Have you ever had a strange experience where you have suddenly found yourself looking down on your sleeping body? Then you may have had an out of body experience.
What is an out of body experience?
An out of body experience (OBE) can be defined as the process of transiently separating the consciousness (spirit) from the physical body, such that the person and world are observed from outside of the body. Out of body experiences are also known as astral projection. There are several ways people perceive an out of body experience, including dreams, daydreams, and memories. People have reported having out of body experiences while under the influence of drugs or induced by some sort of trauma, as well as near death experiences. Astral projection is taught through books, the internet, and religious techniques.
An out of body experience is said to be clearer than a dream or daydream. Those who practice astral projections claim that their senses are enhanced, allowing them to see and feel with more clarity and without physical constraint. The origins of out of body experiences are unknown. However, the OBE has been practiced for many years in several different cultures. The New Age Movement is widely known for promoting and using this practice.
Why try and have an out of body experience?
Out of body experiences are sought after by those who desire knowledge or power in the spiritual realm, endeavor to help people, are curious, or want to be entertained. In some cases, people actually seek an OBE to cause harm to others. For the most part, an out of body experience is desired for a spiritual reason, such as reaching a higher level of consciousness or enlightenment.
Were out of body experiences in the bible?
According to some, out of body experiences are said to be justified in the Bible, citing several scriptures. Unfortunately, those interpretations have been taken out of context or they fail to address the culture of that time. In the Bible, an out of body experience is regarded as an occult practice. The greatest evidence against OBE is that God's people didn't "perform" them. In all of the scriptures mentioning "in the spirit" or "caught up in the spirit," the people didn't seek to have an out of body experience. Instead, God came to specific people, revealing specific things for a specific purpose. These events occurred to glorify God and reveal His love for His people. The people did not seek to have an out of body experience for personal gain or to get clarity about the world or God.
Is there an harm in out of body experiences?
People may argue that there's no harm in having an out of body experience. However, many religious people see out of body experiences as an occult practice and against the teaching of God. Out of body experiences could be defined as divination, sorcery, interpreting of omens, engaging in witchcraft or casting spells - certainly enough to get you burnt at the stake in centuries gone by.
There could be emotional, physical, mental or spiritual harm associated with out of body experiences, however, with correct preparation and a clear and positive mental attitude the practice can be conducted safely. Some people worry that if they manage to free themselves from their physical body and their consciousness or spirit is roaming freely, that they won't be able to return. Fears of the silver cord attaching to their bodies snapping put many people off from trying for an out of body experience - but many of these tales are exaggerated purely by our own fear of something we don't understand.