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Bloom, Alfred. "To There and Back." Buddhist Study Center Newsletter Metta (September 1982): 148-152. Alfred Bloom. Case 2.
Buddhist Study Center Newsletter Metta September 1982 Pages 148-152 Copyright 1982
1983
1982
M
Alfred Bloom, an intellectual and academic, experienced a severe myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest while visiting Japan in May-June 1983. He had developed angina problems and was staying at the Honganji Kokusai Center when symptoms worsened. After being admitted to Takeda Hospital's ICU near Kyoto Station, he suffered two major cardiac events requiring emergency intervention, including chest compressions for cardiac arrest.
During the second severe attack, while undergoing emergency angiography, Bloom closed his eyes and began reciting "Namu Amida Butsu" constantly. He felt himself descending through clouds with increasing peace and euphoria, hearing faces and voices becoming dim. At the bottom of his descent, he saw only brightness and heard a bell with buzzing sounds. In that moment of profound aloneness, he realized "One is born alone—One dies alone" and felt immensely free with the choice to die by entering the light or to struggle to return. He observed no deceased relatives or religious figures, shouting "There is nobody here!" but wondered if they remained hidden to give him free choice. Deciding his life was not yet complete, he continued reciting the Nembutsu, feeling new strength with each repetition. Doctors observed his vital signs sinking then suddenly rising, appearing surprised at his recovery. The experience profoundly transformed his understanding of Other Power in Buddhism, recognizing it as absolute yielding when one can do nothing. He experienced the Nembutsu not as a request for rescue but as recognition of limitless compassion already received. The NDE deepened his faith while acknowledging he remained a "passion-ridden mortal," finding Shinran's teachings truer than ever.
1
Hospital
15
5
30
Moderate Evidence
10
Documented cardiac arrest in ICU with monitoring, required chest compressions, emergency angiography performed
Subject heard doctors commenting on vital signs, observed brightness and heard sounds, but no specific verifiable details
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7/22/2025
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