Dr David R. Hawkins was Director of the Institute for Spiritual Research, Inc., and remains a widely known authority within the field of consciousness research even after his death in 2012. He wrote and taught from the unique perspective of an experienced clinician, scientist and teacher, having been a life member of the American Psychiatric Association, with 50 years of clinical experience. His background and research is outlined in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. He was honoured worldwide with many titles, and had been knighted and honoured in the East with the title 'Tae Ryoung Sun Kak Tosa' (Foremost Teacher of the Way to Enlightenment). Dr Hawkins lectured widely at universities (Harvard, Oxford et al.) and also to spiritual groups from Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame, to Catholic, Protestant and Buddhist monasteries. His life was devoted to the upliftment of mankind. His own spiritual evolution is described in prior works and briefly summarized in the 'About the Author' section at the conclusion of this work.