Gralsvsktarnas budskap - 1971 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of GRALSVÄKTARNAS BUDSKAP (The Gralsväktarna's Message), Volume 2, Number 4, dated May 1971, is published by the Gralsväktarnas Samfund and priced at Kr.12:--. The cover headline is "TIDERNA VÄXLAR" (Times Are Changing), and the main article by Elisabeth Ståhlgren explores this theme.

Contents

The table of contents lists several articles:

• Tiderna växlar (Times Are Changing) - by Elisabeth Ståhlgren
• 8 punkter att beakta; punkt nr 4 (8 points to consider; point no. 4)
• Rymdens dimension talet 1 (The dimension of space, the number 1)
• Kärlek-Vishet; I tidens fullbordan (Love-Wisdom; In the fullness of time) - by Elisabeth Ståhlgren
• Reformatorn Marcion (The Reformer Marcion) - continued from previous issue
• När Gralen är funnen (When the Grail is Found)
• Flygande Tefat; Sandor Markus (Flying Saucers; Sandor Markus)
• Ur våra Mästares liv och lära, berättat av Gulli Bergvall (From the life and teachings of our Masters, retold by Gulli Bergvall)

The publication is a stencil-form magazine, with articles generally written by Elisabeth Ståhlgren unless otherwise noted. It is published 8 times a year, during the spring and autumn terms.

Article Summaries

Tiderna växlar (Times Are Changing)

By Elisabeth Ståhlgren, this lead article posits that our perception of things changes over time, with new viewpoints emerging and old ones being discarded. It asserts that events are not random but follow a pattern, with a guiding idea shaping them. Historically, society followed religious teachings and engaged in economic and political life. However, the pendulum has swung, and the church now holds little power. While intellectual growth is positive, most people still need leaders. The article criticizes current leaders for lacking foresight and causing societal confusion, leading to an era of experimentation. It warns of impending chaos but sees it as a precursor to renewal and a better way of life, embracing new ideas for the common good. This cyclical change, where the old is replaced by the new, is presented as evolution, leading towards perfection.

8 punkter att beakta; punkt nr 4 (8 points to consider; point no. 4)

This section focuses on self-reflection, particularly on overcoming the tendency to prioritize the ego. It stresses the importance of objective judgment, which requires setting aside one's ego and developing a neutral mindset to distinguish right from wrong. The article argues that self-trust is not ego-inflation but a means to serve others, citing examples of great figures who were humble yet driven by self-confidence. It highlights the immense charitable efforts during times of global need, where personal comfort is sacrificed. However, it questions whether this selflessness extends to interpersonal relationships, urging readers to consider giving more than their surplus and sacrificing daily needs. The article suggests that the power of money influences this behavior, and that learning to control it is essential. It also proposes that helping a brother in need can involve guiding them towards positive thinking to overcome negative influences, thereby cleansing their thoughts and feelings. True selfless assistance requires self-trust, which some mistake for arrogance. The key is to believe in oneself to forget oneself, and to rely on one's own ability to serve others. Strengthening one's will is paramount, leading to self-mastery.

Rymdens dimension talet 1 (The dimension of space, the number 1)

This article discusses how events, like concrete things, are composed of matter and can be concretized. It uses the example of a man on a bus meeting a friend and having a pleasant evening. This sequence of events can be viewed as a series of concrete things forming a timeline. The article connects this to numbers, where each number represents a step in a sequence, and the sum of numbers increases. It suggests that understanding the sequence of numbers can help explain life's processes, likening them to building blocks from a unified base. The number 1 is presented as the fundamental essence of all numbers. Every event is a repetition in cycles, forming an eternal and infinite existence. The article also touches upon the concept of 'Vilh. Grönbech: Kampen för en ny själ' (The Struggle for a New Soul), emphasizing harmony, wisdom, and delving into the innermost life of things.

Kärlek-Vishet; I tidens fullbordan (Love-Wisdom; In the fullness of time)

By Elisabeth Ståhlgren, this piece explores the connection between human consciousness and higher or lower spiritual beings based on the quality of one's own being. It suggests that contact with lower beings leads to degraded qualities, while higher beings elevate consciousness. The path upward begins with prayer for help, providing a foundation for further development. The article critiques those who find salvation solely in Christ's crucifixion, arguing that true salvation requires more than just praising suffering. It emphasizes the need for deep repentance for harm caused to others, whether human, animal, or material. This repentance, when integrated, frees the cross from pain and fulfills its purpose. The article states that this repentance is required of all, but often overlooked, with people too readily placing their burdens on Jesus. It suggests that true followers of Christ are those who do God's will, which involves recognizing and rectifying one's own faults through atonement. This process elevates humanity and can occur outside of organized religion, involving atheists and the devout alike, based on understanding truth rather than mere ritual. The article concludes that once humanity grasps this, it will move forward, learning the laws of development and transcending current limitations, ushering in a new era.

Reformatorn Marcion (The Reformer Marcion)

This section continues the discussion of Marcion, a figure from early Christianity who challenged the teachings of the Jewish god Yahweh, arguing he was not the same as the Father Christ revealed. Marcion's teachings were suppressed, his books destroyed, and his work forgotten. However, the article suggests that truth cannot be permanently extinguished. It highlights Marcion's choice of Paul as a key interpreter of Christ's thought and his identification of passages in the Gospels that he believed were falsified by Jews. The article follows Marcion's struggle and celebrates the uncovering of hidden truths. It references Hans Lietzmann's "Geschichte der alten Kirche" (History of the Ancient Church) and Gulli Bergvall's translation. Marcion recognized that his teachings deviated from the original tradition but found support in Paul's writings, which he believed accurately conveyed Christ's message. He argued that other apostles misunderstood Christ, interpreting his words through a Jewish lens and thus falsifying them. Marcion believed Christ had to reappear to reveal the truth through Paul, who preserved it. The article cites Marcion's criticism of Peter and other apostles for deviating from the "Gospel's truth" and for falsifying God's word. The Epistle to the Galatians is presented as Marcion's decisive text against Jewish influence in Christianity, rejecting any "other gospel." It emphasizes the clear distinction Marcion drew between the two gods and quotes from 2 Corinthians 4:4 to illustrate the blinding effect of the "god of this age" on unbelievers, contrasting him with the God of light revealed in Christ.

Marcion (continued)

This part continues the discussion on Marcion, focusing on his efforts to restore the Gospel as understood by Paul. He used Luke's Gospel as his primary text, possibly due to his belief in Luke's greater fidelity to tradition. Marcion meticulously removed what he considered Judaistic additions and used textual alterations to correct perceived errors. The article notes that his work was never fully completed, and his text underwent many transformations by his followers. Similar efforts were applied to Paul's epistles, where passages that seemed to align with the Old Testament were seen as Judaistic interpolations by church falsifiers. Marcion's goal was to present Paul's writings in their pure form, free from corrupting influences. The article commends Marcion for his lack of speculative fantasy, clearly contrasting the negative critique of the world-creator with the majesty of the good God. It states that Marcion was not a doctrinal theorist but earnestly sought God, understanding the profound meaning of his research. He proclaimed a new understanding of God for a Christianity at risk of reverting to outdated ways of thinking. Marcion taught that humanity, prior to Christ, was unaware of this true God, who was distant and unrelated to the world. The Jewish god, however, created this world from matter, causing sin and death through the law and demonic cunning.

När Gralen är funnen (When the Grail is Found)

This article discusses the symbolism of the Grail's chalice as representing the past and future, and the culmination of events leading to a harvest from past seeds. It suggests that humanity is ready to move beyond the past, which will be recorded in history. The fate of the Grail chalice mirrors human experience: it is obscured in darkness when humanity falls, but rediscovered and restored when humanity rises towards a higher state. The article encourages contemplation of this symbolism to find answers and new paths into cosmic experiences. It speaks of entering cosmic worlds and understanding the explanations for all things, leading to awakening and joy. The longing for something greater is fulfilled when one follows the guidance of those who know the Truth, referring to a "Master race" ready to welcome humanity into a new existence where Love and Wisdom are one. This path leads to perfection. The article emphasizes the importance of self-trust and the will to believe in oneself as the means to achieve the sought-after goal. It states that guided hands will lead us, with God-trust and self-trust forming the foundation, the Grail's power as building blocks, and Love-Wisdom as the emblem of God's own world.

Flygande Tefat (Flying Saucers)

By Sandor Markus, this article notes the increasing number of Flying Saucer (UFO) sightings in the Nordic region, particularly in Stockholm, during the autumn and winter of 1970, exceeding the previous three years. It suggests that these "space friends" have influenced and helped humanity without infringing on free will. The article posits that once humanity understands its relationship with these visitors and is ready to accept them, they will meet on common ground, fostering mutual understanding and trust. This will allow humanity to learn from them how to create the "Golden Age" that all people deeply long for. The article draws a parallel between the human body and a spaceship, suggesting that the human body is a copy of these craft and that understanding ourselves is key to understanding UFOs and our visitors. It states that the secrets of the universe are within us, and that to comprehend spaceships and their travelers, one must explore the inner self through occult knowledge. The human body functions like a spaceship, but its physical limitations prevent it from surviving in space. Spaceships are described as extensions of the visitor's body, controlled by thought. The article suggests that in the New Age, Earthlings will be trained to pilot these craft, preparing their bodies for this task. Understanding will lead to true knowledge, a hallmark of the New Age. It mentions that humans will remember the tragedies of Lemuria and Atlantis and will construct ships that travel through space with ease. Humanity will live in peace and harmony, united by a bond of knowledge for the benefit of all. Earth, once the "broken string" in our solar system, will be reunited with others in the Universal Brotherhood, leading to an unprecedented existence.

Ur våra Mätares liv och lära (From the life and teachings of our Masters)

Retold by Gulli Bergvall, this section continues an account attributed to Baird T. Spalding. It describes a "Temple of Silence" not built by human hands. The article emphasizes that the greatest stranger to a person is themselves. It urges individuals to enter their inner chamber, close the door, and find their true self, which is their truest friend, wisest teacher, and best advisor. Within oneself lies the altar where God is the eternal flame, the source of all goodness, strength, and power. The deepest silence holds the divine. One's desires are God's thoughts, and thus God's desires. The article explains that God fills heaven and earth, a revelation that came to Jacob in silence. Jacob realized that the outer world is merely an expression of the inner image. He exclaimed, "The Lord (or the law) is indeed in this place (earth or body), and I knew it not." This realization signifies that the true gate to heaven is through one's own consciousness. The "ladder" Jacob saw in his dream represents the ascent through consciousness, connecting the individual to the All-Present. This ladder symbolizes God's thoughts descending to form and then ascending again. This same revelation came to Jesus when the heavens opened, showing him the law by which ideas conceived by the divine mind manifest as form. This law allows for the transformation of all forms by changing consciousness. The article touches upon Jesus' first temptation to turn stones into bread, but emphasizes that visible forms originate from the universal substance of God's thought. Every desire, when aligned with God's will, becomes a source of fulfillment. Jesus' statement, "I am the door," signifies that the "I AM" within each soul is the door through which the great "I AM" (God) expresses life, power, and substance through the individual. This expression occurs through idea, thought, word, and action, taking form through consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spiritual evolution, the cyclical nature of time and societal change, and the importance of inner development. The magazine promotes a philosophy that emphasizes self-knowledge, self-reliance, and the pursuit of higher consciousness as pathways to a better future, often referred to as a "Golden Age." There is a critique of established religious and societal structures, advocating for a more direct and personal connection with the divine. The concept of higher dimensions and cosmic understanding is prevalent, alongside reports on UFO phenomena, which are presented as potentially benevolent visitors guiding humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of esoteric spirituality, encouraging readers to look inward for truth and transformation, and to embrace new understandings of reality beyond conventional paradigms. The articles advocate for a holistic view of existence, where inner and outer worlds are interconnected and subject to universal laws of development and perfection.

Title: Kosmos
Issue: 11
Volume: 1977
Date: 1977
Publisher: Kosmos Förlag
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 9:50
ISSN: 0345-8740

This issue of Kosmos magazine, number 11 from 1977, focuses on the profound concept of the 'divine thought' and its implications for human consciousness and spiritual realization. The cover headline, 'Den gudomliga tanken' (The divine thought), sets the stage for an exploration of metaphysics, spirituality, and the power of consciousness.

The Divine Thought and Consciousness

The lead article delves into the nature of God as pure force, substance, and intelligence, expressed through consciousness. It posits that within God's infinite thought, every individual exists as a perfect idea. The key to spiritual growth lies in recognizing this truth and connecting with the divine mind. The text quotes Jesus' teachings, such as 'According to your faith let it be done to you' and 'All things are possible for one who believes,' highlighting the power of belief and thought.

The article explains that the separation from this divine unity is the root cause of suffering, aging, and death. By understanding that the Spirit is all and that all forms are expressions of the Spirit, one can realize that what is born of the Spirit is Spirit. This connection with the divine thought, facilitated by silence, allows individuals to 're-think' what God has already conceived, leading to a true expression of their being rather than an inauthentic one.

The essence of form, whether perfect or imperfect, is described as divine power, substance, and intelligence. The focus should be on renewing one's thinking to align with divine thoughts, rather than trying to change the form itself. The article emphasizes the importance of finding God, connecting with Him, becoming one with Him, and expressing Him. It suggests that stilling personal thoughts allows God's thought to illuminate consciousness, bringing healing and understanding, akin to the sun rising with healing in its wings.

Unity and the Ascent of the Soul

A core theme is the absolute unity of God with all things, both visible and invisible. Separation from this unity is identified as the source of sin, sickness, poverty, and death. Re-establishing this connection leads to wholeness. The concept of 'angels' is presented as a descent on the ladder of consciousness, while returning to unity is their ascent. The great task for every soul is to elevate its personal perspective to merge with the whole, reaching a state of harmony where all things originate from the one God.

This state is likened to being on the Mount of Transfiguration, where Jesus, Moses, and Elias appear. The deeper meaning is that the divine human is immortal and eternal. The article suggests that the laws of Moses and the prophecies of Elias eventually fade, leaving Christ-consciousness (the power within humanity to know God) as the sole focus. The ultimate goal is to build a temple for the living God within oneself, filled by the Holy Spirit, thereby eradicating the illusions of sin, sickness, poverty, and death. This is presented as the great purpose of silence.

The Miracle of Bread and Spiritual Creation

A narrative section recounts a journey where a group, including Americans, were led by masters. During a pilgrimage, they were caught in a severe desert storm. Facing dwindling provisions, Emil, drawing upon the universal thought-substance, miraculously created a large quantity of bread. This event serves as a powerful illustration of spiritual creation.

The article connects this to Jesus' interaction with Philip when asked how to feed the multitude. It explains that Jesus, possessing Christ-consciousness, understood that true provision comes from the divine source. He recognized God as the creator and source of all power and substance, capable of fulfilling every need. By breaking and sharing the bread, he demonstrated this principle, leaving twelve baskets full.

This act is distinguished from hypnosis, emphasizing that it is not about external control but about recognizing one's inherent divine power. The article argues that the only 'hypnosis' is the self-imposed belief that one cannot perform God's perfect works. It encourages individuals to embrace their divine nature and create harmoniously, just as God does. The example of Elisa increasing the widow's oil is also cited, showing how connection to the universal substance, limited only by the number of vessels, can bring forth abundance.

Jesus' mission is presented as showing humanity that, as sons of God, they can perform perfect works. The act of healing the blind man by having him wash in the pool of Siloam was intended to open everyone's eyes to the Father's will: that humans should create as God creates, by recognizing Christ within themselves and in all things.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the omnipresence and immanence of God, the power of consciousness and thought, the principle of spiritual creation, and the importance of unity and self-realization. The magazine promotes a New Age perspective, emphasizing the inherent divinity within humanity and the potential for individuals to achieve spiritual perfection and overcome material limitations through faith, silence, and alignment with divine will. The editorial stance is clearly spiritual and metaphysical, encouraging readers to explore their inner potential and connect with the divine source.