Category: Thoughts & quotes from Sir David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. & Susan Hawkins

“The straightest way to enlightenment is through devoted introspection, meditation, and contemplation of the inner workings of the ego so as to understand consciousness. The process is energized by intention, dedication, and devotion, and the total effort is supported by spiritual inspiration. The dedication is focused on the process itself as a surrender to God. The focus needs to be intense, and it is energized by fixity and deliberateness of intention. The process is one of discovery and becomes progressively self-revealing.

Every period of focus and practice is equally valuable. Eventually, the tool of ‘one-pointedness of mind’ becomes perfected, which in itself is quite an accomplishment that requires devotion to the task. The devotion becomes self-fulfilling and rewarding.

… Under ordinary life circumstances, the automatic functioning of the ego/mind is taken for granted and not subject to scrutiny. The very process of studying the mind already begins to diminish the ego’s grip. The sense of self begins to shift locus, and the feeling of one’s inner ‘I’ begins to progress through the layers of consciousness.”

from I: Reality and Subjectivity p. 291-292

The State of Inner Freedom

What does life become when one continuously surrenders? What is possible?

In the surrendered state, we are independent of the outer world as a source of satisfaction because the source of happiness has been found within us. Happiness is shared with others so that, in relationships, the surrendered person is supportive, sympathetic, encouraging, patient, and tolerant. There is an effortless appreciation of the worth and values of others and a consideration for their feelings. Power struggles, being “right,” and proving our point have been relinquished. There is an automatic nonjudgmental attitude and the supporting of others to grow, learn, experience, and fulfill their potentialities. There is an easy-going, nurturing acceptance of others. We fell relaxed, vibrant, and full of energy. Life events flow automatically and effortlessly. We no longer respond from a motive of sacrifice or “giving up” something for others; instead, we see ourselves as being of loving service to others and the world. Life events are seen as opportunities rather than challenges. The personality is gentle and open with a willingness to let go and surrender nonstop because of the unfolding and ongoing inner process of continuous revelation.

from Letting Go, ch. 17, pg. 253-254

Force is vulnerable to an infinite number of oppositions, but power has no possible opposite or enemy. Like space itself, power is immune to attack and forever invulnerable. People think that they are ruled by their unruly minds and that they are the victims of circumstances. This sums up how a person feels from moment to moment. People see themselves as victims of their stream of consciousness or feeling states and transitory circumstances. The prevailing view is that there are no options to one’s current state of mind and feeling tone or emotions.

This succumbing to ‘it’ (the mind) and ‘out there’ (the world) is accepted as natural and normal. Few people suspect that there is actually any other option. By self-examination and inward focus, one can discover that all states of consciousness are the result of the execution of an option. They are not unchangeable certainties determined by uncontrollable factors at all. This can be discovered by examining how the mind works.

… One is not ‘forced’ to feel resentment by a negative memory, nor does one have to buy into a fearful thought about the future. These are only options. The mind is like a television set running its various channels for selection, and one does not have to follow any particular temptation of thought. One can fall into the temptation of feeling sorry for oneself, or angry, or worried. The secret attraction of all these options is that they offer an inner payoff or a secret satisfaction which is the source of the attraction of the mind’s thoughts.

If these payoffs are refused, it will be discovered that, at all times, behind the thought screen, there is a silent, invisible, thought-free space of joy. This is an option that is always available, but to be experienced, it has to be chosen above all other tempting options. The source of joy is always present, always available, and not dependent on circumstances. There are only two obstacles: (1) the ignorance that it is always available and present and (2), valuing something other than peace and joy above that peace and joy because of the secret pleasure of the payoff.

The experience of the presence of God is available and within at all times, but awaits choice. That choice is made only by surrendering everything other than peace and love to God. In return, the divinity of the Self reveals Itself as ever present but not experienced because it has been ignored or forgotten, or one has chosen otherwise.”

from  The Eye of the 1 p. 47-48

Love takes no position and thus is global, rising above the separation of positionality. It is then possible to be ‘one with another’ as there are no longer any barriers. Love is therefore inclusive and progressively expands the sense of self. Love focuses on the goodness of life in all its expressions and augments that which is positive. It dissolves negativity by recontextualizing it rather than by attacking it. As such, it is benign, supportive, and nurtures life; consequently, it is the level of true happiness.

from Transcending the Levels of Consciousness, ch. 14, pg. 247-248

The energy of love has the capacity to heal our
bodies when conditions are appropriate. On the physical
level, because of the prevailing positive mental
state, physical illnesses often resolve themselves. Some
diseases automatically heal without any particular
attention being paid to them, and those that still
remain usually respond to consciousness techniques.
Persistent illnesses that are unresponsive to treatment
are viewed as karmically, symbolically, or spiritually
significant. Overall, there is a decreasing awareness of
the body, which now goes about its business and
seems to take care of itself on its own. We are no
longer identified as a body. There is a loss of interest
in dealing with health matters on a purely physical
level, and there are times when awareness of the body
disappears altogether, unless we focus on it for some
particular reason.

from Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, pg. 177