Engineer and author David Bennett (1956-2025) recounts his extraordinary near-death experience (NDE) after nearly drowning off the California coast in 1983. As a child plagued by premonitions of dying young, David’s life was marked by hardship, resilience, and a profound search for meaning. When his life ended—if only for moments—he encountered an overwhelming light, unconditional love, and a soul family that revealed his true purpose. Returning to life, David struggled to integrate his spiritual awakening into his human experience, learning to live with empathy, creativity, and heart-centered intention. This conversation explores his spiritual transformation, his memories of the afterlife, the lessons from his life review, and his continuing insights into personal truth and divine connection. A beautiful reminder that love, awareness, and service are at the core of our soul’s journey.
Timestamps:
0:00 Childhood premonitions and struggles
3:00 Learning sacred teaching from Native elders
6:10 The near-death experience begins
13:00 Entering the light and meeting beings of love
16:00 The life review and lessons of compassion
18:40 Glimpse into future potentials and free will
20:00 Returning to life and the meaning of “purpose”
26:50 Life lessons—living with love, truth, and awareness
29:30 Integration challenges after the experience
38:20 Awakening creativity and spiritual communication
46:00 Acceptance, tolerance, and loving detachment
50:00 Questions and deeper reflections from the audience
54:00 On soul groups, purpose, and spiritual service
1:07:00 Writing “Voyage of Purpose” and the call to share
1:08:00 Meditation, gratitude, and connecting to divine nature
1:17:10 Closing reflections and message of love
David Bennett concluded his extraordinary voyage of purpose on December 26, 2025. His life was defined by his transformative journey, which began with a career as a diver and engineer, notably serving as the Chief Engineer of the ocean research vessel Aloha. His spiritual path shifted dramatically after experiencing a Near-Death Experience (NDE) in 1983, and again after surviving stage IV lung and bone cancer in 2000. An influential voice in the NDE community, David lectured at major conferences for IANDS, ASCSI, and ACISTE. He was the author of the best-selling memoir Voyage of Purpose, and A Voice as Old as Time, which focused on contemplative living. His expertise led to appearances on The Story of God with Morgan Freeman, Dr Oz, and NBC National News. He passionately volunteered with NDE and other experiencer groups, including leading Upstate NY IANDS and co-facilitating multiple retreats helping people integrate their spiritually transformative experiences. Beyond his public service, David was a gifted creator who expressed his artistry through woodworking and jewelry making.
This Stellar Speaker Series presentation was recorded July 17, 2024. All presentations made and information provided during IANDS Groups and Events are owned and copyrighted by IANDS and may not be reproduced or used without specific, prior written permission.
IANDS (the International Association for Near-Death Studies) is a membership nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to advance global understanding of NDEs and related experiences through research, education, and support. We envision a future in which all people embrace near-death and related experiences as a source of meaning and inspiration for a better world. We believe NDEs can transform an individual’s life, influence the sciences, and embolden society. Today, IANDS engages in far more than research and has members from around the world. We invite you to consider becoming a member of IANDS. To learn more about near-death experiences, visit iands.org.
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What is an NDE?
A near-death experience (NDE) is typically a profound, life changing, intensely emotional experience that usually occurs during a clinical crisis and has common characteristics and aftereffects. It is not a dream, hallucination, or mental illness (Greyson, 1983). There are no predictive variables to identify who will have an NDE. They happen to people of all ages, religions, socio-economic groups, cultures, educational backgrounds, and belief systems. They occur under a variety of circumstances such as accidents, near-drownings, illnesses, combat, surgical procedures, and childbirth. Following an NDE, experiencers (NDErs) often display some common aftereffects. Research has established a set of common NDE characteristics and long-term aftereffects. Theories used to explain near-death experiences in purely physical terms have been proven inadequate by NDE researchers and others.
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The other voice is very hard to listen to.
Excellent presentation – see you on the flip side Dave 🙏
So good. And knowing of his recent passing gives his words even more profundity. Thank you for this ❤
See you down the road brother 😊
Thank you all❤
Maybe for your spirit,
But what about the truth.
What will it take, for love to draw a breath, of freedom
Very good
Horrible sound
This is one of the more compelling NDEs, because he appeared genuinely joyful, even with stage 4 cancer. It's a sign that he believes what he's saying, and isn't a faker. I believe this one.
Very nice man with modest sweet personality
On one side of reality you want one thing, on the other side of reality you want another. It all depends on your inputs. But if your inputs dont matter you are being true to yourself, what you want. Simplicity is a blessing, the simpler an experience is the more beautiful. So just to be able to watch life around me… sometimes its better off not trying to change the world and just keep it simple
I dont think ill understand love while in this life its too divisive revolting turbulent like a ship at sea in a storm. You have time to breath enjoy the waves and the ride if you survive.
Lovely, except the interviewer’s mic is unintelligible
I am finding his voice clear and hers difficult to follow- like she’s talking from a bit down a tunnel.
I think she is a good listener and may be a great interviewer, but just needs to address the audio a bit. He’s an engineer- he might have some useful suggestions.
His story and his philosophy is very warming to my spirit.
Thank you very much
Wow this was really amazing interview. Thank you so much for sharing!
Bad sound, hard to concentrate
Thank you for sharing his story. He is Home now!!
❤a great man❤
A technical note for the interviewer: it sounds like you are using your computer or phone microphone. Maybe your pro mic was accidentally turned off, or you would benefit greatly from having one! Otherwise, great interview!
Thank you for this video.
I love what Dave says around 29:50 about falling down and not beating ourselves up, loving ourselves instead. I am working on this very transition from being harsh with my self-judgment.
It really feels good, this softening.
The old way did not serve me, just kept me from being my true self. Hope that makes sense. 💓
David, I think I've seen almost all the NDE interviews on the net, and yours is one of the most authentic and powerful ones I've seen. It's the transformative effect that moves me most. How it changes you, humbles you, gives you insight and compassion, and turns you to a life of service and dedication to your soul's purpose (even if you don't know exactly what that might be). God bless you my friend, you're an inspiration and through this video alone you have demonstrated your purpose…and have also helped me clarify mine 🙏
Spirit raised u. Me as well. I had parents but both were narcissists. Now people ask if i like learned to change my own diapers. Lol. Pretty much.