. Not all spirits are granted access to cross over into this place, though. Some souls may struggle to cross over, requiring rituals and prayers to help them move on. This is a complex topic that could fill an entire article, but for now, I’ll keep it brief.
Connecting with Ancestors: How We Hear from the Spiritual World
In my culture, ancestors communicate with us in several ways. One common method is through the body of a living family member. The ancestor temporarily inhabits that person’s body, using their voice to relay messages. This doesn’t require any special rituals—it happens naturally.
Another way ancestors reach out is through vivid dreams. They appear in our sleep, delivering messages or guidance. Sometimes, they show up in a more ethereal form, their faces blurred but their presence unmistakable. Even without seeing their faces, we somehow know exactly who they are.
Another, though rare, way is for an ancestor to appear in their spiritual form to a person who is fully awake. Conveying a message to them, this is not meant for everyone. We call people who can see a spirit from the afterlife so vividly "chosen people."
Why Do Ancestors Visit Us from the Afterlife?
Ancestors visit for various reasons. They might come to warn us of impending danger, offer healing for a family member’s illness, or protect us from spiritual harm. Their visits are purposeful, often tied to the well-being of the family. These interactions reinforce the idea that the bond between the living and the dead remains strong.
How Afterlife Beliefs Have Shaped My Life and Spirituality
Growing up with these beliefs has profoundly impacted me. Hearing from ancestors, feeling their presence, and witnessing their guidance has convinced me that life continues after death. This belief has driven me to seek deeper knowledge and ask more questions about the afterlife. While I’m still curious about what life is like on the other side, I’m confident in its existence. Sometimes, I find myself imagining what it might be like, piecing together clues from the messages I’ve received so far.
Challenges to My Cultural Beliefs About the Afterlife
Not everyone shares or respects these beliefs. I’ve encountered critics, often from different religious backgrounds or even from within my own culture. Some who were raised with these traditions but later adopted other religions now challenge the beliefs they once held. While this can be frustrating, I respect everyone’s right to their own beliefs. After all, spirituality is deeply personal.
Similar Afterlife Beliefs in Other Cultures
I’m certain that other cultures share similar beliefs about the afterlife. For example, the Maya and Mestizo cultures have traditions that honor ancestors and acknowledge their ongoing presence. One well-known example is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a celebration where families honor their deceased loved ones by visiting their graves, offering food, and creating altars. These practices reflect a shared understanding that the dead remain connected to the living.
Living Life with the Afterlife in Mind
Believing in an afterlife has transformed how I live my life. I strive to live positively, treating others with kindness and appreciating the time I have here. If there’s a judgment or evaluation in the afterlife, I hope my actions in this life will count in my favor. This perspective has helped me appreciate life more, fear death less, and focus on living meaningfully.
When my time comes to cross over, I’ll embrace it as a blessing—a reunion with my ancestors in the spiritual world. Until then, I’ll continue to cherish this life, knowing that the connections we forge here extend beyond the boundaries of life and death.