Death Is An Illusion: A Logical Explanation Based on Martinus' Worldview

by Else Byskov

Martinus will become much more prominent as a spiritual teacher, thanks to Else Byskov's clear summary of his life and teachings. Death Is An illusion is a timely introduction to the Danish 20th century mystic, Martinus (1890-1981) whose teachings have a sound picture of the cosmos and a perspective about the human future based on the evolution of consciousness. Martinus cosmology is an all-embracing world picture, a spiritual science that describes and analyses the spiritual laws of life. It leads to an optimistic view of life, and it provides the basis for a harmonious and empathetic relationship to all people and all living things.

376 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

Else Byskov is an international authority on the groundbreaking work of Martinus (1890-1981), the Danish philosopher, visionary and mystic. Before she came across the Martinus material (comprising over 10.000 pages), Else was a convinced atheist for many years, so it came as quite a surprise to her when she became the author of a series of spiritual books. During a period of intense soul-searching and seeking more meaningful answers to life’s big questions, an astonishing dash of universal wisdom led Else to a book about the Danish Mystic – it literally fell into her hands. She was so enthralled by what she found, and the incredibly logical answers that she had never been able to find anywhere about life, death, and the mystery of both, that she had to tell people about it. Her passion was so intense that she wrote her first book, ‘Death Is An Illusion’, (a general introduction to Martinus´ fantastic world picture), and her body of work to bring the incredible Martinus wisdom to a wider audience has continued to this day.
Else has written 10 more books covering profound aspects of Martinus’ world view: for titles please see her website newspiritualscience.com under books.
Else Byskov is Danish, has two university degrees in Spanish and English philology and she writes mostly in English, so that Martinus’ work can reach a wider audience. Several of her books have been translated into Spanish, German and Danish. Else lives in southern Spain with her husband.

Reviews

[Linda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world full of noise and confusion about spiritual matters, Death Is an Illusion offered me a calm, grounding perspective. Else Byskov writes with sincerity and clarity, making complex metaphysical ideas feel both accessible and relevant. Her early personal reflections helped me ease into deeper concepts, as she never comes across as preachy, just genuinely curious and eager to share what she’s discovered.

Martinus’ worldview, as interpreted through Byskov, is extraordinary. The chapters on the spiritual structure of the human being and the cycles of evolution brought me unexpected comfort. The logic behind reincarnation and karma is laid out with such confidence that I felt like I was reading a spiritual science textbook rather than a faith-based philosophy.

This book helped me reframe death not as an end but as a part of a continuous journey. It brought back a quiet awe for the mystery of life, something I didn’t realize I had lost. It’s the kind of book I would keep nearby to reread during life’s more challenging moments.

[Virgil V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like a veil being lifted. I had been struggling with the loss of a loved one, and Death Is an Illusion arrived in my life like a divine nudge. The way Else Byskov unfolds her personal journey from disbelief to conviction gave me hope that understanding can come even to the skeptical.

I was fascinated by the description of our “I” and spiritual body, and the idea that consciousness survives death. For the first time, reincarnation felt like more than just a theory, it felt like the most logical explanation for the way talents and suffering manifest in different lives. The examples from scientific research helped ground these ideas.

This book didn’t just talk about the afterlife, it reshaped how I think about this life. The knowledge that every action carries a spiritual consequence through karma has made me more mindful and compassionate. It gave me a reason to live with more integrity and less fear.

[Ella W.]

What I appreciated most about Death Is an Illusion was how it doesn’t try to convert anyone, it simply offers a way to understand. Else Byskov gently leads readers away from outdated religious fear and into a rational, loving worldview where every life has purpose.

Martinus’ cosmology is remarkably holistic. The idea that we are evolving through lifetimes into beings of pure love and wisdom felt both empowering and believable. It’s a view of humanity that’s far more hopeful than anything I’ve encountered in traditional theology.

This book helped me reconcile science and spirituality. I no longer feel like I need to choose between intellect and belief. Instead, I now see spiritual development as a logical process, just like physical evolution. It gave me a quiet kind of certainty I didn’t expect to find.

[Micheal D.]

I have always needed things to make sense, and that’s why this book resonated so strongly with me. Death Is an Illusion presents a spiritual worldview that is not only uplifting but intellectually satisfying. Byskov’s journey from atheism to spiritual insight mirrors my own doubts and questions.

The principle of reincarnation, when presented logically and paired with the law of karma, provided clarity I hadn’t found elsewhere. Suddenly, life’s injustices seemed less random and more part of a vast, loving plan. I found myself reevaluating painful experiences in a more forgiving light.

What makes this book special is how grounded it is. There are no fantastical claims, just thoughtful interpretations of life through Martinus’ symbols and analyses. I now look at people and situations differently, with a sense of patience and humility. That’s a powerful shift.

[Renee E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual one. Else Byskov makes the unseen feel real, not through emotion alone, but through reason. I appreciated that she encourages readers to test Martinus’ worldview against real-life experiences. That approach built my trust.

The metaphysical concepts, especially the spiritual body and our journey through various planes, resonated with me on a level I didn’t expect. I had always hoped there was more to life than we see, but now I feel like I know there is.

It was especially reassuring to learn that death is followed by a period of rest and reflection before reincarnation. I used to fear death as a kind of vanishing point, but now I see it as a transition. This book has changed not just my beliefs, but my orientation toward life itself.

[Lawrence P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book during a personal low point, and it reignited something in me. Else Byskov’s writing is both intimate and expansive. She talks to the reader like someone who understands what it means to question everything. That sincerity made me trust her.

What I found inside was a gentle, logical invitation to re-explore the nature of reality. Concepts like life units, cycles, and the structure of the living being helped me reimagine what it means to exist. It’s not just the soul that continues after death, our consciousness, our evolution, our learning, all move forward.

This perspective has made me feel less alone in the universe. There’s an immense comfort in knowing we are all part of a divine unfolding. Death Is an Illusion reminded me that everything matters and everything belongs.

[Sarah Kinnear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Can't wait to read Else Byskov's next book!

[Johan Pretorius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

Although the premises in this book was postulated nearly 100 years ago they are increasingly supported by new knowledge. Another piece of the eternal puzzle…