"For any culture which is primarily concerned with meaning, the study of death - the only certainty that life holds for us - must be central, for an understanding of death is the key to liberation in life."

"At a time when unbridled greed, malignant aggression, and existence of weapons of mass destruction threatens the survival of humanity, we should seriously consider any avenue that offers some hope."

"The knowledge of the realm of death makes it possible for the shaman to move freely back and forth and mediate these journeys for other people."

"Individuals approaching death often experience encounters with their dead relatives, who seem to welcome them to the next world. These deathbed visions are authentic and convincing they are often followed by a state of euphoria and seem to ease the transition."

"Some may never live, but the crazy never die."

"It is a radiant truth that love is the bridge that unites two souls across the chasms of mortal solitude — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"I don't think I've ever felt that same kind of peace, the kind of serenity that I felt after acknowledging that maybe I was going to die of this TB."

"Peace of heart is the greatest luxury life can bestow upon the mortal traveler. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows."