Draft:David R. Hawkins

David R. Hawkins
David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. (June 3, 1927 – September 19, 2012) was an American psychiatrist, spiritual teacher, author, and lecturer. He is best known for his work in the field of consciousness research and spirituality, particularly through his development of the Map of Consciousness, a scale that measures human consciousness levels. His influential book, Power vs. Force, introduced this concept and has been widely cited in both scientific and spiritual communities.

Early Life and Education
David Ramon Hawkins was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of twelve, he had a profound mystical experience during a snowstorm, which he later described as a moment of timeless and infinite love and peace. This experience profoundly influenced his future path.

Hawkins served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before attending medical school. He earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin and later received a Ph.D. in Health Science.

Career in Psychiatry
Hawkins began his career in psychiatry in 1952 and held several notable positions. He was the Medical Director of the North Nassau Mental Health Center (1956–1980) and Director of Research at Brunswick Hospital on Long Island (1968–1979). During this time, he had one of the largest practices in New York State.

In 1973, he co-authored Orthomolecular Psychiatry: Treatment of Schizophrenia with Linus Pauling. This work advocated for the use of high-dose vitamins in treating mental disorders and significantly impacted the field of psychiatry.

Consciousness Research and Spiritual Teaching
In 1983, Hawkins founded the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc., and later, in 2003, he established the Path of Devotional Nonduality. His work in consciousness research culminated in the development of the Map of Consciousness, which he introduced in his 1995 book, Power vs. Force. The book has been translated into twenty-five languages and has sold over a million copies.

Hawkins' teachings blend spiritual insights with clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of surrender and letting go of negative feelings and thoughts to achieve enlightenment. His other notable books include Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender (2012) and Healing and Recovery (2009).

Lectures and Media Appearances
Hawkins was a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Oxford University, and Westminster Abbey. He also spoke to various spiritual groups, including Catholic, Protestant, and Buddhist communities.

His work was featured in numerous media outlets, including television appearances on The Today Show and The Barbara Walters Show, and radio interviews with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah and Friends Radio.

Awards and Recognition
Hawkins received numerous awards for his contributions to psychiatry and spirituality. These include the Huxley Award for the "Inestimable Contribution to the Alleviation of Human Suffering," induction into the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame, and the Physicians Recognition Award by the American Medical Association. In 1996, he was knighted by the Sovereign Order of St. John's of Jerusalem, and in 2000, he was honored by a large community of Buddhists in Seoul, South Korea, with the title "Tae Ryoung Sun Kak Tosa" (Teacher of Enlightenment).

Later Life and Legacy
Hawkins continued to teach and write until his passing in 2012. His teachings and publications have left a lasting impact on both the scientific and spiritual communities. His final public lecture, delivered at the age of eighty-four, focused on the theme of love and was attended by an international audience of 1,700 people.

Selected Works

 * Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior (1995)
 * The Eye of the I: From Which Nothing is Hidden (2001)
 * I: Reality and Subjectivity (2003)
 * Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender (2012)
 * Healing and Recovery (2009)