Book 1
Be YourSelf: Spiritual Awakening for Everyone
2nd Edition
Few in this life escape stress and suffering. But what if the world were nothing but an illusion? In this debut book, Dr. Vasudev speaks joyfully from the intersection of science and spirituality, introducing "bite-sized" wisdom from Vedanta — the ancient spiritual science of India, expounded by sages more than 7,000 years ago. Using a warm question-and-answer style, he shares his personal journey of learning to let go of expectations and developing a spiritual practice that transforms everyday challenges into opportunities for awakening. Drawing on his years as a clinician and researcher, Dr. Vasudev demonstrates how right knowledge, applied daily, can dissolve worry and bring lasting inner peace.
"Thought-provoking, intriguing dive into the concept of Self — crafting a caring, relatable guide in this debut memoir and self-help book by a psychiatrist." — Kirkus Reviews
"This is no ordinary spiritual book. This is not a typical spiritual book. This could be the book you have been waiting for. This is a book of Love." — Jeff Nevin, Fellow Spiritual Seeker with Lived Experience
"Be Yourself is so genuine, heartfelt and full of wisdom. Using an engaging question-and-answer style and revealing anecdotes, Dr. Vasudev shares his personal experience and spiritual insights. He shows us how everyday life and its challenges teach us to look into ourselves in the here and now to find deep and lasting peace. People from all walks of life may benefit greatly from this book." — Verified Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Amazon USA (September 2016)
"Awesome piece of work connecting spirituality and science from a doctor himself. Must read for everyone." — Kartikeya B. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Amazon India (September 2016)
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Book 2
Cognitive Non-Duality Therapy — Musings of a Monk Psychiatrist
Every one of us experiences mental health challenges at some point. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common states that affect our minds. But what if healing lay within us all along? In this groundbreaking second book, Dr. Vasudev blends ancient Vedantic wisdom — rooted in Sanatana Dharma — with modern Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to offer what he calls Cognitive Non-Duality Therapy. Through self-enquiry, meditation exercises, and breathwork, readers can tap into states of higher consciousness and move toward genuine healing and wholeness. Using this combination of Eastern and Western traditions, Dr. Vasudev shows that we have immense potential to be healed — not by something or someone external, but by our own Divine nature.
Illustrated by Aarushi Vasudev. Photography by Meghnaa Vasudev. Proceeds support Care for Children, Canada.
Launch Event:
Launched to a loving audience of over 120 people on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Ilderton Community Centre, London, Ontario.
"Great!" — Verified Purchaser ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Amazon Canada (May 2025)
"Akshya's book is incredible. It is made for the beginner, the people who've never heard of spirituality or wellness, while at the same time it is also the perfect book for the person who's been on the spiritual and wellness path for a long time, because Akshya explains in ways that are simple and easy to understand. Loved every bit of it!!! Can't wait to read your next book!!!" — Angelica Tarquinio ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Amazon Canada (March 2026)
"I have been trying to understand the spiritual overlay in the world of psychiatry for several years now. This book and its author were Godsent. I experienced a huge internal shift after reading this book. The restlessness I have been carrying for so many years has been replaced with a sense of calmness. Integration of non-duality into my day to day living happened seamlessly and unknowingly. There is no other book like this out there till date. A courageous publication which breaks the limiting beliefs of the current health care system and one which aims to bring the truth to the world. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is on the spiritual path and is seeking a deeper understanding of life and its challenges." — Dr. Snigdha Kola, Verified Purchase ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, Amazon USA (December 2024)
"From a wealth of experience, both spiritual and practical, Dr. Akshya Vasudev offers a very relatable framework for understanding our true nature and offers methods of being centered in the Self." — FriesenPress Editorial Description
Media & Press Coverage:
CBC News (November 2023) — "This Indo-Canadian psychiatrist is working to break stigma around mental health" Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/mental-health-indian-break-stigma-1.7032418
Dr. Vasudev is among those working to break stigma and spark conversations around mental health in South Asian and diaspora communities in London, Ontario.
CBC News (August 2017) — "Meditation helps ease depression in seniors, London psychiatrist finds" Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/meditation-psychiatrist-depression-1.4230281
Dr. Vasudev's research found that patients who meditated fared significantly better than those who relied solely on antidepressants — with effects noticeable within a week.
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YouTube Interviews
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About the Author :
Dr. Akshya Vasudev, MBBS, MD, MRCPsych, is an Indian-born, British-Canadian psychiatrist practising in London, Ontario. As of June 2026, he works exclusively as a community-based holistic psychiatrist, offering consultation-based care for adults and older adults that integrates lifestyle medicine, breath-based yoga, meditation, and spiritual enquiry — without prescribing or renewing medications.
Over a career spanning three decades, Dr. Vasudev has published more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and previously served as Associate Professor at Western University. His academic work spans pharmacoepidemiology, psychopharmacology, and both quantitative and qualitative research methods. While that foundation informs his understanding of illness and treatment, what drives him most deeply today is witnessing the profound personal discovery and growth that unfolds when someone living with a mental disorder moves through deep spiritual awakening — through self-enquiry, breathwork, and meditation.
He is a teacher with the Art of Living Foundation and the author of two books: Be YourSelf: Spiritual Awakening for Everyone and Cognitive Non-Duality Therapy: Musings of a Monk Psychiatrist.
Contacts
akshyavasudev@gmail.com
FAX: +1 5199135414
DR. AKSHYA VASUDEV
Holistic Adult and Geriatric Mental Health Psychiatrist