Approach - Vol 2 No 02 - 1959 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of APPROACH, a monthly review published by Sagittarius Publishers in Pretoria, South Africa, is Volume 2, Number 2, dated May 1959. The editor is Edgar Sievers. The magazine is described as a non-profit, Peace and Brotherhood Programme publication.

TO OVERCOME, BE IN FULL ARMOUR

The lead article, "TO OVERCOME, BE IN FULL ARMOUR," frames the challenges of modern existence as a constant test. It questions whether humanity can withstand the pressures of contemporary life, including the bombardment of modern ideas like electronics, drugs, and mass media, or if these will lead to collapse and psychological distress. The article emphasizes the importance of a "healthy whole" – a healthy body, wakeful mind, detached feeling, and right action – as the only means to withstand the "thousandfold" strains and attacks of civilization. It suggests that individuals can acquire this inner strength if they do not already possess it.

GA's Visit Off!

This section reports on a controversy in Holland surrounding George Adamski and Queen Juliana. It also announces the postponement of Adamski's World Tour to Africa and South America, citing the immense strain of his demanding schedule, which included lectures, interviews, and constant question-answering. The decision is presented as being for Adamski's own benefit, with a hope for a visit in 1960.

Points from GA's lectures in Australia: "LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS"

This compilation, approved by George Adamski and reprinted from "UFO-Bulletin," details his views on life on other planets. Adamski describes planets with social structures where scientists and philosophers rule for the common good, without misuse of power. There are no national states, and wealth is considered communal, managed by a Planetary Government or Solar Federation. Private ownership is non-existent, and money is not used; needs are met through a system of communal provision. Moral discipline is inborn, fostering a "Brotherhood of Man" without regimentation. The ideology is based on a "Philosophy of Humanism," leading to "ideal Christians or ideal Buddhists" who understand they are part of the "great Cosmic Whole." Churches are absent, replaced by academies and universities. People are largely vegetarian, and sickness is unknown due to a natural way of life. Racial characteristics vary, and intelligence is a result of millions of years of evolution and scientific race breeding, producing "supermen." Populations are maintained at a level to ensure enough food. People mature quickly and live for hundreds of years while preserving youth. Communication is primarily through thought transference, though some "space people" have been heard to speak, with a language reminiscent of Chinese. Hieroglyphics are used for writing, but visatones can record vibrations, reducing the need for extensive writing. Science approaches things from a positive perspective, believing anything is possible with time and the right conditions. Adamski's discussions with "Space Brothers" confirmed ancient myths of Atlantis and the Great Flood. He believes humanity is currently between savage and superman, needing moral advancement to reach the latter.

GA AND THE PEOPLE

This section discusses the reaction to George Adamski's activities, noting biting and ridiculing comments from some quarters but suggesting that Henk Hinfelaar's assessment offers a truer appraisal. Hinfelaar highlights that many people do not understand the immensity of Adamski's task and are reluctant to think for themselves. The section also reports on sightings near Lake Taupo and Wanganui in New Zealand: a group of "discs with a mother-ship" seen near Lake Taupo, and a "large mothership" circling Wanganui. Sightings of glowing, fast, and noiseless objects near Pretoria are also mentioned.

Night Session Dialogue: THE PROBLEM OF COMMUNICATION

This dialogue continues a discussion from the previous issue, focusing on the potential for misunderstanding in terms like "spiritual communication" and "spirit communication." It argues that true communication requires a similarity in the class of mind and development between individuals. The author questions why advanced space travellers would seek telepathic contact with "backward & undeveloped minds" on Earth, suggesting they could communicate more clearly through spoken words. The dialogue critiques the claims of psychics and UFOlogists who report "messages" from alleged "space people," characterizing these as "extraordinary 'facts', 'claims', 'prophecies', 'revelations', 'promises', 'inventions' or 'discoveries'" that are unproven and unsubstantiated. The concept of receiving "instructions" from unknown entities is also questioned, emphasizing the need to identify the source. The article advocates for the proven method of learning through example and direct interaction, suggesting that direct, in-person contact with space visitors is preferable to telepathic messages. It also addresses the concept of "spirit guides" and "guardian angels," stating that there are no external guides for the individual except their "inner man." "Spirits" are described as either illusionary or self-delusory, and deceased persons cannot communicate meaningfully as their higher principles have moved on. The "inner man" is presented as the true guardian and angel, developed over time, and requiring stillness within rather than external messages.

A letter from a reader expresses distress over the magazine's perceived attack on mediumship, calling it a "sacred trust." The editor responds by reaffirming APPROACH's stand on ancient doctrine and cosmic teachings, stating that while they don't attack anyone, they disapprove of misleading practices, especially in UFOlogy, and that their views on mediumship are diametrically opposed to those who promote it.

"Africa Region Liaison Group"

This report describes the combined Pretoria-Rand-Johannesburg group's participation in the first worldwide Flying Saucer Contact Day on Whitsuntide Sunday. Despite unfavorable weather, the group enjoyed the outing, hoping for a sighting. They consider the appointment with their own enthusiasm and solidarity to have been worthwhile. Thanks are extended to Mr. Bunton for arrangements, and a lost item is mentioned. Two sightings of glowing, fast, and noiseless objects near Pretoria are also reported.

Book Review: SUBTLETIES AND ALL THAT

This review, by Dana Howard, examines "The Strange Case of Lobsang Rampa." The reviewer finds the book to be a pity, despite the author's talent, due to sweeping statements and inadequate information. The review suggests that Howard would be more successful in travel or historical fiction. It criticizes the book for unoriginal views, irrelevant quotations, meaningless platitudes, and distorted concepts about the human aura and third eye. The reviewer feels the book fails to adequately address the tradition behind Lobsang Rampa's writings, such as Mahayana or esoteric Buddhism. While acknowledging the need for an open mind regarding figures like Rampa, the review questions why the "Little Death" initiation is considered "morbid" and why space craft imply a "better world," stating that "Better MEN must come first." The reviewer warns against "New Agers" who are seen as "tampering and ignorant tinkering" with "subtle sciences."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of modern life and the need for inner strength, the nature of extraterrestrial civilizations and communication, and a critical examination of psychic phenomena, mediumship, and UFOlogy. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Night Session Dialogue" and the response to the reader's letter, is skeptical of unproven claims in UFOlogy and mediumship, emphasizing a preference for direct experience, verifiable evidence, and a grounded understanding of spiritual and psychological principles based on "ancient doctrine's & cosmic teaching's ground."