New Realities, July 21, 2018
New Realities with Alan Steinfeld
Guest, David Hawking
From the New Realities archive. Interview taped in 2003.
Guest, David Hawkins
Sir David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. is 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 is 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.
Founding Director of the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc. (1983) and Founder of the Path of Devotional Nonduality (2003), Dr. Hawkins has 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 has been 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 is 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 (SelfRealization, 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 seven 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, Along the Path to Enlightenment; and Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self. released in 2009. 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 is completely devoted to the upliftment of mankind.
Now in his eighties, Dr. Hawkins maintains a demanding schedule of lectures, radio interviews, and book projects. Similar to other advanced teachers (Mother Teresa, Ramana Maharshi), seekers come from all over the world to be in his presence, stating that the "aura" or "radiance" has a transformative effect via "silent transmission." He insists that what others witness in him is really their own true nature.
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.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Recent 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 conducts 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 reveal 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?", "he Human Dilemma," "Spiritual Survival: Realization of Reality" and "Spirituality: Reason and Faith," to name a few. Seminar attendees include 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 most recent 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.
His recent book, published in 2009, is entitled "Healing and Recovery," 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 has 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.
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.
This year, 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, discuss 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 the enlightening discussion talks released this year. These discussions both raise and answer the relevant questions all sincere spiritual seekers must face.
New book by Dr. Hawkins - Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender
This book describes the simple and effective means by which to let go of the obstacles to enlightenment.
Dr. Hawkins primary aim is 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 demonstrates 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.
Dr. Hawkins receives so many requests for projects, radio and film interviews, and speaking engagements, both domestic and international, that he must turn down the vast majority; countries include 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 is 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 can provide will set them on the road to authentic and lasting relief.
Education
- Milwaukee State Teachers College (now part of University of Wisconsin), 1948
- The Medical College of Wisconsin (established as Marquette University School of Medicine), 1953
- Columbia Pacific University (Doctor of Philosophy), 1995
Life Events of Interest
Awards and Recognition
- Inducted into the 2006 American Psychiatric Association 50–year Distinguished Life Fellows honor
- Inducted into the 2006 Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame
- Established Devotional Nonduality as a major spiritual pathway and the Science of Consciousness Research
- Published numerous articles in spiritual periodicals, 1990 – current
- Has appeared on The Today Show, Science, Barbara Walters, the McNeil–Leher News Hour and talk radio shows worldwide, including Oprah Radio
- Presents lectures and workshops throughout the U.S. and the world, along with monthly full–day seminars, 2002 – current
- Gave annual Landsberg Lecture at the University of California Medical School at San Francisco
- Listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World
- Appointed consultant to the Unity School of Religious Studies and post–graduate curriculum, including establishment of the Unity School of Consciousness Studies, 2003
- Published research on Science of Consciousness in series of books in 14 languages
- Establishment of worldwide independent study groups
- Nobelists and world leaders accorded recognition in support of world value of research and writings: Dr. Linus Pauling; Mother Teresa; Lee Iacocca; Sam Walton; Bill W. (founder of Alcoholics Anonymous); numerous clergy and businessmen (spirit in business).
- Consultant to government leaders, South Korea, 2000
- Received title "Tae Ryoung Sun Kak Dosa" (Teacher of Enlightenment), Seoul, Korea, 2000
- Knighted by the Sovereign Order of the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem by authority of the Priory of King Waldemar the Great. The Order was established in 1070 and arrived in Denmark around 1164. The ceremony was conducted by H. H. Prince Waldemar of Schaumburg–Lippe on October 7, 2000. He was elected to the Order in October 1996 and was sponsored by Fernando Flores, then an ambassador to the United Nations. The Danish Order then established a branch in the Americas, which supports humanitarian projects in third–world countries.
- Physicians Recognition Award, American Medical Association, 1992
- Elected to Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Founded 1077), 1989
- Invited to become Commissioner of Mental Health, State of New York, February, 1983
- Citation from Medical College of Wisconsin for "Contribution to Medicine"
- Taught classes on Advaita
- Published articles with Bill W., cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous
- Taught classes based on A Course in Miracles
- Consultant to clergy, cloistered nuns, Episcopal and Catholic dioceses, the Zen Monastery (NYC), and spiritual groups
- North Nassau Mental Health Center Award for "Dedication to the Alleviation of Human Suffering," 1978
- Huxley Award for "Inestimable Contribution to the Alleviation of Human Suffering," 1979
- Published Orthomolecular Psychiatry with Nobelist Linus Pauling, 1973
- Published numerous scientific papers in the American Journal of Psychiatry amongst other fine publications, 1953 – current
- Founder and Director, The Mental Health Center (largest practice in New York City), 1958 – 1980
- Training Psychoanalysis by Prof. Lionel Oversey, M.D., at Columbia University Psychoanalytic Institute
- Supervising Psychiatrist, New York State Department of Mental Hygiene, 1957
- Awarded Fellowship in Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, 1956
- Intern, Columbia Hospital, New York School of Psychiatry, 1954
- Mosby Book Award for Scholastic Excellence, 1953
- Alpha Omega Alpha – National Medical Scholastic Honor Society, 1952
Founded
- North Nassau Mental Health Center, Inc., 1958
- Federation of Mental Health Centers, 1963
- North Nassau Clinical Laboratories, 1970
- North Nassau Research Division and Laboratories, 1971
- An Integrated System for the Care of Schizophrenics, 1971
- Academy of Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 1971
- Institute for Applied Spiritual Studies, 1980
Co–Founded
- Schizophrenics Anonymous (Board of Directors; Medical Advisor)
- Schizophrenia Foundation of New York State (Incorporator; Director)
- Schizophrenia Foundation of Long Island (Board of Directors; Medical Advisor)
- Institute for Scientific Communications (Incorporator; Board of Directors)
- Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry (Editorial Board)
- Journal of Schizophrenia (Editorial Board)
- St. George’s Day Activities Center (Medical Advisor)
- The Attitudinal Healing Center of Long Island (Board of Directors; Medical Advisor)
- Christ Church Day Activities Center (Medical Advisor)
- The Masters Gallery of Fine Arts (Co–Director)
- Mental Health Fairs
- The Gateposts Halfway House (Medical Advisor)
- Garfield House (Halfway House)
- Day Activities Center of Port Washington (Medical Advisor)
- Brunswick House (Alcoholism; Psychiatric Consultant)
- New York Association of Holistic Health Centers
- Life Support Systems (Board of Directors)
- Space Form (Ecologic Communities and Low–Energy Housing)
- Became Director Emeritus of the North Nassau Mental Health Center in 1980 and gave up psychiatric practice to spend full time on spiritual research.
Membership
- American Medical Association (Life Member)
- American Psychiatric Association (Life Member)
- New York State Medical Society
- Nassau County Medical Society
- Nassau Physicians Guild
- Nassau Academy of Medicine
- New York Academy of Science
- The American Association for the Advancement of Science
- New York State Psychiatric Association
- Qualified Psychiatrist, New York State Department of Mental Health
- Nassau Psychiatric Society
- New York State Clinical Directors Association
- American Association of Psychiatric Administrators
- Academy of Orthomolecular Psychiatry (Founding President; Chairman of the Board)
- International Academy of Preventive Medicine
- American Holistic Health Association
- The Huxley Institute for Biosocial Research (Board of Directors)
- Academy of Religion and Mental Health
- New York State Association of the Professions
- The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
- Schizophrenia Foundation of New York State (Board of Directors; Medical Advisor)
- The Attitudinal Healing Center of Long Island (Board of Directors; Medical Advisor)
- North Nassau Mental Health Center (Director Emeritus)
- Medical Society of the Brunswick Hospital (Director of Psychiatric Research)
- Attending Staff, Gracie Square Hospital
- Youth Consultation Services, Episcopal Dioceses, Long Island (Psychiatric Consultant)
- Editorial Board, Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry
- Editorial Board, Journal of Schizophrenia
- Editorial Board, (Alcoholism), Journal of Psychotherapy
- American Schizophrenia Association (Scientific Advisory Board)
- National Society for Autistic Children (Professional Advisory Board)
- Long Island Council on Alcoholism
- The Federation of Mental Health Centers (Co–founder)
- American Medical Society on Alcoholism
- Arizona Medical Society
- Arizona Psychiatric Society
- Brunswick House (Director of Research, Alcoholism)
- The National Acupuncture Research Society
- American Geriatric Society
- International Council on Applied Nutrition
- The Academy of Preventive Medicine
- Canadian Psychiatric Association (Associate Member)
- American Society for Psychological Research
- Monroe Institute for Applied Science
- International Kirlian Research Association
- National Council on Alcoholism
- The Association for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
- The Society for the Study of Addictions
- American Institute for Scientific Communications (Co–founder)
- International Society for General Semantics
- Consultant on Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
- American Ontoanalytic Association
- Consultant, New York Foundling Hospital
- New York Paleontological Society
- Consultant, Operation Hotline
Non–Medical Memberships
- The First Zen Institute of America, 1960
- The Institute for Applied Spiritual Studies (Founder, Chairman), 1983
- Institute for Advanced Spiritual Research, Inc. [501© (3) Public Charity], 1983
- Sovereign Order, St John of Jerusalem, 1995
- Devotional Nonduality Community (Founder, 2003)
New Realities
New Realities has been the leading edge, new Consciousness cable program broadcast from New York for the last 12 years. The series is hosted & produced by Alan Steinfeld. I firmly believe that – ‘A mind stretched to new realities never returns to its original dimension.’ - Alan Steinfeld New Realities is dedicated to exploring evolving human potentials in an evolving world. This series explores the idea of how to become more conscious beings. We present programs that invite the viewer to look at automatic behaviors and take free reign of their body, mind and spirit so that we can hope to inhabit and create a better world.
This program is constantly on the look out for new and different perspectives in achieving a greater and more peaceful reality for the planet. It is about embracing a synthesis of rational understanding with mystical awareness. We must continually be on watch for ways in which we may enlarge our consciousness. We must not attempt to limit our slice of the world, which is given us, but we must somehow learn how to transform it and transfigure it.