Over the course of our deep dives, we’ve explored the histories, belief systems, and controversies of some of the most intriguing (and at times, troubling) modern spiritual movements.

Now it’s time to connect the dots between the three of them: the Krishna-centered movements (especially ISKCON and its offshoots), the Light-and-Sound mysticism of Eckankar, and the guru-centric teachings of MasterPath.

While they differ in theology, they share structural DNA: charismatic leaders, exclusive truth claims, and the potential for high-control group dynamics.

From Bhakti to Global Controversy

The Krishna Tradition, particularly Gaudiya Vaishnavism, emerged in 16-century Bengal under saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who preached ecstatic devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna. In 1966, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada brought this tradition to the West, founding the International Society for Krishna Counsciousness (ISKCON) in New York City.

The early years were marked by rapid growth, joyful public chanting, communal living and controversies. But after Prabhupada’s death in 1977, ISKCON adopted the zonal acharya system, granting near-absolute authority to eleven senior disciples. This shift fueled authoritarian leadership, internal rivalries, and a wave of abuse scandals, including documented child sexual abuse in ISKCON-run gurukula boarding schools.

By the 1980s and 1990s, schisms fractured the movement:

  • The ritvik faction insisted Prabhupada remain the sole eternal guru.
  • Others aligned with independent Gaudiya Vaishnava teachers.
  • Some formed rural Krishna communes with stricter discipline.

While many devotees practice peacefully, critics such as myself argue that certain Krishna cults exhibit isolation from outsiders, rigid lifestyle control, and an “us versus them” worldview.

The Modern “Science of Soul Travel”

Founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell, Eckankar presents itself as the revival of an ancient spiritual science. Followers believe they can experience God (Sugmad) through the Light and Sound of ECK, guided by the Living Eck Master. Twitchell claimed initiation by a hidden order of Vairagi Masters, but researchers have documented borrowings from the Radhasoami tradition, Theosophy, and Scientology, along with allegations of plagiarism and fabricated biography.

After Twitchell’s death in 1971, leadership passed to Darwin Gross, then to Harold Klemp in 1981. Gross’s tenure was marred by disputes over legitimacy and lawsuits over Eckankar’s intellectual property. Under Klemp, the movement became more institutionalized, with its headquarters at the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota, but retained its guru-centric structure and exclusive truth claims.

The Offshoot That Doubled Down on the Guru

In the early 1990s, Gary Olsen, a former Eckankar student, founded MasterPath, positioning himself as the Living Master in a lineage of Light-and-Sound teachings. While Olsen claimed to be continuing ancient wisdom, critics note heavy borrowing from Twitchell’s work and other mystic traditions.

MasterPath emphasizes chanting sacred syllables, meditating on Olsen’s image, and total devotion to the Master as the only route to spiritual liberation. Former members describe isolation from “unenlightened” outsiders, fear of leaving, and dependency on Olsen for perceived spiritual safety. Allegations of plagiarism from Radhasoami texts have also surfaced.

Shared High-Control Dynamics

Despite theological differences, Krishna cults, Eckankar, and MasterPath share recurring patterns:

  • Charismatic leadership framed as divinely ordained.
  • Exclusive truth claims positioning their path as the only viable route to God-realization.
  • Esoteric knowledge accessible to only initiates.
  • High commitment demands — lifestyle rules, financial contributions, and loyalty to the leader.
  • Discouragement of dissent and framing of questioning as spiritual weakness.

On the surface, Krishna cults, Eckankar, and MasterPath seem worlds apart — one rooted in Hindu devotion, the others in esoteric mysticism. But dig deeper, and the parallels are hard to miss. Each is built around a charismatic leader whose authority is framed as divinely ordained. Each claims to offer the most direct or exclusive path to God-realization. Each wraps its teachings in esoteric language and promises access to hidden spiritual truths. And in their more controlling expressions, each has been accused of isolating members from outside influences, discouraging critical inquiry, and framing dissent as spiritual failure.

Why This Matters for Seekers

For anyone exploring these paths, the key is discernment. Transparency in leadership and finances, openness to scrutiny, and the preservation of personal autonomy are hallmarks of a healthy spiritual community. Ancient lineage or exotic terminology doesn’t guarantee integrity: traditions can be reshaped, for better or for worse, by the personalities who lead them.

Below is a checklist that can help you spot high-control spiritual groups.

Checklist: Spotting High-Control Spiritual Groups

If you’re exploring a spiritual path, ask yourself:

  1. Is the leader beyond accountability?
  2. Are you discouraged from questioning teachings?
  3. Is leaving framed as spiritual ruin?
  4. Are you pressured to cut ties with non-members?
  5. Is your personal autonomy (finances, relationships, daily life) being eroded?

If the answer to several of these is “yes,” you may be dealing with a high-control group rather than a healthy spiritual community.

In Conclusion

In the end, seeking spiritual growth is not the problem. In fact, the desire to understand life’s deeper meaning is one of the most human and beautiful impulses we have. Traditions like Krishna devotion, Light-and-Sound mysticism, and countless others can offer genuine community, inspiration, and personal transformation. But when a path becomes a cage instead of a compass and when leaders demand unquestioning obedience, when your world shrinks instead of expands, when fear replaces freedom, that’s when the spirituality stops being a journey and starts becoming control.

High-control groups thrive on blurring the line between devotion and dependency. They wrap manipulation in sacred language, making it harder to see the warning signs until you’re deeply entangled. That’s why it’s vital to remember: a healthy spiritual path will empower you, not own you. It will encourage questions, not punish them. It will connect you to the world, not cut you off from it.

So explore. Seek. Chant. Meditate. Pray. But keep your eyes open and your autonomy intact. Your spiritual journey should be yours, not a tool for someone else’s power.

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.