Jacob Paul Twitchell, born between 1908 and 1922 with varying accounts, was an American writer and spiritual teacher. He is primarily known as the founder of Eckankar, a new religious movement he directed from 1965 onwards. Twitchell described himself as "The Mahanta, the Living ECK Master" and also used the name Peddar Zaskq. His early life involved some college education and a period in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, followed by work as a journalist.

Twitchell explored various spiritual paths, including Self-Revelation Church of Absolute Monism and Kirpal Singh's Sant Mat. His involvement with these groups led to significant disagreements and severed ties. He also had a connection with L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. After marrying Gail Ann Atkinson, Twitchell began to seriously develop and promote his teachings, which he presented as an ancient spiritual science. He founded the Eckankar Corporation and Illuminated Way Press, publishing numerous books and discourses, and giving lectures. The existence of some figures he referenced, like "Rebazar Tarzs," remains disputed.

Paul Twitchell established Eckankar, a new religious movement, in 1965. He presented its teachings as an ancient spiritual science predating other major belief systems, though critics noted he initially characterized them as new. Twitchell developed his ideas after investigating numerous spiritual traditions, including Self-Revelation Church of Absolute Monism and Sant Mat. He also had associations with L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. His wife, Gail, is credited with encouraging him to formalize his spiritual education into a religion. Twitchell founded Eckankar Corporation and Illuminated Way Press, publishing works and offering discourses to students, and traveling to lecture on his system.

Twitchell's spiritual journey involved significant engagement with various traditions. He was initiated into Surat Shabd Yoga by Kirpal Singh of Ruhani Satsang, but their relationship later deteriorated due to Twitchell teaching a similar program. Twitchell also spent time with L. Ron Hubbard and was involved in Scientology. He claimed to have learned from spiritual masters, notably "Rebazar Tarzs," whose existence is unverified and has been speculated to be a persona created by Twitchell. These associations and the origins of his teachings have been subjects of debate and criticism.

As a writer, Paul Twitchell produced a significant body of work, including books and personal study discourses related to Eckankar. He also wrote articles for magazines and newspapers. In a series called "The Man Who Talks To God," Twitchell adopted a more satirical approach, poking fun at gurus and offering spiritual advice, sometimes including prophecies. He also claimed to have made a living writing for pulp magazines and public relations for the Navy. Harold Klemp, the current spiritual leader of Eckankar, described Twitchell as a "master compiler" who gathered scattered spiritual teachings into a readily accessible form.