 It's debatable. It's always struggled along with the cloud of lies, scandals and deceit that have plagued it throughout its existence. From its inception in 1965, Eckankar has been shrouded in a sleaze factor that has sent most members packing. Claims of money grubbing, sexual shenanigans, ego trips, higher initiate abuses and the constant lying, hypocrisy and deceptions have been constant drumbeats. There is a definite paranoia inside Eckankar, and enemies are seen everywhere - agents of the Kal who want to destroy this purest of spiritual teachings. Ironically, nearly all of Eckankar's problems have originated internally, not from any outside source. Twitchell initially constructed Eckankar to be a small and very elitist mystery school, with himself at the helm. Its members were taught that God, Itself, had hand selected them, determining they were finally ready to ascend to the true Heavens via Eckankar. They had no use for organized religions or any other path, for that matter. Elite and completely infatuated with themselves, they were! That indulgent arrogance is still visible to this day and permeates every level of the corporation. Today, under Klemp's management, Eckankar looks and functions more like a religious entity. His background training as a Lutheran minister shows itself more and more. Members from Twitchell's time are scarce, if any are even still with the organization. One thing that hasn't changed, though, is the incessant quest for more members and money. The secret Letters To A Chela discourses were largely a thinly-disguised recruitment manual and in recent years they've taken to buying advertisements in TV Guide and on local television channels.
It's arguable how long they can keep running from the shadow of their fraudulent conception.
|
"So ECK of ITSELF must find those who are willing to plant themselves in church groups, of every nature, and act as the ones to spread the message of ECK. These are commonly called cells in political jargon, but we know them as cadres. This is to get a foothold in any group, any institution and to be able to quietly but effectively give out the message of ECK, and act as reformers within these groups so that their members will come over to the works of ECK. This is one of the efficient ways of educating others to become sympathetic with the ECK and ITS works. But we can find ways of entering into the middle stream of life everywhere, in social clubs, on civic boards, in groups of people who are seemingly without anything in their lives. You can get invitations to talk to public groups on ECK, have your own festivals, such as an ECK festival, or go on radio and television programs wherever available. You can visit old folks homes and help cheer them up; visit hospitals and help with people who are not able to help themselves. Become readers who will talk to people who are handicapped, or read to them from the works, the books of ECK. You can also infiltrate young people groups and tell them about ECK. You can make talks to high school groups and to university and college classes. |