Eckankar, A Mixture of Common Values of Religions and Ethical Concepts
Twitchell founded the Eckankar as a mixture of common values of religions plus ethical and spiritual concepts.
This is according to Hojat-ol-Islam Dr Mohammad Taqi Fa’alli, seminary and university scholar speaking at the 13th session of a series on false mystic cults.
He said the founder of Eckankar cult considers it as a unified faith that contains all religions of the world.
The scholar noted that over 80 percent of the teachings of Eckankar revolve around techniques regarding dissociation of the soul from the body. “One who has the ability to separate his soul from his body is considered to be among prominent leaders of Eck (Eckankar) in the world, whether he is aware of it or want it or not.”
He underlined in view of the Holy Quran, separation of the soul from the body is never the pinnacle of man’s path to perfection.
“The ultimate goal of man’s creation and the only way for his salvation and elevation [according to Quranic teachings] is his acquaintance with God.”
Hojat-ol-Islam Fa’alli added that the world has a Creator and the ultimate perfection of man lies in his closeness to his Creator, a concept known as Qurb or Ubudiyat in Islamic terminology.
Referring to verse 10 of Surah Fatir (35) “…To Him ascends good speech, and righteous work raises it…” , he underlined that the purpose of creation is ascending to the Creator.
“Therefore, the purpose is not separation of the soul from the body as Eck cult says or attaining spiritual powers as promoted by Sai Baba.”
The scholar pointed out that that some Muslim Arifs (mystics) have had the ability to separate from their body, adding however, that it could be considered one of the very preliminary stages of Irfan (mysticism). “Hence, what Eckists (advocates of Eckankar) consider to be the final step, is the first step in Islam.”
He elaborated on some methods said to be used by Eckists to leave the body, emphasizing that their methods resemble those of Yoga and Zen Buddhism.
“These are thieves that steal spirituality. They have adopted concepts from Zen Buddhism, Yoga and other Eastern creeds and then blended them with Christian beliefs to introduce a new cult under the name of new spirituality.”
Hojat-ol-Islam Fa’alli further said that Twitchell and Harold Klemp, current Eck master, both served in the US Army, noting that after World War II a trend began of militaries using spiritual cults to advance military objectives.
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He said the founder of Eckankar cult considers it as a unified faith that contains all religions of the world.
The scholar noted that over 80 percent of the teachings of Eckankar revolve around techniques regarding dissociation of the soul from the body. “One who has the ability to separate his soul from his body is considered to be among prominent leaders of Eck (Eckankar) in the world, whether he is aware of it or want it or not.”
He underlined in view of the Holy Quran, separation of the soul from the body is never the pinnacle of man’s path to perfection.
“The ultimate goal of man’s creation and the only way for his salvation and elevation [according to Quranic teachings] is his acquaintance with God.”
Hojat-ol-Islam Fa’alli added that the world has a Creator and the ultimate perfection of man lies in his closeness to his Creator, a concept known as Qurb or Ubudiyat in Islamic terminology.
Referring to verse 10 of Surah Fatir (35) “…To Him ascends good speech, and righteous work raises it…” , he underlined that the purpose of creation is ascending to the Creator.
“Therefore, the purpose is not separation of the soul from the body as Eck cult says or attaining spiritual powers as promoted by Sai Baba.”
The scholar pointed out that that some Muslim Arifs (mystics) have had the ability to separate from their body, adding however, that it could be considered one of the very preliminary stages of Irfan (mysticism). “Hence, what Eckists (advocates of Eckankar) consider to be the final step, is the first step in Islam.”
He elaborated on some methods said to be used by Eckists to leave the body, emphasizing that their methods resemble those of Yoga and Zen Buddhism.
“These are thieves that steal spirituality. They have adopted concepts from Zen Buddhism, Yoga and other Eastern creeds and then blended them with Christian beliefs to introduce a new cult under the name of new spirituality.”
Hojat-ol-Islam Fa’alli further said that Twitchell and Harold Klemp, current Eck master, both served in the US Army, noting that after World War II a trend began of militaries using spiritual cults to advance military objectives.
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