Customer Reviews

Eckankar: Ancient Wisdom for Today: How Past Lives, Dreams, and Soul Travel Help You Find God

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On the surface this seems like a very good little book that has a lot of info on Eckankar, and a new perspective on the spiritual purpose of life. There are many truths presented in this book, but there is also an underlying dishonesty. This dishonesty is why I gave the book a one star rating... sorry. What is NOT mentioned is that the "Mahanta" (the Inner Master who is also the Outer Master, i.e. Harold Klemp) is the main focus of this new religion. Prior to Klemp taking over, in 1981, Eckankar was considered a "Spiritual Path." Now, Eckankar has guidelines and rules which are written and "suggested" that all members follow or else. The "else" can be a demotion of initiations, sanctions on duties, or a shunning by other members. The Mahanta demands that the Eckist (member) have total surrender to him, and absolute reliance on him for guidance and protection of all things, in all situations. This means that mental attention is to be placed on the Mahanta (Klemp), and on his words and image, at all times and even during sleep so that one "dreams" of the Mahanta as well. Eventually, the member (chela/student) becomes completely dependent and attached to the Mahanta which is the real goal prescribed through the Eck (Eckankar) teachings. Anything else is just secondary to this main goal. One (Soul) is also told that this reliance will continue throughout all initiations regardless of how many one receives. By the way... Eckankar sees the "God" of all religions as being or residing on the 2nd (Astral) Plane/heaven or on the 4th (Mental) Plane/heaven. Therefore, a High Initiate (5th Plane or higher) is higher in consciousness than the "God" the rest of the world worships (let alone the prophets or saviors)! Also, on the surface, there appears to be a loving respect for others by Eckists (members) and by their leader (Klemp), but this is not really the case. Members of Eckankar really see themselves in a exclusive club and above others spiritually and in consciousness. However, they (Eckists) are encouraged to share their teachings through "coin" and through some form of "service" which includes being a Vahana (missionary) or an Arahata (teacher). As I said before, these facts are just some of the more important things that are not mentioned in this easy to read little book.