"Ghost" and the Meaning of the Dead in the Living Human's Heart: The Power of Existence
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Abstract
An inexplicable supernatural phenomenon is the common experience of seeing "ghosts." These experiences connect the living to death, the final destination of all. This leads us to question the value and meaning of ghosts’ existence. This is especially true when they are still vividly present in the memories of their close ones and the society around them. This article analyzes key functions of "ghosts," especially their ability to imbue the living with mystical experiences. Based on a study of three cases, three points can be made: 1) “Ghosts” help empower those who are still alive though they exist with a different status than living humans. They are defined variously depending on the interpretation and perception of each individual in a variety of cultural contexts; 2) "Ghost" experiences are not always personal as they also involve the shared experiences of local people which evolve into collective beliefs rooted in the hearts of the locals; 3) The awareness and acceptance of "ghosts" show that people in society today still engage in communication between the two worlds, no matter how scientific the person is. This unlocks a space of awareness and acceptance of the existence of interconnectedness of the living and the departed.
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