Rating: 
Summary: A "Powerful" Map of Human Consciousness
Review: ---
David Hawkins uses applied kinesiology as a research tool for developping a scale that goes from 0 to 1000 for calibrating levels of consciousness. Such an expanded use of kinesiology will probably be the most controversial part of his claims. The few expert practioners of kinesiology I have interviewed suggested this is an overextended use of the tool. One suggested that it is easy to get any answer one is inclined towards. It is also not clear what one is precisely measuring. I have yet to see a discussion on a detailed scientific protocol.Having said this, I would still recommend the book for the following reasons. The book provides a framework for a comprehensive theory of consciousness, from the highest states to the lowest ones, and including everything in between. While it pulls in some contemporary ideas from chaos theory, such as the notion of attractors, and from physics, that of non-locality, it's real value lies in ratifying or informing one's intuition the placement and context of various religious and spiritual traditions on the evolution of consciousness. He states one purpose for writing the book is that most people cannot tell the difference between true and false. As a book on spiritual discrimination, this seems to be one of the finest and much in line with the highest traditions. Dr.Hawkins philosophical and experiential "home base" seems to be a kind "Advaitic Christianity" as evidenced by the Course In Miracles. (In fact, he mentions the Course on a number of occassions.) He is not an Advaitic who has disappeared into the
realm of the formless, disregarding the world as an illusion, and unable to relate to it. Neither do we see the fruitless mental debates involving the traditional dichotomies such as between "form" and "formless", "nirvana" vs. "samsara", or talk about "paradoxes" (which oftentimes just reveals one's ignorance). His model provides a map of a continuum of consciousness whereby a level of truth for each has its place. For the most part, even in dealing with difficult subject matters, he is a very clear writer. On the side of Christianity (in it's best sense), neither does he forget the teachings pertaining to one's neighbor. His scale for the levels of consciousness provides a framework for an interpretation for what has traditionally been called "good and evil", not so much in the moralistic sense, or black and white Manichaean sense, but in it's life enhancing or life destructive tendencies. His framework provides a unified model of which incorporates the strengths of both the teachings of Non-Duality and Christianity at their best. Overall, I would recommend Dr. Hawkin's books, "Power vs. Force", and the "Eye of the I", as a "consideration", as a "hypothesis" one evenutally needs to test out. I have had many an "aha" moments as I watched the pieces from disparate disciplines and traditions fall into place while reading the book. It has been a real pleasure to read for both it's clarity and comprehensiveness.
Rating:
Summary: calibrates at 4 stars
Review: At first it was hard for me to see what all the fuss was about. This book is certainly not what I'd been led to expect. But it is somewhat worthwhile, at least for the average reader.
On p. 245, the author tells us that "What appears as an exciting and important piece of information from the perspective of one level might be boring or even repulsive at another level." This can, of course, apply to his own book, which for the most part was on the boring side (not in the sense that it failed to entertain, but rather because it failed to really inform). Most of the book is a rather shallow rehashing of other people's ideas, with plenty of intentional repetition in case we didn't get his point all the other times. I guess it all depends on how much and what one has already read or experienced before reading this book.
Personally, I found that pp. 227-292 "calibrated" as "worthwhile." These pages were good enough to make up for any shortcomings in the rest of the book. This is just my subjective opinion (I'm not using John Diamond's method, which was adapted by Hawkins for his "calibration" system, which seems flawed, as it could just as easily measure dominant belief systems as objective truth, in my opinion).
And, by the way, the methodology and most of the objective information can easily be found without opening this book; the book serves mainly to reinforce, and to remind us time and again that there is a "power" inherent in the universe (or, better, in our collective consciousness) that is far superior to any application of "force." This is certainly worth knowing, if one doesn't already.
Rating: 
Summary: Second review to clarify my thoughts on "Power vs Force"
Review: Dr Hawkins, is definitely enthusiastic about the amazing subject matter in this book, but he doesnt make any verbal acrobats that i can see. He is an intelligent man and a doctor who are normally biased when it comes to using medical terminology that are not well understood by non doctor people/laymen, he is considerate and uses very little of this.
His lifes work is easy to follow and shocking to read.
Power vs Force is eloquent and very clear. He uses prominent figures, well known books etc as subject matter for his testing of his theories which i think are brilliant (i.e Ghandi - excellent example of the use of power winning over force - british ), he puts forward theories that are well documented, supported and ultimately, extremely believable.
His theories resonate and support and add to those theories put forward by such conscious writers as Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr Deepak Chopra etc. He uses scientific, kinesiological testing with patients, subjects and volunteers that puts forth the definite idea that we are all one and connected to a collective conciousness that permeates everything and everyone. Carl Jung understood this with his study of archetypes in dream analysis etc.
Whether we know something to be true or not our body, our cells, know the truth of whatever question is put to us by the tester.
You can do this test at home. Hold an organic banana close to your heart and have a friend try to press your arm down as you hold your arm straight out at a 90 degree angle from your body, are you able to resist with great strength? I can guarantee you will. Now hold pesticide treated fruit to your heart and try the same test, you will go weak. Packets of vitamin c and artificial sugar ( they look identical ) were handed out to an audience who were given the same test, all went weak with the artifical sugar. You can try the same test when posing the idea or thought of someone with a low resonating energy pattern, such as the wonderful Adolf Hitler, all will go weak. Try having your test subject think of Mother Theresa, all will go strong at the thought of this wonderful, compassionate human being. Getting excited, now you can understand Dr Hawkins excitement as well as those of his readers and colleagues. This form of testing should be used when treating patients with physical or mental illness. Even if your ego mind isnt aware of any illness or disease forming in your body, your body/mind/spirit is. You can use the same test in respects to music, art, color...the implications are endless. We are all made strong or weak by our thoughts and it is wise to avoid all thoughts that weaken you. YOu will easily see which thoughts weaken thought this test, if you werent already aware.
Helplessness, depression, grief, anger, bitterness, envy, resentment etc...feelings and thoughts create your life, your world, your health, your everything and Dr. Hawkins is just one of many individuals who are connecting to this powerful knowledge at this time in our evolution and bringing it forth for those receptive enough and intelligent enough to accept it and use it.
We are all blessed to have this book.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: Dr. Hawkins has presented the ultimate rendition of spiritual truth in this book. And it's no wonder we've never seen the truth presented in such clear language - our intellects are not geared toward understanding such things due to our social conditioning and the inherent fallibility of our power of perception. But don't fear, quiet reflection on the ideas presented in the book will open new windows of understanding to the reader.
This new understanding has had a powerful effect on my own life in the past 3 months. I now know that all is indeed well, and has always been so. Dr. Hawkins has opened the door for me, and I'm on my way to a new life. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Intriguing
Review: I experimented with the muscular response technique suggested in this book on the concepts presented in the controversial book An Encounter with a Prophet by Clyde A. Lewis. Wow!
I enthusiastically invite the readers who have found the muscular response technique a valid testing instrument and/ or Dr. Hawkins to repeat my experiments.
Rating:
Summary: the one book to give your dearest friends
Review: I think the information in the book is very useful and practical.
This is the fourth time I have given this book. The information is so easy to use and easy to understand. It contains great insights into the whys of human behavior as well as how to handle
the situations one may encounter.
Rating:
Summary: Handy if your confused
Review: I was given this book at a critical time in my life. Head over heels in self exploration exploring the idea did my circumstances create my reality or was it the other way around. And mad at society for not having the answers. And sad that I didn't understand. And frustrated that nobody seemed to be able to accurately put the pieces together. Then I was given this book. I read. I read in awe. Because it coresponded with my own experiences. And rang true. It drew me, and helped me. And then to my great joy, I found out that he was still alive! And that Eye of the I had been released! A sequel to the most satisfying book I had ever read. And it was in another league all together. If you read this, or any other of hawkins books. Or see tapes, or read any other writings of a true sage. How blessed you are. And the best part is, you don't have to get it. The getting it happens of its own. : ) I am so gratefull for Dr. Hawkins and his wife Susan who urged him to publish and everyone around him and the infinitely complex circumstances that lead to this trilogy. It has transformed my life for the better and is just the most wonderfull thing. God bless you, keep reading, Jonathon
Rating:
Summary: I'd recommend it
Review: I would recommend this as a must-read book for the general population. It certainly did not have the earth-shattering impact "The Eye of the Eye" and "I" had on me.
Very useful for those in politics and business. Not as spiritually shocking as the latter two of this life-changing trilogy, but a good foundation.
David Hawkins is a living master.
Rating:
Summary: Life changing... to say the least
Review: I've read a number of books on spiritual growth and awareness, but this one stands out because of its amazing clarity and its comprehensive approach to what really makes people "tick". It literally maps out the levels of consciousness in a way that is simple, profound and overarching. What I thought was going to be a somewhat dry, scientific treatment of the human psyche, was in fact quite the opposite. Even though the book has its basis in research, (the author has all the requisite medical credentials and has conducted countless clinical trials into his theories), it speaks to the more spiritual issues of what is consciousness, how to advance/increase one's consciousness, how to tell what's true from what's false (there's an actual simple method!) and what are the invisible drivers of human behavior. I found this book to be both fascinating and challenging. Already it's changed the way I interact with others, and how I respond to all of life, including being more attentive to the needs of things I took for granted... (namely pets). If you like new ideas and seeing things from a new or different perspective, you will enjoy this book. If your mindset is more concrete and literal, you may get irritated by some of the literally quantum leaps this book takes, and that would be understandable. But if you're ready for a cosmic eye opener, this one is it!
Rating:
Summary: It's changed me
Review: In this world, ultimate truth can only be found through a lifelong experience.
Everything that Dr Hawkins has presented, I have been able to connect with other various books of psychology, history, and science, even though there is no direct correlation between any of the works.
I began reading this book with some skepticism (about the kinesiological testing), but quickly subsided to sheer intrigue after seeing the real message. I was empowered to "QUESTION" the subjective proposals offered to us by authority and to question my internal motives over many things.
This work has found me looking aimlessly into the air contemplating morality and the such. It has gave me reason to believe that there are forces among us/in us/actually us that can devour or enlighten us.
I have seen an immature child in life's journey grow into much wisdom that had yet to be seen.
I've offered this work to many people I have come in contact with. Though some find my proposal outlandish and a bit exaggerated, the few that have taken the time to indulge this offering have went on to feeling the same things that I have felt.
I recently ordered Dr Hawkins newest work and look forward to possibly answering some of those koans that I have floating about me.
THIS IS A DEFINITE MUST FOR SEEKERS OF TRUTH.
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