The Education of a Non-Believer 133"Why are you doing this for me? Not that I'm being
unappreciative, but why is it so important that I leave my
body?"
Because of what I told you about the destruction
coming to your planet. Millions of people are going to
die. By taking your spirit out of your body, you'll be
experiencing something similar to death. The difference
is your body will stay in one place and your spirit will be
out in the cosmos. You11 be able to return any time you
want to. Death will have no power over you.
This is sort of preparation for physical death. It's
something your churches should have been preparing
you for."
"You're telling me astral travel will be sort of like
dying?"
"Yes, that's what I'm saying ."
"Oh, boy, then I'm definitely taking a raincheck on
this! I have no desire to fool around with these kinds of
things."
"Come on, Chacho, there's nothing to be afraid of.
Lots of people do it. I can't think of any reason why you
shouldn't. It's the same as being asleep. When you return
to your body, you'll have a dream-like effect, but you11
also have one hundred percent understanding and
conscious recall of what went on when your ananas and
anionites were out of your body."
"I understand the concept; I just don't feel ready for it,
somehow. I'm not sure I want to do it."
"Don't worry about it. I'll be with you, helping you. It's
something like going into a self-trance. You must be
totally relaxed and at peace with yourself."
"Rama," I insisted,"! still don't understand why it's so
blasted important to have my soul leave my body."
"Well, first of all, it11 save us lots of time. Instead of
doing research and digging into encyclopedias, you'll be
learning things while your body rests peacefully some-