Eckankar, founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell, presents itself as a modern rediscovery of an ancient spiritual science known as “Soul Travel.”
Followers are taught to connect with divine light and sound through spiritual exercises, dreams, and encounters with mysterious “ECK Masters.” According to the Eckankar’s glossary, the term Eckankar means “co-worker with God.”
But behind the glossy façade of spiritual enlightenment lies a disturbing pattern of plagiarism, fabricated lineages, and cultic control tactics.
A New Age Facade: Twitchell’s Hidden Past
Born in 1908 in Kentucky, Twitchell lived a life filled with contradictions and reinvention. David Lane alleges that Twitchell lied about the date of his birth and about having a first wife. He claimed he was only married once but Gail was his second marriage. He served in the U.S. Navy, attended several colleges without completing a degree, and spent years exploring metaphysical and esoteric traditions.
Before creating Eckankar, Twitchell was involved with several spiritual movements, including Theosophy, Self-Realization Fellowship, and most notably, Scientology. Under the mentorship of L. Ron Hubbard, Twitchell absorbed key organizational and doctrinal elements that would later shape Eckankar.
He was also a devoted reader of Eastern mysticism, particularly the Radha Soami tradition, from which he borrowed liberally — often without attribution. Twitchell claimed to receive teachings from an ancient spiritual master. His life was marked by self-aggrandizement and the construction of a mythology that elevated him to the role of “Living ECK Master,” a divine messenger on Earth.
Borrowed Beliefs and Fabricated Masters
Paul Twitchell built Eckankar on the borrowed — and often stolen — teachings of Sant Mat, a tradition rooted in the Radhasoami movement of India. Scholar David C. Lane has extensively documented how Twitchell appropriated entire passages and concepts from Radhasoami texts without credit.
Perhaps the most revealing part of Lane’s research is that several supposed ancient ECK Masters, including the pivotal figure Rebazar Tarzs, were entirely fictional creations or inspired by real Indian gurus rebranded for Twitchell’s new movement.
The ECK Masters are spiritual leaders within Eckankar who allegedly emphasize spiritual liberation through the teachings of the ECK (Holy Spirit). They also refer to these spiritual leaders as the “Mahanta.”
What Does Eckankar Believe?
Eckankar teaches that the soul is eternal and can achieve self-realization and God-realization through direct experience of divine Light and Sound.
These experiences are accessed through a spiritual exercise known as “soul travel” — a form of out-of-body experience. Followers chant the word “HU” as a sacred sound to connect with what they call the “ECK”, or divine spirit.
The current spiritual leader of Eckankar, known as the Living ECK Master, is seen as the highest authority and a direct link to the divine. This hierarchical devotion creates a clear power structure and dependency on leadership that critics argue is cult-like.
The Forgotten ECK Master
When Paul Twitchell passed away in 1971, it created a conspiracy theory within the group. Many thought he was murdered and that the newest “ECK Master” was the main suspect.
On October 22, 1971, Sri Darwin Gross was appointed as the new Mahanta, the Living ECK Master.
It didn’t help stop the rumors when only months later, Gross married Gail, Twitchell’s widow. Gross trained Harold Klemp on how to be a Living ECK Master, and some say that shortly after this, Gross was kicked out of the organization.
You will not see Darwin Gross listed on any official Eckankar materials as having been an ECK Master. He has been erased from their history, and nobody is allowed to speak about what happened.
Financial Exploitation and Membership Fees
Eckankar charges annual membership fees, currently suggested at $75, under the guise of “donate what you can.”
Members are encouraged to renew every year, purchase discourses, and engage in increasingly secretive spiritual practices. This mirrors Scientology’s model of extracting money in exchange for spiritual progress.
There is no way to sign up to Eckankar without donating at least $5. And since Eckankar is considered a non-profit organization, one must wonder who all these donations are for.
A Springboard for Other Cults
One of the most striking examples is John-Roger Hinkins, founder of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA) in 1968.
Hinkins was directly involved with Eckankar in 1967, serving as a convener. Initially, he claimed that Rebazar Tarzs appeared to him, but later changed the story after seeing a photo of Sawan Singh.
MSIA — like Eckankar — has been accused of authoritarian control, manipulation, suppressing dissent, and even sexual coercion.
Why Eckankar Remains Dangerous
Eckankar appeals to seekers from all faiths, promising universal truths and mystical experiences that transcend religion. However, its teachings contradict many traditional doctrines and isolate followers from critical thinking.
Its recruitment methods often target vulnerable individuals in crisis, offering a spiritual escape while ensnaring them in a belief system based on deception.
The cult has an unbroken line of ECK Masters, with 973 Living ECK Masters reported to date, guiding followers in their spiritual journeys — or to the path of total control. I guess that’s up for you to decide.
By Beth Gibbons (Queen of Karma)
Beth Gibbons, known publicly as Queen of Karma, is a whistleblower and anti-MLM advocate who shares her personal experiences of being manipulated and financially harmed by multi-level marketing schemes. She writes and speaks candidly about the emotional and psychological toll these so-called “business opportunities” take on vulnerable individuals, especially women. Beth positions herself as a survivor-turned-activist, exposing MLMs as commercial cults and highlighting the cult-like tactics used to recruit, control, and silence members.
She has contributed blogs and participated in video interviews under the name Queen of Karma, often blending personal storytelling with direct confrontation of scammy business models. Her work aligns closely with scam awareness efforts, and she’s part of a growing community of voices pushing back against MLM exploitation, gaslighting, and financial abuse.
Have you even tried the spiritual exercises of EK? They are totally free & available in many of the ECK books…especially the book, “ECKANKAR : THE KEY TO SECRET WORLDS” by Paul Twitchell. If you’re bold enough to put aside your preconceived ideas, biases, beliefs, etc., & actually try the exercises in earnest, you may be surprised by what you experience…& change your mind. Baraka Bashad
I appreciate the suggestion, but your comment assumes I’m speaking without firsthand knowledge. In reality, I’ve spent nearly four years researching Eckankar in depth—studying its history, leadership, and tactics, and speaking directly with former members who’ve shared their personal experiences.
I’ve not only read all of Paul Twitchell’s and Harold Klemp’s books, including Eckankar: The Key to Secret Worlds, but I’ve also tried the HU chant and other spiritual exercises exactly as instructed. I’ve even reviewed these works publicly on my YouTube channel, so anyone curious about my process can see the depth of my engagement.
The idea that one must join a group to understand it is flawed—just as I don’t need to have joined Jonestown and ‘drunk the Kool-Aid’ to understand the dangers of destructive movements. My conclusions are based on extensive study and documented testimony, not on ‘preconceived bias.’ I’ve even written my own book on this topic that will be published soon.
Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of high-control groups is discouraging members from seeking outside perspectives. That’s why it’s not surprising you didn’t look into my background before commenting. My hope is that one day you’ll feel free to explore all available information about Eckankar, not just what’s approved internally. Wishing you all the best!