In November 2024, Zaragoza will host the seventh edition of the «Encuentro Internacional de Ocultura«, a unique event focused on the profound question of what happens after death. With a particular emphasis on Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), this international congress, directed by journalist and writer Javier Sierra, aims to bridge the gap between life and death through scientific and reflective discussions. The gathering will see the participation of notable figures from the realms of cinema and science, fostering both speculation and research in this intriguing field.
Participants and Activities
The Encuentro Internacional de Ocultura will welcome prominent personalities from the film and science sectors. Notable attendees include actor Antonio Resines and actress Belén Rueda, known for their significant contributions to Spanish culture. Additionally, experts such as psychiatrist José Miguel Gaona, who specializes in NDE studies, will share their knowledge on this fascinating phenomenon.
The event is designed for complete immersion into its themes, featuring talks and discussions that focus on the science behind NDEs. Dr. Javier García Campayo will explore the link between lucid dreaming and near-death experiences, unraveling how these occurrences may intertwine and what they reveal about human consciousness.
The third day will be dedicated to the representation of death in art and film, with debates examining the possibility of communicating with the deceased—a notion that has captured the imagination of many cultures over time. This multidisciplinary approach promises to enrich the audience’s experience and facilitate an exchange of ideas across different fields of knowledge.
The Encuentro Internacional de Ocultura will not only focus on contemporary discussions but will also pay tribute to pioneering figures in NDE research. The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Raymond Moody’s influential book «Life After Life,» a milestone in the exploration of near-death experiences that has left a lasting impact on the field.
Furthermore, the event will recognize Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, another key figure responsible for gathering testimonies related to NDEs. Her work has enhanced the understanding of how the proximity to death affects individuals on both emotional and spiritual levels. These tributes underscore the historical relevance and evolution of knowledge surrounding death and what may lie beyond.
Javier Sierra, in his capacity as the event’s director, describes Ocultura as a serious and scientific approach to the great mysteries that have captivated humanity. He emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the unknown as a source of curiosity and progress. One of the main objectives of the gathering is to promote informed discussions about death and its implications, encouraging knowledge rather than superstitions.
Sierra advocates for addressing the theme of death as essential for grasping human existence. Rather than being a taboo subject, death should be regarded as a natural part of life. Reflecting on it can lead to greater humanization and understanding of the vital experience. Thus, this series of meetings presents an opportunity for attendees to explore their own ideas and beliefs about life and death.
Importantly, Ocultura’s vision does not lean towards the macabre. Instead, it proposes a profound and hopeful exploration of what could happen after death. Javier Sierra suggests that consciousness may transcend the moment of physical death, asserting that this event represents not just an exploration of abstract concepts, but an opportunity to delve into the very essence of existence.
The Encuentro Internacional de Ocultura, with its deeply introspective theme and focus on science and spirituality, promises to offer a unique space for debate and learning. It seeks not only to answer questions about death but also to invite individuals to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with the unknown.
