i take comfort in having had a couple of "out of body, near-death" experiences, which were both different. i suspect that our deeply held 'beliefs' affect our experiences, whether in this material 'reality' or in some other 'reality of consciousness'. i find the buddhist explanation of life and death and reincarnation to be the most satisfying one. so, no, i'm not afraid of death.

that being said, however, i must admit that my body has a mind of its own, and does not go gently into that good night, but fights with all its might to survive.