Research in the arenas of consciousness and energy is lapping at the shores of fields like quantum physics, psychology, and eastern philosophy. All are contributing to our models of 'life after life'.

Like any field of study, our knowledge of post-life models continues to grow as evidence accumulates and new theories are proposed to account for phenomena affecting our physical reality.  Today, quantum physicists and mathematicians talk about a cosmic model of 11 dimensions; if true, are these similar to our familiar physical dimensions of space and time, or might they constitute planes of existence that consciousness transitions (or perhaps returns) to upon leaving life here?

Are we even asking the right questions?  One school of thought maintains that consciousness comes first, with physical reality arising from it, rather than the other way around.  That certainly affects the basic assumptions of what physical life and death really are...and what we really are at the most fundamental level.

The study of the nature of energy and consciousness is a field unto itself.  How it may translate into evidence/inference of post-life models is illustrated in the areas listed below.

• Extralife Regression:  Commonly referred to as past-life regression, psychological techniques (generally via hypnosis) to guide a person through apparent previous-life memories, or even future-life accounts; sometimes manifests as xenoglossy (speaking in an unfamiliar language); known to be successful in resolving some psychological issues

• Analysis of Mediums/Channelers:  Several researchers have tested reputable mediums under laboratory conditions, generating statistical data demonstrating the efficacy of informational details provided by the mediums; one of the most notable researchers is Dr. Gary Schwartz of the University of Arizona
  

• Reincarnation Evidence:  Accounts of persons recalling aspects/details of an ostensible previous lifetime; may also manifest as a physical artifact or abnormality of the body related to that lifetime

• Miscellaneous Physical Phenomena/Energy Manifestations:  Various unexplained phenomena or evidence (potentially captured on recording equipment) not falling into other categories, e.g. ghosts, orbs, apports etc.