Zone1 who knows about the Eckankar religion?

[Zebra]

I have read this name today for the first time.
and there is no thread here with Eckankar in the title

so I open this thread .... to learn more about Eckankar

 

[BULLDOG]

You should feel sorry for the sad fools that believe that crap.

 

[JoeB131]

Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

It was kind of a big thing in the 1970s when everyone was doing too many drugs.

but today, not so much.

Eckankar - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Darkwind]

I have read this name today for the first time.
and there is no thread here with Eckankar in the title

so I open this thread .... to learn more about Eckankar

This seems fairly accurate, though I didn't go through the supplied links. I don't really have much interest in it beyond just now what I learned.

Overview of Eckankar​

Eckankar is a modern religious movement founded in the United States in 1965 by Paul Twitchell. It presents itself as a spiritual path focused on personal experience, self-realization, and direct connection with the divine. The movement's headquarters and spiritual center, the Temple of ECK, is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota12.

Core Beliefs​

• Soul and God: Eckankar teaches that every person is a Soul—a spark of God—sent to Earth to gain spiritual experience. The ultimate goal is not to merge with God, but to become a "co-worker with God," participating in creation and spiritual growth314.
• Karma and Reincarnation: Adherents believe in karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation. Life is viewed as a journey of the Soul through many lifetimes, learning spiritual lessons and moving toward spiritual freedom456.
• Personal Spiritual Experience: Central to Eckankar is the idea that individuals can have direct personal experiences with the divine, especially through "Soul Travel"—the conscious movement of the soul beyond the physical body to other planes of reality156.
• Light and Sound of God: The religion emphasizes experiencing the "Light and Sound of God," which are seen as manifestations of divine presence56.
• Spiritual Exercises: Practitioners use simple spiritual exercises, such as singing or chanting "HU" (pronounced "hue"), described as a "love song to God." This practice is intended to help individuals experience divine love, peace, and expanded awareness146.

Practices​

• HU Chanting: The HU chant is a core spiritual exercise, practiced individually or in groups, often for 20–30 minutes. It is believed to bring the practitioner closer to God and facilitate spiritual experiences146.
• Dream Journals: Followers are encouraged to keep dream journals to record spiritual experiences and insights gained during dreams or soul travel6.
• Satsang Classes: Eckankar offers group study sessions and classes, as well as individual study of its teachings and discourses15.

Scriptures and Teachings​

• Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad: The primary scripture of Eckankar, meaning "Way of the Eternal," contains the core teachings and spiritual principles of the faith16.
• Mahanta (Living ECK Master): The spiritual leader, known as the Mahanta or Living ECK Master, serves as a guide and teacher but is not worshiped. The current leader is Harold Klemp145.

Origins and Influences​

• Founding: Paul Twitchell, the founder, claimed to be part of an ancient lineage of spiritual masters. He was influenced by Eastern spiritual traditions, especially the Sant Mat and Radha Soami movements from India, which emphasize the "Sound Current" (surat shabd yoga) as a path to God278.
• Development: While Eckankar draws on Eastern concepts, it was adapted for a Western audience, emphasizing individual spiritual freedom and practical exercises over strict dogma197.

Ethics and Values​

• Personal Responsibility: ECKists believe in personal responsibility for every thought, word, and action, guided by the law of karma1011.
• Spiritual Freedom: The faith values individual freedom and encourages adherents to follow their inner guidance and spiritual intuition11.

Community and Organization​

• Membership: Eckankar reports members in over 120 countries, though the exact number is undisclosed. Followers are known as ECKists1.
• Public Services and Events: The movement holds public services, discussion groups, and community gatherings. Materials and courses are available for members and interested seekers69.

Summary Table: Key Aspects of Eckankar​

Aspect	Description
Founded	1965, Paul Twitchell, United States
Core Beliefs	Soul as spark of God, karma, reincarnation, spiritual freedom, personal experience
Practices	HU chanting, soul travel, dream journals, spiritual exercises
Scripture	Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad
Spiritual Leader	Mahanta (Living ECK Master); current: Harold Klemp
Influences	Sant Mat, Radha Soami Satsang, Eastern mysticism
Headquarters	Chanhassen, Minnesota
Membership	Global, 120+ countries

Notable Distinctions​

• Not Monotheistic in Traditional Sense: While Eckankar speaks of God, its concept differs from mainstream monotheistic religions; God is viewed as an impersonal force or consciousness, experienced through Light and Sound56.
• View of Other Religions: Eckankar teaches that all religions are valid paths to God, though it considers itself the most direct route612.
• Ethical Approach: There are no strict rules or dogmas; instead, members are encouraged to learn and grow spiritually through experience and personal responsibility11.

Eckankar stands out as a contemporary spiritual movement that blends Eastern and Western ideas, focusing on personal spiritual experience and practical exercises for self-discovery and God-realization145.

1. Eckankar - Wikipedia
2. History of Eckankar
3. https://study.com/academy/lesson/video/what-is-eckankar-beliefs-history-symbol.html
4. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-eckankar-beliefs-history-symbol.html
5. https://study.com/academy/lesson/eckankar-religion-books-temple-teaching-quotes.html
6. What do Eckists believe? What is Eckankar? - Compelling Truth
7. ECKANKAR (ECK) | Britannica
8. Eckankar
9. Eckankar as a New Religious Movement · Eckankar · Religions in Minnesota
10. Frequently Asked Questions About ECKANKAR
11. Beliefs, Values, Ethics · Eckankar · Religions in Minnesota
12. What is Eckankar? | GotQuestions.org
15. The Story of Paul Twitchell
16. https://www.eckankar.org
17. https://apologiaveritas.org/2014/09/08/examining-eckankar/

 

[Zebra]

Darkwind

very informative thank you!

 

[Zebra]

seems it has gone out of fashion