We have been experiencing a wonderful increase in attendance by both seekers and chelas at our ECK Light and Sound Services and Sound of Soul events.
Recently, after a few of these events, some chelas and guests did not return. Others expressed discomfort and distraction, due to those who sing HU in a loud or uniquely singsong manner, and not in a long, drawn-out breath as demonstrated by the officiator when introducing the HU Song.
We want to be welcoming to all so they feel comfortable and want to return. Is there a gentle way to let these chelas know that we respect their freedom to sing HU privately in any way Spirit directs them, while at the same time asking them to be considerate of others when singing HU in a public setting?
What can we do to help in situations like this?
Your Vahana efforts are laudable. Higher attendance at your ECK Light and Sound Services and Sound of Soul events demonstrates the harmony of effort in that area.
However, there are some crows in the choir. They harm your Vahana achievements.
You are right in that such persons need a reminder.
We can let our hair down at home, but we generally comb our hair and tidy up before going out in public. It is to fit in. The ECK teachings surely are about spiritual freedom. Yet to move into that state of expanded consciousness also requires a lot of self-discipline. Curious harmonies should be left at home and not aired at ECK events.
It is like attending ECK functions in dirty clothes and not bathing. Such behavior is offensive and a disregard of public decency.
When needed, begin with a gentle reminder that touches upon the points given herein.
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Sometimes quarrels arise between chelas. They accuse each other of something or just do not like each other. If one comes to a meeting, the other goes away.
What is to be done in this situation? Just talk privately to each of them? Or is it better to have a general meeting and talk about the responsibilities that come with being an ECK leader?
It’s a shame, isn’t it, how some chelas love their own opinions and righteousness more than the Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ or each other?
How to handle these situations?
Both your ideas are good. First, talk privately with each of the quarrelsome parties. Second, do hold a general meeting and focus on the “Personal Conduct” part of Spiritual Duties of the ECK Volunteer.
Love and harmony among us are so necessary to reach all people looking for God.
We must be patient with one another.
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I would appreciate some insights on how to work with love when dealing with complex issues that involve an untangling of karmic relationships within the ECK community. Some issues that seem long-standing, and to some extent have been buried, are surfacing.
Karmic relationships come in all flavors, from warm and affectionate to hostile and antagonistic. It’s the nature of karma.
Negative displays have no place anywhere, especially in ECK settings. Jealousy and anger are particularly disruptive. Chelas who refuse to practice the social graces should stay home and not pollute the air for others.
It is a matter of self-love versus divine love. Which is it to be?
These words are spoken with love and understanding. Others have also stopped at this crossroads, wondering if it was time to take a higher road. And which was it? The ones who asked the Master’s guidance in contemplation chose the right road.
—Sri Harold Klemp
In this historic time, most ECK communities enjoy the freedom to meet, worship, and socialize. It has not always been so.
Ask the Inner Master how you can express your gratitude for this blessing by being a living channel for his love at ECK gatherings. This is a sacred part of Satsang.
“To hear one’s own Self shriek with terror as It approaches the borders of time and space to sail off into the boundless worlds where only the Void exists is like hearing the cries of the infant. Man is terrified of freedom…”
—Shariyat Ki Sugmad, page 255.
Man loses his courage when he needs it the most.
Before ECK, I was a victim of my own fear and ignorance.
I was terrified of the Void.
Yet, I was not terrified of the Void.
It is the grace of the MAHANTA that balanced the equation.
Breathtaking experiences ought to encourage rather than discourage us.
Even a dog responds with joy when making contact with its owner.
How can a spark of God be terrified of God?
True surrender to the MAHANTA brings true longing for God.
It appears to me very strange that one would be terrified of heaven.
The MAHANTA teaches that, it is actually a natural readjustment of Soul’s vibrations which creates that terrifying sensation of rapid motion.
The only thing to fear is our own ignorance of the facts.
One’s fear eventually disappears like a wounded war horse.
“The entire sky blazed with intensity from the Light of ECK. This was my world! I had earned it through the boldness of my desire for God. Nothing in it could harm me, for I was the Sound and Light. “
—Sri Harold Klemp,
Autobiography Of A Modern Prophet, page 459.
Thank you MAHANTA for everything.
Thank you, dear Mahanta, for the golden tongue insights on personal conduct as an Eckist.
The last couple of enquiries/questions have been very sensitive matters for me for some time now. Your advice on the way forward is particularly appreciated and I look forward to resolving the worries around my relationship with some Eckists.
I am grateful.
I have to sincerely thank the Master very much for His love, guidance, listening and attentiveness towards maintaining the purity of the ECK teachings, you are indeed wonderful.
Most times, It’s really shameful, on how we chelas prefer and love our own opinions and righteousness more than the Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ or each other, despite the effort and dreams of the team leader.
I also appreciate the Master for the spiritual exercise given because as chelas we have duties and responsibilities, that is, to spread the ECK teachings.
Thank you, Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ, for your constant guidance, love and divine protection.
I feel inspired this morning to mention that I first found the ECK teachings via a small book at my local bookstore years back devoted to the teachings of Epictetus, early Greek stoic/philosopher. The words rang so true for me, I bought the book. Just several years later I discovered the current ECK teachings, and later learned that Epictetus was an early ECK Master! So grateful to have been led to the ECK works; exciting path and life changing….
Am so grateful to you Mahanta, for these insights. The human element in us, like shoes, need constant polishing, if the they are to stay clean. As a leader in ECK I constantly check the balance between self-love and Divine love. With an Open Heart I serve all life, ECKist, New Members and most importantly the Seekers. Thank you Mahanta for your constant support, love and directions.
When l was in the higher institution. An in-law after a discussion about ECK asked me what ECK has done for me. All these years of about 20years now, l’ve had it in mind to one day show him all the things the Mahanta has done for, basically material things. Now, today l know better. What the ECK has for me, can not be touched , but felt. They make the person l am today. I have grown, a better person. I know. Soul knows. Thank you so much WAHZ. I love you.