A path to spiritual enlightenment through Soul Travel and the discovery of the Light and Sound of God.
Eckankar, founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell in the United States, is a modern spiritual movement that presents itself as the “Religion of the Light and Sound of God.” This new religious movement offers a unique blend of Eastern spiritual traditions and Western esoteric teachings, emphasizing personal spiritual experiences and direct connection with the Divine. The term “Eckankar” is derived from Eck, meaning “the Divine Spirit” or “the All-Encompassing,” and kar, meaning “coworker,” thus translating to “coworker with God.”
Core Beliefs and Practices
At the heart of Eckankar’s teachings is the concept of Soul, believed to be the true self, eternal and divine in nature. Eckists, as followers of Eckankar are called, believe that Soul exists because God loves it and that the purpose of life is for Soul to gain spiritual experience and ultimately return to God. This journey is facilitated through a series of spiritual exercises and techniques, with Soul Travel being the most prominent.
Soul Travel, according to Eckankar, is the expansion of consciousness beyond the physical body and into higher spiritual realms. This practice is said to allow individuals to access inner wisdom, gain spiritual insights, and explore past lives. Eckists are encouraged to practice Soul Travel techniques daily, often through contemplation, meditation, and dream work.
Another key practice in Eckankar is the singing or chanting of “HU,” considered a love song to God. Eckists believe that singing HU can open the heart to divine love, expand awareness, and provide spiritual protection. This practice is often incorporated into daily spiritual exercises and group gatherings.
While Eckankar incorporates elements from various religious and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, it presents these concepts in a unique framework that emphasizes direct personal experience over dogma or ritual. The movement teaches that all religions have value and that individuals should respect diverse spiritual paths while pursuing their own direct connection with the Divine.
The Living ECK Master and Spiritual Hierarchy
The spiritual leader of Eckankar is known as the Living ECK Master, a role currently held by Harold Klemp since 1981. The Living ECK Master is believed to be a direct channel for the Divine and serves as a guide for Eckists on their spiritual journey. Klemp has written numerous books on Eckankar teachings and regularly gives talks and seminars to followers around the world.
Eckankar’s cosmology includes belief in various planes of existence beyond the physical world, described as progressively higher states of consciousness. The ultimate goal is to reach the highest spiritual realm, often referred to as the Ocean of Love and Mercy. Eckists believe that through spiritual practice and the guidance of the Living ECK Master, they can learn to navigate these inner worlds and gain spiritual wisdom.
Sacred Texts and Spiritual Literature
The organization has its own sacred text called “The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad,” which translates to “Way of the Eternal.” This text is considered the holy scripture of Eckankar and contains spiritual wisdom and teachings that form the foundation of the movement’s philosophy. Eckists are encouraged to study this text along with other writings by Paul Twitchell and subsequent Living ECK Masters.
Eckankar publishes a variety of books, audio recordings, and other materials to support the spiritual practice of its followers. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic introductions to Eckankar teachings to advanced discussions of Soul Travel techniques and spiritual experiences.
Eckankar has developed its own unique vocabulary and terminology to describe spiritual concepts and experiences. For example, “Mahanta” refers to the inner form of the Living ECK Master, which is believed to be always available to guide and protect Eckists. “Wah Z” is a title of respect used for the current Living ECK Master, Harold Klemp.
Karma, Reincarnation, and Spiritual Growth
Eckankar teachings emphasize personal responsibility and the importance of karma and reincarnation in spiritual growth. Eckists believe that each individual is responsible for their own spiritual unfoldment and that every experience, whether perceived as positive or negative, offers an opportunity for Soul’s growth and learning.
The movement teaches that souls are on a journey of spiritual evolution, learning lessons through multiple lifetimes. The ultimate goal is to achieve self-realization and God-realization, described as a state of pure, divine consciousness and unity with the Eck. Eckankar’s approach to ethics and morality is based on the principle of spiritual freedom, encouraging personal responsibility and spiritual discernment in all aspects of life.
Community and Global Presence
Eckankar holds regular events and seminars, including an annual worldwide seminar that attracts thousands of followers from around the globe. These events feature talks by the Living ECK Master, workshops on spiritual techniques, and opportunities for Eckists to share their experiences and insights with one another.
The organization has established temples and centers in various countries, with its spiritual headquarters located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA. The Temple of ECK, situated at the headquarters, serves as a focal point for Eckankar activities and is open to the public for tours and contemplation.
Eckankar maintains a presence in over 100 countries, with local and regional centers offering regular classes, book discussions, and worship services known as ECK Light and Sound Services. These services typically include readings from Eckankar literature, HU chants, and periods of contemplation. The movement’s global reach allows for a diverse community of followers who share their experiences and support each other’s spiritual growth.
Membership and Initiation
Membership in Eckankar is open to individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. The organization offers a structured path of study and initiation for those who wish to deepen their involvement. This path includes various levels of membership and opportunities for service within the Eckankar community.
While Eckankar is open to people of all ages, it also has programs specifically designed for youth and families. These programs aim to introduce young people to Eckankar concepts and practices in age-appropriate ways, fostering spiritual awareness from an early age.
Eckankar is structured as a non-profit religious organization and is funded primarily through membership dues, donations, and the sale of educational materials. The organization emphasizes transparency in its financial dealings and provides regular reports to its membership on the use of funds.
Dreams and Inner Guidance
The movement places great importance on dreams as a source of spiritual guidance and insight. Eckists are encouraged to keep dream journals and to contemplate the symbolic meanings of their dreams as part of their spiritual practice. The Living ECK Master is believed to sometimes appear in dreams to offer guidance and protection to followers.
This emphasis on inner guidance extends to all aspects of an Eckist’s life. Followers are encouraged to develop their own inner connection with the Divine and to make decisions based on their spiritual insights rather than relying solely on external authorities.
Conclusion
Eckankar offers a spiritual path that combines ancient wisdom with modern sensibilities, emphasizing personal experience, spiritual freedom, and direct connection with the Divine. Through its teachings on Soul Travel, karma, reincarnation, and the inner Light and Sound of God, Eckankar provides a framework for individuals to explore their own spirituality and seek higher consciousness. As a global movement, it continues to attract those seeking an alternative to traditional religious paths, offering a unique approach to spiritual growth and self-realization.
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