Dr. Hawkins

David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D.

 

Biography Summary
Accomplishments
Education
Awards and Recognition
Founded
Co-Founded
Memberships
Non–Medical Memberships
Obituary
Susan Hawkins: Living with Doc

 

 

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Biography Summary

Sir David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. was a nationally renowned psychiatrist, physician, researcher, spiritual teacher and lecturer. The uniqueness of his contribution to humanity comes from the advanced state of spiritual awareness known as ” Enlightenment,” “Self–Realization,” and “Unio Mystica.”Rarely, if ever, has this spiritual state occurred in the life of an accomplished scientist and physician. Therefore, Dr. Hawkins was uniquely qualified to present a spiritual path that is scientifically compelling to modern society.

The classical hallmarks of this state are pristine awareness of Ultimate Reality, compassion for all beings, tireless dedication to alleviate suffering, radiant joy, and humor. People from all walks of life, nationalities, and spiritual orientations honor Dr. Hawkins as a teacher of advanced awareness, exemplified in the title “Rae Ryeong Seon Kak Tosa” (Foremost Teacher of the Way to Enlightenment) bestowed upon him in Korea.

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Founding Director of the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc. (1983) and Founder of the Path of Devotional Nonduality (2003), Dr. Hawkins  lectured widely at such places as Westminster Abbey; Oxford Forum; Universities of Notre Dame, Michigan, Argentina, Fordham and Harvard; University of California (SF) Medical School; Institute of Noetic Sciences; and Agape Spiritual Center (Los Angeles). In addition, he was  an advisor to Catholic, Protestant, and Buddhist monasteries. He has conferred with foreign governments on international diplomacy and has been instrumental in resolving long–standing conflicts that were major threats to world peace.

He was featured in recent documentary films, magazines, and radio interviews (e.g., Oprah Radio and Institute of Noetic Sciences) for his work in the areas of health, healing, recovery, spirituality in modern life, consciousness research, and meditation.

Dr. Hawkins entered the field of medicine to alleviate human pain and distress, and his work as a physician was pioneering. As Medical Director of the North Nassau Mental Health Center (1956–1980) and Director of Research at Brunswick Hospital (1968–1979) on Long Island, his clinic was the largest practice in the United States, including a suite of twenty–five offices, two thousand outpatients, and several research laboratories. In 1973, he co–authored the ground–breaking work, Orthomolecular Psychiatry with Nobel Laureate chemist Linus Pauling, initiating a new field within psychiatry.

His clinical breakthroughs brought appearances on The Today Show, The Barbara Walters Show and The Mcneil/Leher News Hour. In the 1970s, he co–founded several psychiatric organizations, including the Editorial Board of the Journal of Schizophrenia and the Attitudinal Healing Center in New York.

Many awards followed, such as The Huxley Award for the “Inestimable Contribution to the Alleviation of Human Suffering,” Physicians Recognition Award by the American Medical Association, 50–Year Distinguished Life Fellow by the American Psychiatric Association, the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame, and a nomination for the prestigious Templeton Prize that honors progress in Science and Religion. In 1995, in a ceremony officiated by the H.H. Prince Valdemar of Schaumburg–Lippe at the San Anselmo Theological Seminary, he became a knight of the Sovereign Order of the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem (founded in 1077) in recognition of his contributions to humanity.

A trademark of Dr. Hawkins’s research is his pioneering, internationally–known and applied “Map of Consciousness ®,” presented in the ever–popular book Power vs. Force (1995), translated into over twenty–five languages. The “Map of Consciousness®” incorporates findings from quantum physics and nonlinear dynamics, thereby confirming the classical “stages” of spiritual evolution found in the world’s sacred literature as actual “attractor fields.”

These spiritual levels had been delineated by saints, sages, and mystics; yet there had never been a scientific framework by which to understand the inner terrain. The “Map of Consciousness®” is clinically sophisticated in its depiction of each level’s emotional tone, view of God, and view of life. For example, “Fear” views God as punitive, whereas “Love” views God as loving.

The “Map of Consciousness®” illumines heretofore unknown aspects of consciousness. With each progressive rise in the level of consciousness, the “frequency” or “vibration” of energy increases. Thus, higher consciousness radiates a beneficial and healing effect on the world, verifiable in the human muscle response which stays strong in the presence of love and truth. In contrast, non–true or negative energy fields which “calibrate” below the level of integrity induce a weak muscle response. This stunning discovery of the difference between “power” and “force” has influenced numerous fields of human endeavor: business, advertising, education, psychology, medicine, law, and international relations.

Thus we see that the uniqueness of Dr. Hawkin’s work is that an individual of advanced spiritual consciousness also possesses the intellect and clarity to express and communicate the characteristics of these highly­ evolved states of awareness that few have experienced.

Dr. Hawkins’s writings constitute the first modern demarcation of the highest levels of human consciousness (Self­-Realization, the Void, Nothingness vs. Allness, Full Enlightenment) and their differential phenomena. In his books, he explains each level of consciousness (energy field) in language that is free of dogma, and is inspirational to all walks of life.

He established the Pathway of Devotional Nonduality – a direct course to Enlightenment via clarification of core essentials that merely await activation by decision, intention, and dedication of the will. His book, “Discovery of the Presence of God: Devotional Nonduality,” is basically an instruction manual for the serious spiritual devotee, revealing information that is known only by those who have transcended the ego to reach Divine Realization.

He is the author of the best–selling trilogy, “Power vs. Force” (published in 25 languages); “The Eye of the I”; and “I: Reality and Subjectivity”; and ten additional books, including “Truth vs. Falsehood”; “Transcending the Levels of Consciousness: The Stairway to Enlightenment”; “Discovery of the Presence of God: Devotional Nonduality”; “Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man”; “Healing and Recovery”; “Daily Reflections by Dr. David R. Hawkins”; “The Ego is not the Real You”; “Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender”; “Success is For You”; and “Book of Slides”. “Map of Consciousness Explained”  published in2020. His books are published in numerous languages and sold worldwide.

Dr. Hawkins’s honors are vast. His background is detailed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World, and his work has been acclaimed by many world leaders and Nobelists, including Mother Teresa. His life was completely devoted to the upliftment of mankind.

The teachings of Devotional Nonduality emphasize the core truths of the world’s great spiritual traditions: kindness and compassion to everything and everyone (including oneself), humility, forgiveness, reverence for all of life, and surrender to God. It is a direct path to Enlightenment in which each internal progression of love and integrity uplifts the whole of existence: “We change the world not by what we say or do but as a consequence of what we have become,” states Dr. Hawkins.
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Accomplishments

Accomplishments include: Speaking Engagements at Mishka Productions/Hay House “Celebrate Your Life” Conference in Phoenix, Arizona in November, 2010; Agape Revelations Conference in Los Angeles headed by Reverend Michael Beckwith; the Hay House “I Can Do It” Conference in Las Vegas in 2007 and 2008 as a featured author and presenter; all–day presentations at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, California to an audience of 800, and in Cottonwood and Prescott, Arizona to audiences of 900. He conducted regular local seminars and Satsangs (question–and–answer sessions) to sold–out audiences in Arizona and California, and participated in numerous domestic and international film documentaries exploring multifaceted spiritual topics and his current consciousness research findings. The Satsangs have been offered at no charge as a public service to mankind. The seminars revealed data about our technological society and how to live a fulfilled spiritual life within its complexities; titles include: “God vs. Science: Limits of the Mind,” “Relativism vs. Reality,” “What is Real?”, “The Human Dilemma,” “Spiritual Survival: Realization of Reality” and “Spirituality: Reason and Faith,” to name a few. Seminar attendees included people from numerous countries who travel to the U.S. solely to experience the unique combination of the realization of scientific and spiritual knowingness exemplified by Dr. Hawkins; a contingent of South Koreans, headed by Reverend J. H. Moon of the International Meditation Association, traveled to Sedona in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, exclusively for a seminar and audience with Dr. Hawkins. He recorded a segment entitled “In The World But Not Of It” for a Nightingale–Conant CD set, focusing on integrating spiritual practice in our modern–day world. His last CD Set with Nightingale–Conant, recorded in 2010, is a top–selling interview entitled “Healing,” which encompasses spiritual principles and applications related to healing; canceling limiting beliefs; practical tools for relief in major crises, stress and illness. He participated in numerous radio interviews, including Oprah Radio and Noetic Sciences.

In 2008 Dr. Hawkins completed his book “Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man,” based on the revelations of consciousness research, describing how to discern truth from falsehood and the illusion of appearance from the core of inner reality.

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 “Healing and Recovery,” was published in 2009 and is based on a group of lectures conducted by the author at the request of spiritual and self–help groups. The book reveals why the body may not respond to traditional medical approaches, and provides specific instructions and guidelines that can result in healing from disease. Our society lives with constant stress, anxiety, fear, pain, suffering, depression, and worry. Alcoholism, drug addiction, obesity, sexual problems and cancer are constantly in the news. This timely book provides information about how to address life’s challenges without necessarily resorting to drugs, surgery or counseling, and explains the importance of including spiritual practices in one’s healing and recovery.

Two additional books published in 2011 by Hay House, Inc. are: “Along the Path to Enlightenment: 365 Daily Reflections from David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D”.; and “Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self: Contemplations from the Teachings of David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D”. “Along the Path to Enlightenment” discusses blocks to spiritual progress, and how we can transcend them. As a mystic, Dr. Hawkins infused the truths found in the precepts of Western religion with the core of Eastern philosophy, bridging the familiar, physical world with the nonlinear, spiritual domain. The passages in this book, selected from Dr. Hawkins’s extensive writings, offer a new contemplation for each day. Any one of these passages, fully understood, can elevate one‘s level of consciousness. “Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self” covers how one traverses the spiritual landscape to move beyond suffering, to experience the peace and love of God, to transcend illusion and realize the state of enlightenment. The reader is reminded of the illusory nature of the ego, along with the direct pathways to transcend its trappings. These pocket editions are reliable companions on the spiritual aspirant’s quest toward higher truth.

In September, 2011, Dr. Hawkins presented a very special lecture to an audience of over 1700 attendees who traveled from around the world to see him. He lectured on the topic of “Love” as the substrate of the universe and as a “way of being” in the world. Considered to be the culmination of Dr. Hawkins life work, this event was truly inspiring for those who were present and in his presence.

In 2012, Dr. Hawkins directed his attention to answering specific spiritual topics in greater depth than can be explained in a lecture setting. Video-taped in a small, private setting in Sedona, Arizona, Dr. Hawkins and his wife, Susan, discussed in greater depth and detail profound subjects pertinent to the spiritual aspirant. “How to Live Your Life Like a Prayer,” “What You Are Changes the World,” “What is Real Success?” and “Permanent Inner Peace” are some of the enlightening discussion talks released. These discussions both raise and answer the relevant questions all sincere spiritual seekers must face.

“Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender” was published in 2012. This book describes the simple and effective means by which to let go of the obstacles to enlightenment. Dr. Hawkins primary aim was to seek the most helpful way to relieve human suffering in all its many forms. The technique of “Letting Go” (Surrender) was found to be a valuable way to free consciousness from suffering and is described in this book. The author demonstrated that as the individual heals on the inside, healing can occur on the outside, much like the rising of the sea lifts all ships, so the radiance of unconditional love within a human heart lifts all of life.

In 2016, “Success Is For You” was published by Hay House. This book draws upon the many concepts of Dr. Hawkins’ and applies them to the world of business and the psychology of success. Expanding upon the illuminating discussion of the attractor patterns of success from Power vs. Force, this remarkable never-before-published book pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the successful mind.

“Book of Slides” was published by Veritas Publishing in 2018. It is a comprehensive “atlas” of the vast terrain covered by Dr. David R. Hawkins in his public lectures, 2002-2011. It contains the compendium of his lecture slides, along with a summary of his teaching at each lecture. Far from being a dry read, this book is filled with real life examples, humorous anecdotes, and personal experiences of “Doc” never before found in written form.

Dr. Hawkins received so many requests for projects, radio and film interviews, and speaking engagements, both domestic and international, that he had to turn down many of the interviews; some of the countries included Canada, Mexico, India, South Korea, Germany, England, Ireland, Japan, Israel and Dubai, as well as from coast to coast in the U.S. Dr. Hawkins was bombarded with daily inquiries from around the world from people who seek answers, and know that the inspiration as well as proven techniques and spiritual practices Dr. Hawkins provided will set them on the road to authentic and lasting relief.[/expand]

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Veritas Publishing continues to make available all of Dr. Hawkins work throughout the United States and the world. His lectures are now available through our streaming video service on our website.

To register go to the Streaming tab on our website.

His books are available through Amazon and Hay House, Inc.

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Comments from Susan

Sir David Ramon Hawkins
Doc’s Memorial Service
October 8, 2012

David and I had a wonderful life.  We met in Country Western dance class and never stopped dancing together – we danced in parking lots, grocery stores, restaurants, and doctor’s offices!

As a husband, Dave was very kind, caring, loving, and affectionate.  He always took my feelings into consideration.  He trusted my judgment.  I would say, “I don’t know what to do, Dave.”  He would tell me, “Just use your common sense, Suzie.”

He had an infectious sense of humor – I couldn’t not laugh whenever he was laughing.   And sometimes he laughed at seeming tragedies because, to him, the world was pretty comical.  His humor would carry me through anything.   This was true even during his last days.  He said things like, “Everything is really pretty simple — but it’s difficult to discover that!”   And at one point, when we thought he was dying, he suddenly roused from a deep sleep and asked, “Who Died? Did I know him?!”

Life was fun with Dave – I never knew what he might do!  One year, for a Christmas present, he gave me tickets to Mexico so we could go watch the whales.

The simplest things made him happy — sitting in his chair, having his coffee, taking a nap with the kitties, sharing Friday Fish Night with friends, wearing his favorite old corduroys.  He didn’t care about appearances because he knew who and what he was.

He loved all animals, domestic and wild.  He loved the trees and wouldn’t let me cut a limb off a tree if it was growing against the side of the house.  He just built around the tree.

David was always in prayer, asking for knowledge of God’s will for his life and the power to carry it out.  The last thing he did at night while he was lying in bed was to pray for people and animals that he knew were in difficulty.

This is the Doc that I lived with.  Of course people had their own ideas about what it was like to live with him.  One woman asked me, “What’s it like to live with an enlightened being that can read your mind?”  I said, “If he could read my mind, then I’d have new carpet in the house!”

People want to know what his last words were.  To the very end, he was saying to me, “What do you need me to do?”  There he was, so physically weak, lying in bed, but he wanted to be helpful to others.  He would say, “I should be doing something – what can I do?”  His whole life was like that.  He felt fulfilled and happy to be of service.

He constantly worked at all levels to better mankind.  His life was dedicated to helping others and trying to improve mankind — as individuals and as a whole.

He loved everyone unconditionally.  That got him into trouble sometimes because he trusted the wrong people; he saw only the good side of everyone, including those who really just wanted to use him.  That happened over and over again; it was not easy for me, as his wife, to stand back and watch him go through a betrayal.

He shared himself with everyone who wanted to be shared with.  I knew when I met Dave that his love and wisdom were so great that I had to share him with the rest of the world.  I couldn’t just keep him to myself.   We were a good match – we fit together like a glove on the hand.  We knew we had a commitment to share what he was with the world.

He was inspiring to me and others.  So many people have told me, “Your husband is such an inspiration to me, and I understand the spiritual dimension of life because of him.”  He knew what to say to them about how to get better.  What he said was not always sweet and rosy – sometimes it was a Zen whack!  He knew when to pull that out and when not to; he knew when people needed encouragement and when they needed the whack.

When I was on stage with him, I saw how he would say things in such a manner and suddenly people’s faces would light up – they got it!  It was so fulfilling to see that response and to know that someone’s life was changed.   For Dave, it was never about him – he only cared about the message and its impact on others.   During our last dialogues, which we videotaped at the ranch, he would say, “I’m sorry I’m not as eloquent a speaker as I used to be, but the message is still there.”

All in all, he is still here.  He’s still guiding us.  Now that he is gone, we have an angel watching over us.

He was a wonderful man and everyone got to share him.  We all benefited from him.  He gave us the gift of how you could be spiritual and still be an ordinary human.

It’s our duty to give back what we’ve learned, whether it’s to one person or to many. That’s what Doc would want us to do – to give back what we have learned.

He didn’t give people just things; rather, he gave of himself to people.  I think he wants all of us to do the same.  To give of ourselves in whatever way we can.

As he wrote,   “…just being ordinary is an expression of Divinity; the truth of one’s real Self can be discovered in the pathway of everyday life.  To live with care and kindness is all that is necessary; the rest reveals itself in due time.  The commonplace and God are not distinct.” ” P v F, 390.