John-Roger Hinkins facts for kids

John-Roger Hinkins (born Roger Delano Hinkins) (September 24, 1934 – October 22, 2014) was an American author and public speaker. He founded the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA). He also started several other groups focused on spiritual growth and self-improvement.

About John-Roger's Life

His Early Life and Schooling

John-Roger Hinkins was born on September 24, 1934. He grew up in a small mining town called Rains, in Utah. His family raised him in the Mormon faith. As a young person, he went to the local LDS church's youth group. He sometimes gave short, inspiring talks there.

Hinkins said his childhood was "typical." But he did believe he could see auras. These are colorful fields that some people think surround the human body. After high school, Hinkins went to the University of Utah. He earned a degree in psychology in 1958. He also got a teaching license in 1960.

While in college, he worked at night in a hospital. He helped patients in the mental health ward. Later, he moved to San Francisco. There, he worked as an insurance claims adjuster. He also taught English at Rosemead High School in Los Angeles.

The Mystical Traveler Idea

Hinkins shared a special experience he had in late 1963. He was having surgery for a kidney stone. During this time, he said he had a near-death experience. After the surgery, he was in a coma for nine days. He felt a new "spiritual personality" had joined with his own. Because of this, he started calling himself "John-Roger."

He wrote that during his surgery, he felt everything was "in the Light." He felt everything was safe, protected, and perfect. After the surgery, he said he saw the world in a new way. He felt everything was part of a "greater whole." He believed it was all part of the "highest good."

Hinkins said this experience helped him stay calm in tough times. He became "more understanding, kinder." He felt he could act in a way that helped everyone. He called this special awareness the "Mystical Traveler Consciousness." He believed he was given the "keys" to bring this awareness to Earth.

He taught that someone has always "anchored" this awareness on Earth. This person helps others spiritually. This idea became a main belief of MSIA. Hinkins said he received these "keys" from Sawan Singh. Singh was a spiritual master who died in 1948. Hinkins held these "keys" from 1963 until 1988. Then, he passed them to John Morton.

Hinkins believed that people are stuck in a cycle of reincarnation and karma. He taught that people can escape this cycle. They can reach a "totally positive state of being" called "soul consciousness." He believed this was very hard to do without the Mystical Traveler Consciousness. He wrote that he was helping people reach "God."

Starting MSIA

In 1968, John-Roger began holding spiritual talks. He started in friends' homes in Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks, California. More and more people wanted to attend his talks. In 1971, he left his teaching job. He officially started the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA).

MSIA is a church that welcomes people of all faiths. Its goal is to "teach Soul Transcendence." This means becoming aware that you are a Soul and connected to God. MSIA has followers in over 30 countries. Its biggest groups are in the United States, Australia, Colombia, Brazil, and Nigeria. In 1993, the church had about 4,500 members.

Other Groups John-Roger Founded

Besides MSIA, John-Roger started several other non-profit groups.

• In 1976, he founded the University of Santa Monica (USM). This school offers a master's degree in Spiritual Psychology. John-Roger was the chancellor of the University.
• In 1977, he started the Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy (PTS). This group offers workshops and programs. They focus on MSIA teachings. It offers Masters and Doctorate degrees in Spiritual Science. Its main office has the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens.
• In 1978, Hinkins created the Insight organization. This is an international educational group. Insight Seminars is based in Santa Monica, California.
• In 1979, he founded the Heartfelt Foundation. This non-profit group helps people in need. It is run by volunteers.
• In 1982, he started the Institute for Individual and World Peace (IIWP). This group studies and shares ways to create peace. IIWP also owns the Windermere Ranch. This ranch breeds and trains Arabian horses.

Author and Filmmaker

John-Roger wrote over 55 books. Some of his recent books include 'The Rest of Your Life' (2007) and 'Timeless Wisdoms' (2008). He gave more than 6,000 seminars over 40 years. Most of these talks were recorded.

He also had his own TV show called 'That Which Is'. He appeared on other TV and radio shows. These included CNN's Larry King Live and Politically Incorrect.

In 1988, Hinkins worked with actor Jsu Garcia. They created 'Scott J-R Productions'. This company made "spirit-filled" films. Their first movie was 'My Little Havana'. Then came 'Spiritual Warriors'. This film was based on John-Roger's book 'Spiritual Warrior: The Art of Spiritual Living'.

People Who Followed John-Roger

Many well-known people were connected to John-Roger. One famous person was Arianna Huffington. Other notable students included:

• Carl Wilson from the Beach Boys
• Actress Jaime King-Newman
• Actress Sally Kirkland, an MSIA minister since 1975
• Actress Leigh Taylor-Young, also an MSIA minister since 1975
• Actor Jsu Garcia
• Author and consultant David Allen

His Later Life and Passing

In 1988, John-Roger announced that he had passed the "keys" of the Mystical Traveler Consciousness to John Morton. He continued to take part in MSIA and PTS events. He passed away at age 80 on October 22, 2014. He died at his home in Los Angeles, California, from pneumonia.

Related Organizations Founded by John-Roger

• Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy (PTS)
• University of Santa Monica (USM)
• Institute for Individual and World Peace (IIWP)
• Insight Seminars
• Heartfelt Foundation
• Mandeville Press