I essentially agree with Amos and GUEST-cy as stated above. The many spiritual materials I've studied suggest a lot of possible afterlife and between-life experiences. In other words, I don't think there is just one...or just two...alternate possible destinations for the Self (eternal spirit) when it has departed the body. There are probably an infinite number of possible after-life conditions, just as there are an infinite number of embodied conditions here. As above, so below.

The "tamasic" personality, as described in the great spiritual writings of India, is primarily motivated by inertia...and just wants to go to sleep. This is very typical of me when I'm experiencing depression. I want to avoid the rigors and demands of reality and go to sleep. Many people feel this way about death...looking forward to a long, unbroken rest. Whether they have such and option in spirit for a while, I don't know. Maybe. But I suspect they will soon find themselves back in the challenges of a new physical existence. Until you've mastered the physical existence, you cannot transcend it at will. As long as you still find it burdensome, you haven't mastered it.

You talk about what you "want". We all have our wants, but what we invariably get is what we NEED, not necessarily what we want.

I hear that what distinguishes the enlightened soul is that it has reached the point of having equanimity toward its existence...it is no longer driven by "wants", but by a calm and joyful acceptance of what is...at all times.

That's the same as to say "Not my will, but Thine". When the soul realizes that it truly IS God, individualized, then it no longer needs anything, because it already has everything...regardless of outer conditions.

Now, I realize all that hasn't helped one bit to give you the answer you obviously desire.

Feel free to believe not one word of it. No problem for me. I don't demand conformity in such things, because everyone is on his own unique path toward understanding existence, in his own unique way.

May you find fulfillment and happiness in the way that suits you.

- LH