Asheville – Asheville and the surrounding area are a melting pot of a diverse number of religions and spiritual paths. This creates a wonderful opportunity for open discussion about different beliefs and faiths that coexist nicely together. Because of this openness to all paths, spiritual seekers seem to be drawn to our area.
A Lesser-Known World Religion
One of the spiritual teachings that has had a presence in Western North Carolina for many years is Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom. In addition to the local group, Eckankar has members in over 120 countries around the world, and its teachings have been translated into more than twenty-five languages.
According to the main Eckankar website, “Eckankar means coworker with God… It is the destiny of each Soul to become a conscious, living vehicle for God’s love. ECK is another word for the Holy Spirit, or Life Force, which can be experienced as Light and Sound…As one moves into higher states of awareness, Soul achieves freedom from the limitations of mind, emotions, karma, and reincarnation. With this freedom comes unconditional love, wisdom, and responsibility.”
Members of Eckankar, known as ECKists, are encouraged to practice daily contemplative techniques, spiritual exercises, that help them become aware of their own divinity, learning through experiences with spiritual guides and teachers, dreams, past lives, and Soul Travel.
Try a Spiritual Exercise
One of the most important exercises is to sing HU, an ancient name for God, and a love song to God—a giving back for all we receive. Linda Lafferty, a local member and ECK clergy, shared how to sing HU,”For me, singing HU is a wonderful way to cope with stress and find peace and calm. It’s simple to do: find a quiet place and get comfortable, close your eyes, and allow love to enter your heart. Sing HU (pronounced like “hue”) gently for 10-20 minutes, then sit quietly and listen within for the love that returns to you.”
Experience A Live Event
The Eckankar Center of WNC closed during the restrictions of COVID, but local ECKists are now hosting events at the Country Inn and Suites at 22 Westgate Parkway, Westgate Shopping Center. These events include the ECK Light and Sound Service, The Sound of Soul, and book discussions, where guests can learn spiritual truths, hear personal stories, experience chanting HU, and enjoy spiritual conversation in the company of like-hearted souls.
Upcoming Schedule of Events
Divine Guidance—As Close As Your Heartbeat – ECK Light and Sound Service March 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (Daylight savings time changes)
Connecting to the Life Force – Sound of Soul EventMarch 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
For more information and future events, go to eckankar-nc.org.