「瀕死經驗」，英文為Near-Death Experience，簡稱NDE，即指發生在實際或者是已經非常接近死亡當中，我們的意識脫離肉體的清晰經驗。國外的瀕死經驗研究已有多年，國內則尚在起步。本研究從西方研究成果著手，提出不同文化角度的詮釋，並以本土四個個案為例，採取質性研究來深度探討佛教信徒對瀕死經驗之體驗。 本研究立基於美國凱尼斯．林格（Kenneth Ring）之理論，透過林格所提出的十項體驗要素（發現自己死亡的實感、安詳及欣快感、脫體感、感覺進入黑暗、遇見或聽見某人之聲音、回顧人生、看見光，被光圍住、看見美麗的顏色、進入光中、遇見「靈魂」），將訪談謄稿加以分類，逐項討論。藉由西方科學理論與佛教唯識說提出論點，引證瀕死經驗情狀之內在結構，是由意識思量作用所形成的光影投射。 體驗者在歷經瀕死經驗的特殊情景，生死觀受到極大的衝擊後，經過一連串的生命意義追尋，重新建立生死觀。當事人為了解釋自己的瀕死經驗而尋求宗教歸依，希冀從宗教中獲致心理平衡，找到解答。佛教信仰對瀕死經驗有相當之影響，一方面是因為瀕死經驗的內涵既是唯識所成，薰習心識記憶所在的環境文化自然成為重要影響因素；另一方面佛教信仰早已與中國文化結合，普遍深入民眾的生活中，一如基督信仰的文化因素，同樣地呈顯在西方瀕死經驗個案的描述中。 所以，在人生觀的表達上，西方個案所說的心靈提升、關懷他人、相信「神」的存在等，在本研究的呈顯就是以佛菩薩及其教理為人生目標，學習慈悲與智慧，自利利人。 Near-Death Experience is abbreviated as NDE. The research on NDE in other countries is more than twenty years, but it is only at the beginning stage in Taiwan. The dissertation will focus on the outcomes of the research in the west, and raise my hypothesis and interpretation from eastern points of view. Based on pragmatic research, I would like to discuss how Buddhists interpret NDE and its meaning. Based on the theory of Kenneth Ring of U.S.A., and ten kinds of experiences such as finding oneself dead, being peaceful and happy, feeling of out of the body, feeling of entering a dark place, hearing someone’s voice, reflecting on one’s life, seeing the light, being surrounded by the light, seeing beautiful colors, entering the light, encountering souls. I have categorized the contents of my interviews and discussed about them item by item. Based on scientific theory in the west and Buddhist Theory of Consciousness-Only, it can be proved that NDE comes from reflection of the light formed by the function of consciousness. Those who have near-death experiences start to search for the meaning of life and develop new perspective of death. Many of them take refuge in religion in order to find the answer and to regain mental balance. Buddhist belief has certain impact on NDE. On the one hand, it arises from consciousness, and the consciousness is influenced by the environment and culture. On the other hand, Buddhist faith has intermingled with Chinese culture and been deeply rooted in people’s minds, just as Christian belief is also connected with NDE. With regard to the perspective of life, many cases in the west mention about mental enhancement, love and concern for others, and believing in the god, while this dissertation demonstrates the perspective of life, compassion and wisdom, benefiting others and self, based on the Buddha’s teachings.
