Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man [Paperback]

David Hawkins M.D. Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008

This is the seventh book in a progressive series based on the revelations of consciousness research. It describes in detail how to discern not only truth from falsehood but also the illusion of appearance from the actual core of inner reality. The text explains how to differentiate perception from essence and thereby enables the reader to resolve the ambiguities and classical riddles that have challenged mankind for centuries. While modern technologies have provided a plethora of new toys and conveniences, the basic problems of human existence remain. The human dilemma is in fact more confused than ever before,and the very foundations of Western civilization have weakened under the onslaughts of rival factions and media barrage. Even the government is paralyzed by the gridlock of vociferous contentiousness. The public has become like a focus group that is manipulated by media merchants. This book provides the tools to survive and regain autonomy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David R. Hawkins is a world-famous author, spiritual teacher and consciousness researcher, whose books have won wide acclaim and readership. His work represents the leading edge of consciousness research and the verification of spiritual realities, such as the author’s own major subjective realizations and transformation. His prior background includes 50 years as a practicing psychiatrist, during which time he ran the largest psychiatric practice in the United States. He is a life member of the American Psychiatric Association and numerous other professional organizations. His national television appearances include The Barbara Walters Show, The Today Show, and science documentaries, to name a few. Radio interviews include Oprah Radio. He is in high demand for interviews in film, teleconferences, and magazines, and speaking engagements around the world. He is co-author of the groundbreaking book, Orthomolecular Psychiatry, along with Nobelist Linus Pauling.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Axial Publishing Co; 1st edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193339188X
• ISBN-13: 978-1933391885
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #572,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new contribution to the Great Books of the Western World, October 3, 2008

By 

Andy K (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man (Paperback)

`Reality Spirituality and Modern Man' would seem to be David R. Hawkins' contribution to the Great Books of the Western World, and to the great conversation which arises from those books and their readers.

To the epochal crisis in faith and trust that extends through politics, academia, religion, and family life, Hawkins serenely suggests a series of counterbalances, resolutions, recontextualizations, and clarifications. The book builds piece by piece a new context by which to understand reality, but more of that in a moment.

His matter of fact style is heavily referenced, with occasional brilliant rhetorical flourishes, and a rich stock of wit in words and images. The references are a feast of interesting leads to new and substantial fields of knowledge, and Hawkins has considerately put comments to the bibliographic references that let you know something of their significance, and thus whether you might wish to follow them up or not. These notes have led me to many rich discoveries.

This is by far the most erudite of Doctor David R. Hawkins' books, and that factor sometimes makes it seem as if one cannot see the forest for the trees. It is a complex book, but many important books are complex and yet rewarded persistent readers greatly.

Much of the book would seem to be a series of contrasts between true and false, essence and appearance, the world as it is and the world as it appears to be. These sophisticated chapters taken on their own are powerful challenges to the reader to examine his own presumptions and preconceptions about society, science, religion, spirituality, and basic epistemology (how we know what we know). But as I said, the chapters are cumulative in their effect, and the overarching vision the book presents is beyond my words to represent.

The culminating chapters of the book present the world as an artefact of human collective perception and with striking clarity reveals the simply unreality of much of the prevailing conceptions about the nature of the world we live in. The stark simplicity and purity of the concluding view is beautiful, authoritative, and noble.

I believe that a new `Great Book of the Western World' has passed unheralded into publication in Dr David R. Hawkins' `Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man'.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Radical Devotional Nonduality, October 28, 2008

By 

R. S. Valentine (PA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man (Paperback)

This book takes Dr. Hawkins most recent teachings and places them in the context of current society and the recent past. He explains the discernment of essence from perception at length, issues of paradigm and worldview, and cites historical examples. Included are Dr. Hawkins detailed explanations of Ramana Maharshi's radical instructions regarding "Saving the world," The relationship of the Scopes Monkey trial to our current societies conflicting worldviews, and how harmful influences use the cover of secular and religious appearance to manipulate all aspects of society, including, especially the media. Included are the illumination of spiritual paths for those questioning the traditional teachings of our culture or the existence of God. A Great Book, full of clarity, bound to be controversial, eye opening and for some paradigm changing. Thank You Dr. Hawkins for the power and directness of your teachings.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's no difference between valor and compassion., April 15, 2009

By 

Kevin - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man (Paperback)

It seems, that in this era, man has mastered the art of appearing intelligent. This and also convincing others that they are intelligent. All of this, without earning the internal merit of personal responsibility. That's the hallmark of the truly intelligent. Who would've guessed?

In the days of the Greeks they were called sophists. I'd been afflicted with this dysfunction - and indeed it is a dysfunction. The effect is the "king baby" who can so eloquently malign another person who disagrees with what they believe. Simultaneously, they gain favor from those who are in denial of similar short-comings. Cleverly, the insult may even infer, pointed at the person being scapegoated, as being immature and arrogant. The smug and snickering mob then concedes and basks in the instant gratification of their sedation. This is the socio-political climate of our times. Hate is in vogue, being honest is called arrogant and being humble is called idiocy.

This work, to me, has pointed out the self-serving motives underneath my own positions. The positions themselves have been nothing but hypnotic limitations; a fools' gold. Reflecting on the Truth, delivered as such is not always a walk in the park. And yet I am eternally grateful.

Reality, Spirituality and Modern Man is an invaluable tool for reflection and self-examination for those willing to be radically honest with themselves. It's also an invaluable tool for those who are curious about discerning essence from appearance. Curious, yes! Have the Truth revealed and see if you're really interested! Many will scurry from the work because...

"A good horse runs even from the shadow of the whip!"

Signed,

Kevin

A former slave to popular delusions with an opinionated defense-mechanism. Now, an ordinary man who knows that he does not know anything.