Dr. N.S. Xavier MD, psychiatrist and author, continues his examination of conscience, spirituality and religion in a newly published book His prior book on conscience was endorsed by Consciousness Explorer Deepak Chopra.
CONSCIENCE, SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION: Evade Extremisms and Enjoy an Enriched Life with an Axial Age Perspective, is Xavier’s fourth book blending psychiatry, historical accounts and religious insights to promote conscience as essential to living a fulfilling life.
“Real Conscience depends on respect for truth, openness of mind, reason, moderation and the Golden Rule,” Xavier explains.
“St. Paul called conscience ‘the law written in the heart’” Xavier says, noting that compassion and conscience are also central to followers of Buddha, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. “All religions teach the Golden Rule in different ways.”
In his new book, Xavier connects conscience, as St. Paul did, to “the fruit of the spirit,” listed in Galatians: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He also traces conscience as humanity’s reliable guide through historic accounts, particularly the pivotal Axial Age (BCE 800-200) when society progressed from mythical beliefs and tribal values using reason, the Golden Rule and moderation.
Like in his previous conscience studies, The Two Face of Religion and Fulfillment Using Real Conscience, Xavier shares insights from his background growing up in South India where diverse religious co-exist in peace and from his personal and professional experience.
As a practicing psychiatrist in the Birmingham area for more than 40 years, he integrated spirituality in his psychiatry practice. In addition, he taught about conscience and Eastern Religions in the Spirituality and Medicine course at the University of Alabama Medical School for 17 years.
Also, Xavier produced two documentaries. The first was “The World’s Most Enlightened Region,” which highlights and explores 2000 years of ongoing interfaith harmony in Kerala in South India. The documentary was featured at the Parliament of World Religions and on Alabama Public Television.
The second documentary, “Harmony Beyond Belief: Two Religions, One Spirit,” tells of the unique Hindu-Muslim harmony in the small town of Erumeli in the Kerala area in India and its two-day celebration of mutual respect.
Both are available on YouTube and accessible along with more information on Xavier’s work, at realconscience.com. Xavier’s books are available at Amazon and Wipf and Stock Publishers, wipfandstock.com.
