Eckankar Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Eckankar
The Eckankar "EK" symbol
Type	Dharma-influenced new religious movement
Scripture	Main: Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad Minor: Autobiography of a Modern Prophet etc.
Leader	Harold Klemp
Region	Mostly worldwide
Headquarters	Temple of ECK, Chanhassen, Minnesota, United States
Founder	Paul Twitchell
Origin	1965 San Diego, California

The Temple of Eck in Chanhassen, Minnesota, U.S.

Eckankar is a spiritual path that started in the United States in 1965. It was founded by Paul Twitchell. The main spiritual center for Eckankar is the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota. This group is not connected to any other religion. Eckankar teaches simple spiritual exercises. One important exercise is singing "HU," which followers call a "love song to God." This helps them feel God's "light" and "sound" and sense the Holy Spirit.

What Does "Eckankar" Mean?
History of Eckankar
What Eckankar Followers Believe
Ceremonies and Practices
See also

What Does "Eckankar" Mean?

The word "Eckankar" comes from words that Paul Twitchell adapted. It is thought to be from the Sikh phrase Ik Onkar. This phrase means "One Creator."

The word "Eck" in Eckankar is meant to mean the "Holy Spirit." This is similar to how the term is used in the Bible. In Eckankar's own dictionary, "Eckankar" means "co-worker with God."

History of Eckankar

How Eckankar Started

Eckankar was founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell. He was the first spiritual leader of the group. He was called the "Living ECK Master." Twitchell led the group until he passed away in September 1971.

After Twitchell, Darwin Gross became the spiritual leader. Then, on October 22, 1981, Harold Klemp was announced as the new spiritual leader.

Where Eckankar's Headquarters Are

Eckankar's first main office was in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1975, the office moved to Menlo Park, California. Later, in 1986, Harold Klemp moved the main office to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Today, the world headquarters and the Temple of Eck are in Chanhassen, Minnesota. This spiritual center is on a large campus. It has trails for quiet thinking that are open to everyone.

Eckankar Around the World

Eckankar is a registered religious organization in the United States. It has members in more than 120 countries. Its teachings have been translated into over 25 languages. The exact number of members, called ECKists, is not shared publicly. The Eckankar "EK" symbol is even on special markers for veterans in the United States.

What Eckankar Followers Believe

Core Beliefs and Soul Travel

Eckankar teaches that your soul is your true self. They believe your soul can travel outside your physical body. This means you can experience other "planes of reality" while fully awake. Eckankar focuses on personal spiritual experiences. They see these experiences as the best way to connect with God.

This idea of moving your awareness from your body to other levels of existence is called "Soul Travel." Paul Twitchell created this term.

The Importance of "HU"

A key spiritual practice in Eckankar is singing or chanting "HU." This is seen as a "love song to God." It is pronounced like the English word "hue." People sing it for about 20 to 30 minutes. ECKists sing "HU" alone or in small groups.

They believe singing "HU" helps them feel closer to God. It can also expand their awareness and help them feel divine love. It is thought to heal sadness and bring peace. ECKists believe this practice helps them step back from everyday feelings. It allows them to see things from their Soul's higher viewpoint.

Dreams as Teaching Tools

Dreams are very important in Eckankar. They are seen as special teaching tools. Members often write down their dreams in a dream journal. This helps them study and learn from their dreams.

Followers believe that dream travel can lead to Soul Travel. This means shifting your awareness to higher states of being.

Spiritual Goals

Eckankar teaches that "spiritual liberation" is possible for everyone during their lifetime. This means achieving "Self-realization." This is understanding yourself as Soul. It also means achieving "God-realization." This is understanding yourself as a "spark" of God.

The main goal for all ECKists is to become conscious "co-workers" with God. They believe that people are responsible for their own future. Their choices shape their destiny.

The Living ECK Master

The leader of Eckankar is called "the Living ECK Master" (LEM). Eckankar teaches that the Soul needs a male body in the physical world to become the spiritual leader. This choice is made before birth. Some leaders, like Paul Twitchell and Harold Klemp, also hold the title "Mahanta." This refers to the inner, spiritual part of the teacher. The leader guides each member's spiritual journey.

ECKists believe they can connect with a divine spirit called the ECK. This happens through spiritual exercises and the guidance of the LEM. They believe the ECK Masters help all life, no matter their religion.

Holy Scriptures

The main holy scripture of Eckankar is the Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad. This means "Way of the Eternal." It has two books of spiritual meaning. There are also other writings called Satsang writings. Members can study these in classes or on their own.

The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad teaches about "Soul Travel," karma, reincarnation, love, and "Light and Sound." ECKists believe Sugmad is the endless source of all creation. They believe the ECK, or "Sound Current," flows from Sugmad into all parts of existence.

The ideas of karma and reincarnation help explain life situations. They show how past actions affect the present.

Ceremonies and Practices

Daily Spiritual Exercises

There are not many strict rules to be an ECKist. However, certain spiritual practices are suggested. The most important is doing the "Spiritual Exercises of ECK" daily. This usually takes 15–20 minutes. The simplest exercise is singing "HU." Members are also encouraged to create their own spiritual exercises. Studying Eckankar books and writings is also encouraged.

Eckankar does not have rules about what to eat. There are no forbidden practices or strict self-discipline required. Eckankar does not ask people to leave their current faith to join.

Special Ceremonies

ECKists can take part in several ceremonies:

A Consecration ceremony for babies and young children.
A Rite of Passage into adulthood, usually around age 13.
A Wedding ceremony.
A Memorial service for those who have passed away.

Important Dates

September 17 is celebrated as Founder's Day. This day honors Paul Twitchell. October 22 is celebrated as the spiritual new year for Eckankar.

Eckankar facts for kids

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