Three Key Spiritual Exercises of ECK

Three Key Spiritual Exercises of ECK

There are countless variations of the Spiritual Exercises of ECK, and new ones can always be devised.

Below are three well-known and widely practiced exercises, explained in some detail. For many more, see the book The Spiritual Exercises of ECK.

The appropriate setting for any spiritual exercise is a quiet time and place.

The Four-Step Spiritual Exercise of ECK

This spiritual exercise will help you remember the special purpose you had in mind before coming into this present life.

It can also be an aid in one of the other spiritual interests you may have. Or it can help you understand a passage from one of the ECK books, like The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, any of the Mahanta Transcripts books, or Stranger by the River. The four steps are as follows:

1. Sing "HU" three times, slowly and softly. This name for God allows the consecration of the human will to that of ECK, Divine Spirit.
2. Sing "Mahanta" three times, slowly and softly. This word takes one into the second level of contemplation. "Mahanta", sung in this order, after "HU", is an invitation to the Mahanta to be a guest in the house of your state of consciousness. It is a very important step in this exercise.
3. Sing your personal, secret word or "Sugmad" (if you don't have a personal word) three times. This word will instantly take you into the third level of contemplation. The singing of this word, third in the sequence, is your special key to love, wisdom, and understanding.
4. At the fourth level of contemplation, there is a wide choice of ECK words to sing. Whichever word you choose from the list below, sing it three times too, slowly and softly. This choice of an ECK word or term defines your particular area of interest.

• 1. • Nest 1.
     • Nest 2
     • Nest 3

The Fifteen-Times Spiritual Exercise

This techniques is based on the principle of focusing on a spiritual goal. You focus by writing that goal down fifteen times every day.

This is more than an affirmation; an affirmation is a discipline of the mind only. As a form of contemplation, this exercise opens the door to the Holy Spirit to help you change your life according to Its will. So whenever you do this exercise, do it with the attitude "They will be done". That lefts it from a simple mental affirmation to contemplation.

Sit down at a table or desk and form your spiritual goal, whatever the Inner Master prompts you to ask for. Start with "I" and use the present tense. For example, you might choose to write, "I am healthy, happy, wise, and free". Or you might choose a more specific goal, such as, "I travel in my dreams", or "I know the secret of divine love". It can be anything at all. Choose your words carefully. Keep it short enough that you will write it down fifteen times - all at once - every day.

As you write, be creative; let yourself go. If you usually write neatly, you might scibble instead. Or write very big. Maybe write on shopping bags or a chalkboard. Or don't use any punctuation. What you are doing is opening up the windows of your world.

This contemplative writing exercise is an open invitation to the ECK. Watch how Divine Spirit begins to bring these objects of your spiritual desire into your life. As time goes on, you'll see changes beginning. Little things will happen. Events will start to shape themselves to where you have new choices. It's up to you to make the right choice, but doors will begin to open for you.

Be aware. Watch the Voice of God, the Holy Spirit, the living water, pour into your cup. Be a worthy vessel.