The Near-Death Experience: Is the Presence Always the Higher Self?

Interviews with numerous near-death experiences have revealed that some experiencers may encounter a presence while in the dark tunnel. Kenneth Ring has hypothesized that the presence is actually the higher self. The present article provides evidence, albeit tentative, to suggest the presence may not always be the higher self, especially for victims of child and sexual abuse. Three case histories are presented which suggest that under special circumstances, the presence may be a female whose role is to provide comfort for suffering children. This alternative hypothesis is supported by transcendental experiences which occur during meditation, and an archetypal case history is discussed.