An interesting conference was held this past December at a Buddhist temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Titled Closer to Reality: Understanding Death and Beyond, the conference included sessions such as "Out-of-Body Experience and Near-Death Experience" and "Past Life Experience Through Children's Spontaneous Recall."

The emphasis was on examining academic and medical research in these and related fields and how that impacts Buddhist scriptural understanding.

It is not surprising that Buddhism would take an interest in these subjects since some Buddhist beliefs are compatible with concepts of an afterlife and reincarnation. It is interesting how participants at this conference are grappling with recent scientific research to explore the implications for their ancient religious tradition.