Eckankar is a new religious movement founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965. Its spiritual home is the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The movement is distinct and not affiliated with any other religious group. Eckankar teaches simple spiritual exercises, such as singing “HU,” described as “a love song to God.” This practice is believed to help individuals experience the Light and Sound of God and recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. The term “Eckankar” is likely an adaptation of the sacred phrase Ik Onkar of Sikhism, meaning “One Om.” According to Eckankar’s glossary, the term means “Co-Worker with God.”
The movement was founded by Paul Twitchell, who remained its spiritual leader until his death in 1971. Successors have included Darwin Gross and Harold Klemp. Eckankar has its roots in the teachings of Sikhism and Hinduism, particularly the Radha Soami movement. However, there are significant differences between these teachings and Eckankar. One of the core beliefs of Eckankar is that the soul can experience itself separate from the physical body and can travel freely in other planes of reality. This is achieved through Soul Travel, which shifts awareness from the body to inner planes of existence. Dreams are also considered important teaching tools in Eckankar.
The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, which translates to “Way of the Eternal,” is the holy scripture of Eckankar. It covers various spiritual topics, including Soul Travel, karma, reincarnation, love, Light and Sound. The teachings emphasize that individuals are responsible for their own destiny and that their decisions shape their future.
History
Eckankar was founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell, who went by the spiritual name Peddar Zaskq. He served as its spiritual leader, a position referred to as the “Living ECK Master,” until his passing in September 1971. After Twitchell’s death, he was succeeded by Darwin Gross, who had the spiritual name Dap Ren. However, on October 22, 1981, Harold Klemp, with the spiritual name Wah Z (pronounced Wah Zee), was announced as the spiritual leader. Between 1981 and 1987, both Gross and Klemp claimed to be the Living ECK Master, each having their own set of followers.
Initially, the headquarters of Eckankar was situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1975, under Gross’s leadership, the organization relocated to Menlo Park, California. Later, in 1986, Klemp moved the headquarters to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
As of now, Eckankar is registered as a nonprofit religious organization in the United States, boasting members in over 120 countries globally. The teachings of Eckankar have been translated into more than twenty-five languages. However, the exact number of members, referred to as ECKists, remains undisclosed. The world headquarters and the Temple of ECK, which is Eckankar’s Spiritual Center, are located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. This location spans a 174-acre campus and features two miles of contemplation trails open to the public.
Structure and Organization
Eckankar is structured around a centralized organization with its world headquarters located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The spiritual hub of the movement is the Temple of ECK, situated on a 174-acre campus that also features contemplation trails open to the public. The organization is registered as a nonprofit religious entity in the United States and has a global presence with members, known as ECKists, in over 120 countries. The teachings have been translated into more than 25 languages, making it accessible to a diverse international audience.
The leadership of Eckankar is vested in a figure known as the “Living ECK Master,” who serves both as an inner and outer guide for each member’s individual spiritual progress. This leader is believed to be the only one capable of initiating others into the higher secrets of the movement. The Living ECK Master is also responsible for the dissemination of teachings and spiritual exercises. The current Living ECK Master is Harold Klemp, who succeeded previous leaders Paul Twitchell and Darwin Gross.
Eckankar does not have a rigid hierarchical structure like some traditional religions. Instead, it emphasizes personal spiritual experiences, encouraging members to engage in spiritual exercises and maintain dream journals. Members often meet in open public services and classes to discuss personal experiences, topics, books, and discourses. There are also Satsang classes available for more focused study.
The organization celebrates specific ceremonies, including a Consecration ceremony for young initiates, a Rite of Passage into adulthood, a Wedding ceremony, and a Memorial service. Two significant dates are celebrated annually: September 17 as Founder’s Day in honor of Paul Twitchell, and October 22 as the spiritual new year.
Functions and Operations
Eckankar, as a spiritual movement, operates with the primary aim of guiding its followers towards personal spiritual experiences and understanding. Here’s an overview of its functions and operations:
- Spiritual Exercises: Central to Eckankar’s practices are the spiritual exercises, which are designed to help individuals experience the Light and Sound of God. One of the most fundamental exercises is the singing or chanting of “HU,” considered a love song to God. This practice is believed to draw one closer to a state of consciousness aligned with the Divine Being.
- Teachings and Study: Eckankar offers a plethora of teachings, primarily sourced from the Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, its holy scripture. Members, or ECKists, are encouraged to study these teachings both individually and in group settings known as Satsang classes. These classes provide a platform for members to delve deeper into the discourses and teachings.
- Dream Study: Dreams hold significant importance in Eckankar. Members are encouraged to maintain dream journals and regard dreams as essential teaching tools. Dream travel, according to Eckankar, can serve as a gateway to Soul Travel or out-of-body experiences.
- Ceremonies: Eckankar has several ceremonies that mark different stages or events in a follower’s life. These include the Consecration ceremony for young members, the Rite of Passage into adulthood, Wedding ceremonies, and Memorial services.
- Community Gatherings: ECKists often meet in open public services and classes. These gatherings serve as platforms for members to share personal experiences, discuss spiritual topics, and study Eckankar books and discourses.
- Global Presence: With members in over 120 countries, Eckankar has established a global footprint. Its teachings have been translated into more than twenty-five languages, ensuring a wide reach.
- Temple of ECK: Located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, the Temple of ECK serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the religion. It not only hosts spiritual events and ceremonies but also stands as a beacon for members worldwide.
- Annual Celebrations: Eckankar observes specific dates annually, such as Founder’s Day on September 17, in honor of Paul Twitchell, and October 22, recognized as the spiritual new year.
Controversy
Eckankar has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly regarding its origins and teachings. One of the main points of contention is the lineage of Eckankar’s spiritual masters, known as the Vairagi masters. David C. Lane, in his book “Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America” written in 1977, highlighted that this lineage, as presented by Eckankar, supposedly traces its genealogy back through some 970 Living Eck Masters to Rama, an avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism. In other versions, the teachings are said to go even further back to Gakko, a spiritual essence that traveled from the city of Retz on the planet Venus to Earth six million years ago.
Lane also pointed out that certain figures in the lineage, such as Sudar Singh and Rebazar Tarzs, are not genuine historical personages but were literary inventions developed by Paul Twitchell, the founder of Eckankar. This was purportedly done to conceal Twitchell’s past associations.
These criticisms highlight the challenges and skepticism faced by new religious movements, especially when their teachings and histories intersect with or diverge from established religious traditions.
Impact on Ufology
Eckankar, a new religious movement founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965, has had a unique relationship with the realm of Ufology, or the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life. While the primary teachings of Eckankar revolve around personal spiritual experiences and the journey of the soul, there are elements within its doctrine that intersect with the themes commonly found in Ufology.
- Extraterrestrial Origins: One of the controversies surrounding Eckankar is its claim about the lineage of its spiritual masters, known as the Vairagi masters. In some versions of the teachings, it is stated that the teachings trace back to Gakko, a spiritual essence that traveled from the city of Retz on the planet Venus to Earth six million years ago. This narrative introduces an extraterrestrial element to the religion’s origins, aligning it with themes commonly explored in Ufology.
- Soul Travel: Eckankar emphasizes the concept of Soul Travel, where the soul can experience itself separate from the physical body and traverse different planes of reality. While not directly related to extraterrestrial life, this idea of traveling beyond the physical realm resonates with the Ufological concept of interdimensional travel or encounters with beings from other dimensions.
- Cosmic Consciousness: The teachings of Eckankar suggest a cosmic perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the vastness of the spiritual universe. This broader view of existence aligns with the Ufological perspective that humanity is just a small part of a much larger cosmic community.
Conclusion
Eckankar is a new religious movement founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965. Central to its teachings is the concept of “Soul Travel,” which emphasizes personal spiritual experiences and the soul’s journey across various planes of reality. The religion believes in a series of spiritual masters, with the current leader known as the “Living ECK Master.” Eckankar combines elements from various religious traditions, and its name is believed to be derived from the Sikh term “Ik Onkar,” meaning “One God.” The movement has faced controversies, especially regarding the authenticity of its lineage of spiritual masters. Its headquarters is the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Followers practice spiritual exercises, such as singing “HU,” to connect with the divine and gain spiritual insights.