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January/February 2010 Community Spotlight
The Beliefs of Eckankar

by Harold Klemp

The teachings of Eckankar define the nature of soul more carefully than do other current religions. Each person is soul, a particle of God sent into the lower worlds (including Earth) to gain spiritual experience. Purified by the spiritual exercises, you come into contact with the Holy Spirit. Your goal is spiritual freedom in this lifetime, after which you become a co-worker with God, both here and in the next world. Karma and reincarnation are primary beliefs.

Key to the ECK teachings is the Mahanta, the living ECK master. He has the special ability to act as both inner and outer master for ECK students. He is the prophet of Eckankar, given respect but not worship. He teaches the sacred name of God, HU, which lifts one spiritually into the light and sound of God, the ECK.

Harold Klemp is the spiritual leader of Eckankar today. He was raised on a Wisconsin farm and attended divinity school. In the 1960s, he found the teachings of Eckankar. In 1981, after years of spiritual training, Harold Klemp became the Mahanta, the living ECK master.

Personal experience with the light and sound of God is the cornerstone of Eckankar. People who truly find these two aspects of God undergo a complete spiritual change. Life becomes fresh and new again, as it was in early childhood.

Learn more about Eckankar at www.eckankar.org. For local events, visit www.eckankar-oregon.org, www.eck-wa.org and www.eckankar-idaho.org.