The story of Nachiketa is quite well - known. In Hindu mythology, Nachiketa goes to the land of the dead and has a conversation with Yama, the god of death. His journey and return suggest that there is a form of existence after death.
Another famous story is about the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. After their death, they are said to have ascended to heaven. Their journey and the different levels of existence they experience after death have been passed down through generations, which also contribute to the idea of life after death in Indian stories.
One famous story is that of Eben Alexander. He was a neurosurgeon who had a near - death experience. He claimed to have visited an otherworldly realm and had very vivid spiritual experiences. Another is the story of people who during cardiac arrest, reported seeing things that couldn't be explained by normal perception.
There's the story of the Don't Look Now, which is based on a short story and later a movie. A couple on vacation in Venice experiences strange events after their daughter's death. They see a small figure in a red coat similar to what their daughter wore, and they start to believe it's her spirit. These stories gain popularity because they tap into our fears of the unknown and what might happen after we die. They also often have elements that are relatable, like the loss of a loved one, which makes them all the more terrifying.
In Indian stories, there are tales of Yama, the god of death. It is said that when a person dies, their soul is escorted by Yama's messengers to the afterlife realm. Some stories depict that if a person has unresolved desires or strong emotions at the time of death, they may remain in a sort of limbo or be reborn quickly to fulfill those. There are also accounts where saints and sages are believed to have knowledge of the afterlife. They can guide people on how to lead a good life so that their afterlife is more pleasant, often involving spiritual practices and self - purification.
There are tales in Indian folklore where the spirits of the dead come back to fulfill unfinished business. In some stories, the dead return to guide their loved ones or to seek revenge if they were wronged in life. These stories often serve as a moral lesson, warning people to live a good life and treat others fairly. Also, in Jainism, there are beliefs about the journey of the soul after death that are related to attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death through self - purification and non - violence.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are numerous accounts of reincarnation. High lamas are often said to be reincarnations of previous spiritual leaders. For example, the Dalai Lama is believed to be a reincarnation in a line of spiritual leaders. These stories are deeply ingrained in the religious and cultural traditions of Tibet and are passed down through generations.
One such story is about a man in a small Indian village. After his death, his family members claimed to see his apparition around the house. They said he was seen sitting in his favorite chair as if still part of the family. It was as if he was lingering to watch over them.
Indian stories often portray life after death through the lens of karma. Good deeds lead to a better afterlife, like being reborn into a prosperous family or a higher spiritual plane. Bad deeds result in a less favorable after. For instance, in Jainism, harming any living being is considered a bad karma that can have consequences in the afterlife.
Dutee Chand's story is also quite well - known. As a sprinter, she faced discrimination due to her hyperandrogenism. But she fought against the system. The sports authorities initially barred her from competing, but she challenged the decision. She continued to train hard and became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the 100m dash at the Universiade. Her story is a great example of fighting for one's rights and achieving success against all odds.
In modern times, there are stories of people who have been in comas for long periods and then seemingly come back to life. Take Terry Wallis for example. He was in a minimally conscious state for 19 years. Then suddenly one day, he started to regain consciousness and was able to communicate and interact with the world again. His case baffled doctors and became a remarkable story of recovery from a state that was almost like death.
Another famous one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. Victor Frankenstein creates a creature from dead body parts and brings it to life. Although the creature is not a human who has died and been resurrected in the traditional sense, it still deals with the idea of bringing something from a state of non - life to life, which has many implications about life, death, and the role of the creator.