Have you ever asked yourself this question or heard someone ask it? "What occurs after we die?" I frequently hear this question during various conversations from my childhood through to adulthood.
People are still asking it. Many are curious about this, while some might not show interest. But if you discuss the topic around them, you'll notice that they will listen and offer their input.
What Happens When We Die? A Garinagu Perspective
Let's set aside all the research and the various beliefs around the world for now and narrow it down to one culture and belief: the culture I was born into, the Garinagu. I was raised in this culture where we remain connected with our loved ones even after death.
What does this mean? It means that even after someone has died, we get to hear from them again after their spirits have entered the spiritual world and their bodies have been buried. To us, when someone is said to have died, it simply means they have moved over into the spiritual world and have departed from their physical body, which their spirit can no longer use.
Where Do Spirits Go in the Afterlife? Insights from Garinagu Beliefs
So far, what has been relayed to us—when I say us, I am referring to others in the same culture as I am, who are closely connected with it and get to experience this—is that the spirit goes to a place described as where the spirits of the dead must cross over to. It is unclear what exactly this place is about because I have never personally questioned an ancestor about it.
Most of the time, when the ancestors come, it is on short notice and to deliver a direct message. Sometimes we can ask one or two questions, but they never seem to answer clearly about what the afterlife is like; their answers are usually like solving a puzzle to get the picture.
However, one thing I learned from an ancestor visit is that for them to come visit us, there is a tall dark-skinned man who guards a big gate. He opens and closes the gate for new souls coming in and souls going out to visit their loved ones who are alive.
Additionally, not all spirits are entitled to come to the place they are at. Sometimes the soul of a person may not be able to enter or cross over to the other side, which might require rituals and prayers. These are topics that require an entire article by themselves, but for now, I am just giving a slight introduction.
Connecting with Ancestors: How We Hear from the Spiritual World
Our ancestors use the body of a living family member to enter and then use that person's body and voice to communicate with us. This does not require any special rituals. Yes, the Garinagu culture has other rituals, which I will touch on later, but not for simply an ancestor to come and relay a message.
Another way the ancestors come is through vivid dreams. They usually appear in our dreams and then share the message they want to convey.
Another way is just by showing up to us, but with their face blurred. They allow us to see their spiritual body but not their face, yet for some reason, we can identify who they are correctly.
Reasons Why Ancestors Visit Us from the Afterlife
The ancestors come to us for various reasons, such as delivering a warning message if a family member is in danger, assisting with healing if someone in the family is seriously ill and can be cured naturally, and protecting us against the evils of the spiritual realm. They visit us for various reasons.
Impact of Afterlife Beliefs on My Life and Spirituality
Imagine growing up hearing from someone in the afterlife, feeling their presence, and seeing their help in your life, as I shared in the reasons they come to us. Growing up with these experiences has convinced me that life exists in the afterlife.
I continue to seek further knowledge, delve deeper, and pose additional questions. But at this stage in my life, I am convinced about the afterlife, even though I am curious about many other things, such as what life is like in the afterlife. Most of this curiosity leads me to sit and imagine what it might be like.
Challenges to Garinagu Afterlife Beliefs
I do find many people who challenge the Garinagu's beliefs. These critics are often individuals with differing beliefs and religions, rather than just different racial backgrounds. In fact, some people with a Garinagu background who have adopted a religion turn around and challenge the beliefs they were once brought up with. But I do not find this a problem because each person is entitled to their own beliefs, and I respect that.
Similar Afterlife Beliefs in Other Cultures
I believe that there are other cultures with similar beliefs. Perhaps if you do some research, you may find similar ones, as many different cultures exist in this world. I’m aware of certain groups within Maya and Mestizo cultures that share comparable beliefs regarding ancestors and the afterlife.
For example, some Mestizo celebrate “Día de los Muertos,” a day when they acknowledge and appreciate the dead by visiting their tombs and setting out food and offerings. So, I believe many other cultures share similar beliefs about the afterlife.
Living Life with Afterlife in Mind
Understanding the existence of an afterlife has transformed me in numerous ways. I have grown up trying to live my life in the most positive way I can, so that when my turn comes to move into the afterlife, if there is a requirement for how I have lived my life, I hope that the way I lived it here would be a plus.
I have learned to appreciate life more, treat others better, and not fear death. Instead, I appreciate this life now and enjoy it because when I move on into the afterlife, I do not know what it will be like, but I do know that it is a blessing to cross over into the afterlife where my ancestors are.
