Eckankar

[LRT]

Eckankar. Discuss. Please don't post in this thread if you are a militant atheist and or want to convince me that Eckankar is a cult. Thanks.

[dajo]

They seem to have a few beliefs fundamentally rooted in indian cultures, which makes them generally more attractive to me. I don't really know anything about them, so it's very difficult to judge, especially since all of these spiritual organizations often look similar on the outside. eckankar teaches these basic beliefs: * Soul is eternal. * Soul exists because God loves It. * Soul is on a journey of Self- and God-Realization. * Soul unfolds spiritually via karma and reincarnation. * Spiritual unfoldment can be accelerated through conscious contact with the ECK, Divine Spirit. * Contact with Divine Spirit can be made via the Spiritual Exercises of ECK and the guidance of the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master. * You can actively explore the spiritual worlds through Soul Travel, dreams, and other spiritual techniques. * Spiritual experience and liberation in this lifetime are available to all. For instance, when you go into contemplation, you can put your thoughts and mind upon a past experience where you were filled with love. This will set the tone for your state of consciousness. Then begin chanting one of the secret names for God or your personal word. Doesn't sound too bad to me. Although I don't feel the need nor see the point to label myself in order to go onto an inner quest for devine truth. But they seem to leave the details and definitions up to the individuals. But, basically, as with all of the communities that center around self-realization, the question is 'does it cost any money?' On the page itself, I didn't see anything. On wikipedia it states that they finance themselves through the members and donations. The membership fee is charged by their center in Minneapolis. Although if you can't pay, often times you get a reduction or a remission. Criticism from the ex-members: (from german wikipedia) - Claimed long blood-line heritage, without any further proof - lack of financial transperency - not open to criticism - makes friendships outside of the belief more difficult - unproven claim that Twitchel's first books were received in a inner vision - dogmatic stance of Paul Twitchell - 'Eckankar only right way' The article of criticism on the english wikipedia I find a little weak: Internet communities of disgruntled ex-members and critics, such as the Usenet newsgroup alt.religion.eckankar, include criticisms dating back more than ten years. Eckankar has been labeled a cult by some critics, including both former members and conservative Christian writers.[23] Eckankar states that spiritual truth is not the possession of a single person or group, and that many paths all lead to the same goal. Eckankar believes it is the most direct path to the highest heaven. The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, Eckankar's guiding text, states that Eckankar is the most direct path to God. Harold Klemp, the modern spiritual leader of Eckankar, provides a frank discussion of Paul Twitchell and the modern founding of Eckankar in the context of the times[24]. I don't really buy that stuff from Paul Twitchell. My opinion of this group, just by looking them up a little, is that they're way too much 'organized religion like'. This kind of stuff isn't really my thing at all. I don't really know what to think of those cult-claims. They don't appear to be dangerous to me. Rather a little silly and unfounded. For more 'opinion making' Eckankar -VS- Christianity - DEBATE

[LRT]

Just so you know, I'm an Eckist and probably always will be, but I'm still interested in other people's opinions on it.

[dajo]

I haven't heard of them before. So what I think is based on that little research that I did. But I usually don't try to form opinions unless I have experienced it for myself. I'd guess it would be more interesting if you just tell us some stuff about them? What I'd find interesting is: How long have you been a member? What were the reasons for joining? How much money does it cost? In what ways does it influence your life? What are your views on christianity/atheism /science?

[LRT]

How long have you been a member? Three years. What were the reasons for joining? I liked their beliefs and wanted to learn more. How much money does it cost? I forget, but it's reasonable. In what ways does it influence your life? It's changed my behavior for the better, and I think I'm a more spiritual person because of it. What are your views on christianity/atheism /science? I am by no means Christian, but I respect their beliefs. I find atheism somewhat ridiculous, but once again respect their beliefs. I'm a firm "believer" in science, and do not believe it contradicts Eckist beliefs in any way. They're just ways to explain to different things. I am, however, opposed to "militant" atheists who are actively opposed to religion. So ya.

[Keldario]

*my personal opinion* Just like any religion, when en-mass it can be corrupted. It is extremely important for the seeker to take full responsibility for their own spiritual growth and path of incarnation until they reach a point where lessons in physical life are no longer needed. The religion of light and sound is a great idea in my opinion. All things physical and non-physical are light and sound, which are the same things, each perceived in a different way. Soul travel is available to all life in existence, whether they pay for it or not, or whether they attend a community gathering or not. To join a religion such as this would be good only if the person joining takes full responsibility for their own path and not rely on other to walk the path for them. This goes for every religion. There is only one true way to God, and that is through the heart of self. No looking up into the sky, no worshiping to a power or entity which remains unseen. Find God through yourself and only yourself (which can include synchronicitys and events that happen around you), meaning that it is up to you to interpret existence for yourself. If something doesn't feel right within your heart, then it is probably not right for you on your path. Soul travel, we use it whether we are and Eckist or not. When we dream, it is our true selves journeying. When we astral travel, it is our true selves roaming around in the land of chaos, when we imagine, that is part of soul travel. Believe it or not, regardless of what religion (or atheism) you belong to, you are responsible for your life and well being. PMS (poor me syndrome) will not work if you want true happiness in existence. *Again, this is my personal opinion based on my own personal experiences. Take it or leave it and have a great day!

[LRT]

^What you just said is almost exactly what Eckankar believes. The only reason to participate in the outer form of the religion is to have easier access to knowledge and like-minded people to gain guidance from.

[really]

Just so you know, I'm an Eckist and probably always will be, but I'm still interested in other people's opinions on it. What kind of activities do you end up doing there? Are you in a community of those who want to discuss life problems or spiritual perspectives?

[nerve]

I read some of the page and the wikipedia article...I'm against any organized religion, and all for individual spirituality and truth seeking. no labels. labels and organizations (in regards to spirituality) are trouble. labels and organizations hinder and retard, and lead to disputes and hysteria and wars.

[Keldario]

I agree. The only true religion is the inner religion. When you take full responsibility for your path. In most cases when someone joins a group, they are looking for someone else to walk the path for them, or to walk someone else's path, which ultimately leads to a dead end. Many people lack the ability to seek divine truth for themselves due to laziness and fear.

[Ubernoob]

I think Eckankar is great. It has changed my life for the better in more ways than I can say. I like being part of a community of Eckists which shares stories about experiences and practices on how to live a spiritual life. But the real action is on the inner; Eckankar provides numerous spiritual exercises with which you can improve communication with God on your own terms.

[Sekhmet]

I'm a militant athiest and I'm here to tell you that Eckankar is a cult. Just kidding. I am an athiest but I have much more respect for Eckies than many people of other religions because Eckies don't try to dodge or excuse personal responsibily of their actions like many who adhere to Abrahamic religions do.