The Divine Current Eckankar in Wisconsin Quarterly Newsletter and Calendar of Public Events The Year of the Shariyat

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1 JAN/FEB/MARCH 2016 TEMPLE OF ECK - CHANHASSEN, MN

The Call of Reprinted with permission from New Richmond News

Have you ever had a gnawing feeling that there Before sleep shut your eyes and place your at- is more to life than meets the eye? Have you won- tention on the spiritual eye. It’s right above and be- dered who you are or why you are here on this planet? tween the eyebrows. Then begin to sing HU, an an- Have you ever sensed there is a spiritual purpose to cient love song to (pronounced like the word life? If so, you may have heard the call of Soul1. hue), in a long drawn out sound: HU-U-U-U. Take an- Because I was a child growing up in the sixties, other breath and sing HU again. Continue for up to nightly, the national news brought the atrocities of the twenty minutes. Sing HU with a feeling of love. This Vietnam War directly into our living room. As an im- feeling of love grants the confidence to venture into pressionable preteen I couldn’t help but wonder why a some new, unexplored areas of your spiritual being loving God would allow such awful things to happen on where you can find answers to your deepest ques- Earth? I spoke with my pastor about my questions and tions. Be patient. Sit, sing, and wait. Divine wisdom he related his own answers but they did not satisfy me. speaks when we are able to listen. I knew I would have to find my own path to God and As you continue to practice this spiritual exer- seek out my own answers. I had heard the call of Soul. cise, in addition to finding answers, you may also be- So my search began. I started by opening my gin to notice a renewed sense of comfort, calm, and peace; a subtle sense of divine love and protection; heart and looking within to develop my own relation- ship with God. There are many holy places on earth and an expanded awareness. but the most sacred of all is the place inside ourselves If you would like to learn more about singing where we meet one-on-one with the Holy Spirit. One HU, you can go to MiraclesInYourLife.org. People of way I found helpful to meet with the Holy Spirit and to all , backgrounds, and beliefs

find my own answers was to do are invited to experience singing So my search a spiritual exercise. You may the sacred sound of HU... The began. I started by ask, “What is a spiritual exer- community HU song is sponsored opening my heart cise?” Just as physical exercises by Eckankar, of the Light and looking within can build and strengthen our and Sound of God. to develop my physical bodies, spiritual exer- Cary lives in New Richmond, WI and is a own relationship cises can build and strengthen member of the Eckankar . Cary Lofquist us as spiritual beings. with God. Please see page 2 for community HU Songs offered

throughout Wisconsin. If you want to find answers to your most basic questions, you can try this simple spiritual exercise 1 Soul. The True Self. It is a spark of God. The inner, tonight. most sacred part of each person. It is eternal.

2016 ECK Springtime Seminar — Golden Wisdom in The Year of the Shariyat — ECKseminars.org March 25-27 • , , USA • Sri Harold Klemp, the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master will speak in person

Saturday evening. Complimentary admission on Saturday for those new to Eckankar. Information available January 15, 2016

ECKANKAR EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD THE DIVINE CURRENT — 2 — JAN/FEB/MARCH 2016

Join with people from all walks of life to learn more about living in harmony with Divine Spirit. ECK Services The ECK Worship Service includes a reading from the ECK works, a HU Song, and often features talks, personal stories, music, and small group discussions on spiritual principles at work in our

daily lives. Fellowship time follows.

Pleasant Prairie Appleton Each time the Light or Sun ▪ Jan 17 ▪ 10:00 am Sun ▪ Jan 24 ▪ 10:00 am Sound comes to you, Find God’s Hand in Each and Madison Recognizing The Presence of you are lifted in spiritual Every Moment God’s Love Sun ▪ Jan 3 ▪ 11:00 am consciousness. Sun ▪ Feb 21 ▪ 10:00 am Sun ▪ Mar 27 ▪ 10:00 am During the Year of the Shariyat, Discover the Golden Key to Heaven —Harold Klemp, Imagine Your Own Spiritual Exercise Be Your Best and Highest Self Holiday Inn Express & Suites Thompson Community Ctr. Stories to Help You See God in Your Life, Sun ▪ Feb 7 ▪ 11:00 am 7887 94th Avenue 820 W. College Avenue Creating Blessings From Hardships ECK Parables, Bk. 4 (847) 201-8957 David/Joy (920) 303-0411 Connie Sun ▪ Mar 6 ▪ 11:00 am What Our Relationships Teach Milwaukee Stevens Point La Crosse Us Spiritually Sun ▪ Mar 20 ▪ 10:00 am Sun ▪ Jan 10 ▪ 10:00 am Sun ▪ Feb 21 ▪ 1:00 pm * Potluck following March service Working with the Creative Principle Sun ▪ Feb 14 ▪ 10:00 am Animal Are Soul Too Goodman Community Center– of Soul Sun ▪ Mar 13 ▪ 10:00 am Southside Goodwill Evjue Room Country Inn and Suites Schmeeckle Reserve Community Meeting Room 149 Waubesa Street (Milwaukee Airport) 2419 Northpoint Drive (608) 238-5650 Bryce 6200 S. 13th Street 3954 Mormon Coulee Road (715) 345-0232 Mike/Gail (Se habla español) (847) 201-8957 David/Joy (608) 519-1798 Bob

Community HU Songs Discover how singing (chanting) HU can open the heart to God’s love. HU is an ancient love song to God and can bring peace and serenity to your life. The community HU Song lasts for twenty HearHU.org minutes, closes with five minutes of silent contemplation, and is followed with fellowship time. Madison 3rd Thursday monthly  7:30 pm Milwaukee Eau Claire Wausau Jan 21  Feb 18  Mar 17 Thu  Jan 28  6:30 pm Mon  Jan 25  7:00 pm Fri  Feb 5  6:30 pm Goodman Community Center– Bolz Rm. B Thu  Feb 25  6:30 pm Mon  Feb 22  7:00 pm Fri  Mar 4  6:30 pm Mon  Mar 21  7:00 pm 149 Waubesa Street Thu  Mar 31  6:30 pm First UU Church (608) 238-5650 Bryce (Se habla español) Eau Claire Public Library 500 Grant Street Quaker Meeting House 400 Eau Claire Street (715) 470-0333 Sandy 1st Friday monthly  7:30 pm 3224 N. Gordon Place (715) 808-2509 Randy Jan 1  Feb 5  Mar 4 (414) 372-1992 Ed 5610 Medical Circle, Suite 25 Park and enter by back door Green Bay (608) 274-5888 Ext. 6 (directions) Sun  Jan 17  10:05 am Appleton (608) 238-5650 Bryce (Se habla español) Sun  Feb 21  10:05 am Sun  Feb 28  10:00 am Sun  Mar 20  10:05 am Thu  Jan 7  7:30 pm Thompson Community Ctr. Goodwill Building Tue  Feb 9  7:30 pm * New 820 W. College Avenue Fri  Mar 11  7:30 pm (not Harmony Café) (920) 303-0411 Connie Pinney Library– Meeting Room 1660 West Mason Street 204 Cottage Grove Road (920) 465-3880 (after 7pm) Doris (608) 238-5650 Bryce (Se habla español) Middleton A Divine Connection Eckankar teaches that a spiritual essence, the Light and Sound, connects   Wed Jan 27 7:30 pm everyone with the heart of God. This Light and Sound is the ECK, or the Holy Spirit. Direct experience Mon  Feb 22  7:30 pm * New with these twin aspects of God opens the deep spiritual potential within each of us. The Light and Sound Tues  Mar 22  7:30 pm purify, uplift, and direct us on our journey home to God. Middleton Public Library– Marian Archer Rm. Singing HU draws us closer in our state of consciousness to the Divine Being. This is its purpose. It is for 7425 Hubbard Avenue those who desire spiritual love, freedom, wisdom, and truth. ECKANKAR.org (608) 238-5650 Bryce (Se habla español)

The Divine Current is published by Wisconsin Satsang Society, Inc., A Chartered Affiliate of ECKANKAR, P.O. Box 157, Mukwonago, WI 53149-0157 The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers and not necessarily those of ECKANKAR or the Living ECK Master, Sri Harold Klemp. Copyright © 2016 ECKANKAR. All Rights Reserved. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI among others are trademarks of ECKANKAR, P.O. Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN, 55317-2000. According to federal guidelines, the material value of this publication is insubstantial. Therefore the full amount of your contribution is tax deductible. Editor: Sue Haebig THE DIVINE CURRENT — 3 — JAN/FEB/MARCH 2016

These ECK cable broadcasts feature two formats–excerpts from talks by Harold Klemp, spiritual leader ECKANKAR of Eckankar, and talk -shows with guests from Wisconsin sharing personal stories and creative techniques Cable Broadcasts they use to gain insight into in their daily living. Madison - Cable TV-WYOU Digital Channel 991 Milwaukee - Time Warner Cable TV Channel 96

Wake Up Spiritually with Eckankar Wake Up Spiritually with Eckankar Sundays at 12:30 pm • Wednesdays at 10:00 am Jan– A Golden Contract Talks by Harold Klemp Feb– Spiritual Lessons From Living Sundays at 1:00 pm • Wednesdays at 10:30 am March– Living Your Religion Mondays at 4 pm • Saturdays at 11 am Stevens Point - Cable TV Channel 984 Mondays at 10 pm • Tues/Thursdays at 10:30 am Eau Claire - Digital Channel 993 Duluth - Cable TV Channel 7 Wednesdays at 3:30 pm • Fridays at 2:00 pm Sundays at 8:30 am Wednesdays at 3 & 6:30 pm ▪ Thursdays at 8 am

Divine Current Newsletter The Spiritual Wisdom Journal Follow us on Divine Current View or subscribe to Eckankar’s view online at Eckankar in Wisconsin Newsletter quarterly e-mail newsletter at www.eckankar-wi.org www.SpiritualWisdomJournal.org

Do you feel there is more to you - and life - than meets the eye? Learn about past lives, dreams, and Spiritual Discussions Soul Travel. Spiritual discussion groups are a wonderful venue to share experiences with each other. New Richmond and Eau Claire Spiritual Discussions Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? Sat • Jan 23 • 10:30 am- Jett’s Café ▪ New Richmond Mon ▪ Jan 25 ▪ 7:45 pm - Eau Claire Public Library Spiritual Wisdom on Dreams, Past Lives and Soul Travel

Sat • Feb 27 • 10:30 am- Jett’s Café ▪ New Richmond Mon ▪ Feb 22 ▪ 7:45 pm- Eau Claire Public Library

Spiritual Wisdom on Life After Death

Sat • Mar 19 • 10:30 am- Jett’s Café ▪ New Richmond Mon ▪ Mar 21 ▪ 7:45 pm - Eau Claire Public Library For information call Randy (715) 808-2509 La Crosse Spiritual Discussions Making This Lifetime Count Tue • Jan 19 • 7 pm Spiritual Tools for Daily Living Tue • Mar 15 • 7 pm For information call Carol (608) 519-1798 Southside Goodwill Community Meeting Room, 3954 Mormon Coulee Rd. Northwest (Superior) Spiritual Discussions What Is Life Teaching Me Now? Sat • Jan 16 • 11 am Sat • Feb 20 • 11 am Sat • Mar 19 • 11 am — Superior Library Classroom

Book Discussions Join others in exploring books written by Harold Klemp, the spiritual leader of Eckankar, or other ECK eckbooks.org authors. Book discussions are a fun way to share insights and experiences and learn more about Eckankar. Northeast (Appleton) North Central (Wausau) — Book to be decided. Youth Ask a Modern Prophet Past Lives, Dreams, and Wednesdays • 6:30 pm First UU Church, 500 Grant St. about Life, Love, and God (ends Jan.) Soul Travel (begins Feb.) Jan 13 • Feb 10 • Mar 9 (715) 470-0333 Sandy • Tuesdays 7:00 pm Eckankar Books available as E-Books Jan 12 • Feb 9 • Mar 8 Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida St. (920) 739-6565 Roger

Eckankar Meetup Group s in Wisconsin — A meeting with people of all paths and who have a passion for increasing their awareness and understanding of Spirit. Click on a city to visit that area’s Meetup group.

Eau Claire New Richmond/Somerset/Hudson River Falls/Ellsworth/Prescott

Green Bay/Appleton Stevens Point/Wausau La Crosse Madison

Local Contacts can help you with questions about ECK events in your area of Wisconsin.

Northeast Area (Appleton/Green Bay)…. Connie Schulz 920-303-0411 Northwest Area (Superior)..… Maki Serkahn 218-273-4048 Eau Claire Area………………..……...... Sarah Cottrill 715-926-4818 Southeast Area……………… Joy Thornborough 847-201-8957 or La Crosse Area…………………….…..... Bob Mullen 608-519-1798 Robert Ryder 414-425-6211 (Milwaukee) North Central Area………………...... Sue Haebig 715-842-3083 Southwest Area (Madison) .…. Bryce Mitchell (Se habla español) 608-238-5650

THE DIVINE CURRENT — 4 — JAN/FEB/MARCH 2016

Harold Klemp is the spiritual leader of Eckankar today. He is the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master and helps others travel their own path back home to God. He assists the seeker both inwardly and outwardly, offering the Spiritual Exercises of ECK as an active path to . The Mahanta is the inner, or spiritual, form of the Living ECK Master. The Mahanta gives inner guidance through dreams, Soul Travel, and the Spiritual Exercises of ECK. Eckankar always has a living Master, who is given respect but not worship. Like a master craftsman, he helps spiri- tual students gain experience in the Light and Sound. This leads to spiritual self-confidence and freedom. The Master’s gaze can connect you with the infinite, eternal love of God.

As I began reading I found answers to my questions. Spiritual Guidance on “Living in This World” The answer to a question about how to deal with the “Chaos

in the World” was so helpful. Klemp encouraged doing our A few weeks back a friend called who was unsettled by best to rise above the moral meanness of our times by filling the terrorist attacks in Paris. I listened carefully and offered ourselves with love and letting that love see the light of day words of comfort. Later I found myself thinking more intently in some way, every day. He closed by saying that small kind- about this battle of forces and the many refugees from Syria nesses will answer and make the world more tolerable. and war-torn regions of the world—the courage and strength Another question focused on being a spiritual survivor it must take to survive whether one stays or leaves his home. in any condition. Klemp’s answer caused me to consider the Next my awareness shifted to our U.S. political lead- importance of right discrimination, to know when to fight to ers and their varied responses to Syrian refugee needs in the survive and when to surrender and just be. His words, wake of new information coming out about the attacks in “Survivor applies to any God-given purpose or mission. Paris. By this time, I was mustering up my own opinions and Surrender means to let go of a negative or inferior state found I had gotten caught up in the raw edge of these politi- of being so that a higher one can replace it…”gave me cal and social struggles. much to ponder. It was time for some reflection. I began wondering After reading from A Modern Prophet Answers Your how these societal and world challenges along with the var- Key Questions about Life, Book 2 for a few nights, I noticed ied personal issues of one’s life all fit together and how does the chapter’s title, “Living in This World.” I hadn’t even spot- one give his best no matter what? ted it as I turned the pages. Spirit’s gentle Though I hadn’t noticed yet, Spirit was guiding me. I nudge had guided me to this book and was drawn to A Modern Prophet Answers Your Key Questions chapter to help me gain greater insight about Life, Book 2, written by Harold Klemp, the spiritual and make my way through perplexing leader of Eckankar. The book contains more than 300 key times with more love and understanding. questions about life from spiritual truth seekers along with I am reminded the spiritual answers we insightful answers from Harold Klemp. I placed the book by need right now are here right now, if we Jan Hanson, my bed and began reading it a little each night. listen and watch carefully for them. Union Grove

Looking Through the Eyes of Soul Advanced Spiritual Study By Bryce Mitchell Inspired by: The Key to ECKANKAR, p. 27, Harold Klemp

When I look through the eyes of Soul, what do I see? Gratitude, love and freedom for you and for me. The ECK teachings put you When I look through the eyes of Soul, all judgments cease. on the advanced track to Without opinions, I regain a sense of peace. spiritual freedom. Expect to So, how do I learn to see through the eyes of Soul? find greater purpose, love, Instead of looking at parts, I look at the whole. and personal experience I learn to recognize Divine Spirit in all – No matter how powerful, no matter how small. with Divine Spirit.

I see God and Spirit in everyone I meet. A New World Awaits You I open to know it’s the Mahanta I greet.

When I look through the eyes of Soul, what do I see? To learn more visit Gratitude, love and freedom for you and for me. eckankar.org/Membership