What is wrong with eckankar?

Eckankar is a spiritual movement founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965. While many followers of Eckankar find spiritual fulfillment and benefit from its teachings, there have been some criticisms and controversies surrounding the organization:

  1. Cult-like behavior: Some former members of Eckankar have accused the organization of exhibiting cult-like behavior, such as exerting control over members' lives, demanding unquestioning loyalty, and isolating members from outside influences.

  2. Financial concerns: Critics have raised concerns about the organization's financial practices, including high membership fees, pressure to donate money, and allegations of mismanagement of funds.

  3. Lack of transparency: Some former members have accused Eckankar of lacking transparency in its operations, such as not being upfront about its financial practices or the qualifications and background of its leaders.

  4. Allegations of plagiarism: Some critics have accused Eckankar of plagiarizing the teachings of other spiritual movements, such as Sikhism and Buddhism, without proper attribution.

  5. Limited diversity: Critics have noted that Eckankar has predominantly white leadership and membership, leading to concerns about lack of diversity and inclusivity within the organization.

Overall, while Eckankar has helped many individuals on their spiritual journeys, it is important for potential members to carefully research and consider these criticisms before becoming involved with the organization.