NIVFO-Bulletin - 1988 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: Nr 2-88 (Volume 8)
Date: February 1988
Publisher: NIVFO (Norwegian Institute of Scientific Research and Enlightenment)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: KR 95,-

This issue of NIVFO bulletin delves into the controversial figure of Sri Satya Sai Baba, an Indian Swami renowned for his alleged miracles and claims of divinity. The magazine presents a critical examination of these claims, drawing heavily on the research of Icelandic parapsychologist Erlendur Haraldsson, while also incorporating skeptical viewpoints.

Sai Baba: Miracle Man or Illusionist?

The cover story introduces Sri Satya Sai Baba, an Indian Swami with a large following both in his homeland and in the West. He is described as being able to materialize objects like rings and gold out of thin air, appear in two places simultaneously, and even bring the dead back to life. Sai Baba proclaims himself to be God and the number one holy man in India. The article poses the central question: Is he the real deal or a mere trickster?

Erlendur Haraldsson, an Icelandic parapsychologist, has written a book about Sai Baba's miracles. While Haraldsson's work is presented as thorough, the article notes that he maintains a degree of caution, suggesting that the case requires further investigation. However, it is implied that Sai Baba himself is not very cooperative with skeptics.

The article highlights the unusual lack of interest from many parapsychologists, including Professor Martin Johnson, in investigating Sai Baba's reported miracles, despite the general acceptance within parapsychology that such phenomena might exist.

Sai Baba's alleged abilities extend beyond materialization to include reading minds and knowing personal details about individuals. The article draws a parallel with the American faith healer Peter Popoff. Haraldsson recounts that Sai Baba correctly identified that he had been married more than once, though such information is not considered deeply personal or unusual.

One of the most astonishing claims about Sai Baba is his alleged ability to teleport, moving from one location to another instantaneously. He is said to be able to appear among his followers and moments later be seen on a mountaintop far away.

Background on Sai Baba

The issue provides a biographical background of Sai Baba, born Satyanarayana Ratnakara Raju in 1926 in Puttaparti, Southern India. His family were farmers. A pivotal event occurred on March 8, 1940, when he experienced a dramatic episode after which he began exhibiting unusual behavior, including trances and speaking about ancient Indian philosophy. Doctors initially suspected hysteria.

In 1940, at the age of 13, Satyanarayana declared himself to be Sai Baba reborn, after distributing sweets and flowers that he allegedly produced from thin air. His father's skepticism was met with Sai Baba's assertion of his divine identity. From this point, his miracles are said to have begun.

The article also introduces Shirdi Sai Baba, an Indian saint from whom Satya Sai Baba is believed by some to have taken over the body after the latter's death. Shirdi Sai Baba lived in Shirdi and gained a large following for his teachings and alleged miracles.

Erlendur Haraldsson's Research

Haraldsson's book, "Miracles are my Visiting Cards" (1987), is cited as the primary source for much of the information presented. The book details his 11 months of study over a decade. Haraldsson's approach has been to observe Sai Baba, as the Swami is reluctant to participate in controlled experiments, viewing his role as a spiritual leader rather than a subject for scientific scrutiny.

Haraldsson has not found evidence of tricks, despite examining Sai Baba's clothing for hidden compartments. The article notes that other swamis have been found to use tricks for paranormal effects. While many testimonies support Sai Baba's miracles, Haraldsson acknowledges that they do not constitute definitive proof. He and his associate, Dr. Osis, discussed the importance of science with Sai Baba, who maintained that his purpose was spiritual guidance, not scientific demonstration.

Defectors Support the Miracles

Several former followers of Sai Baba, while critical of him as a person, do not dispute the reality of his materializations. Mr. M. Krishna, a former close associate, states that Sai Baba can produce objects from nothing, but he does not consider this proof of divinity. Krishna's examination of Sai Baba's clothing revealed no hidden items. However, it is noted that followers and even Sai Baba himself sometimes exaggerated events.

Krishna also suggests that Sai Baba's predictions are only 50% accurate and that his healing abilities are not always successful. He also describes Sai Baba as sometimes lacking compassion and treating followers harshly, though this might have been when he was younger.

The Question of Authenticity

Haraldsson believes that if Sai Baba's phenomena are indeed paranormal, it would necessitate a fundamental shift in scientific and psychological paradigms. Possible explanations such as mass hypnosis, deception through assistants, or hidden devices are considered but dismissed by Haraldsson. He has found no evidence of tricks and notes that Sai Baba's attire does not allow for concealed items.

Haraldsson's inability to examine Sai Baba's person prevents him from definitively refuting or confirming the claims. He concludes that while there is no definitive answer, certain facts keep the question of paranormal interpretation open.

"Situasjonen i India"

This section briefly mentions CSICOP groups in India, led by magician B. Premanand, who studies Indian gurus. NIVFO has inquired about Premanand's views on Sai Baba.

Dogmatic Rejection of the Paranormal

The article touches upon the accusation that skeptics dogmatically reject the paranormal. It references an article in "Human-etikk" that portrays NIVFO as crusading against paranormal phenomena, citing the Alexandria Project and archaeologist Marshall McKusick's statements as evidence that skepticism is sometimes justified.

Is Materialization or "Teleportation" Possible?

The article explores the scientific challenges of materialization and teleportation. It questions the energy requirements and potential side effects of such phenomena, suggesting that if they were possible, they would have measurable consequences. The idea of tapping into parallel universes for energy is discussed as a speculative concept often found in UFO literature.

The author expresses doubt about the possibility of human brains being able to harness energy from other universes, especially when compared to the limited ability to directly convert energy from a simple object like a coal briquette. The article questions the practicality of telekinesis and the potential for large-scale teleportation, highlighting the physical challenges and the possibility of dangerous side effects.

Indian Gurus in Trouble

A brief note mentions that several Indian gurus, including Chandra Swamy, Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, are facing investigations for financial misconduct and suspicious deaths, suggesting that some spiritual leaders are also interested in material wealth.

Cover Image and Advertisement

The cover features a portrait of Sai Baba. Page 10 includes an advertisement for a framed picture of Sai Baba, priced at 48.75 DKR, presented as a potential gift.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NIVFO bulletin adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, particularly those surrounding Sri Satya Sai Baba. While acknowledging the research of parapsychologists like Erlendur Haraldsson, the magazine emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific evidence and investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and questions the validity of phenomena that cannot be empirically verified. The article highlights the contrast between the claims of spiritual figures and the scientific methodology advocated by organizations like CSICOP. The recurring theme is the examination of alleged miracles and paranormal abilities through a lens of scientific scrutiny, questioning whether these are genuine phenomena or elaborate deceptions.

This issue of the New Zealand Skeptic, dated no. 7/1987, features a collection of articles that critically examine various phenomena, including alleged miracles, historical relics, and UFO sightings. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and promote rational analysis.

Satya Sai Baba and Gold Control Act

This section focuses on the controversial Indian guru Satya Sai Baba. It references a book by B. Premanand titled "Lure of Miracles" and a booklet "Satya Sai Baba and Gold Control Act," which allegedly expose Baba as a fraud. The articles describe him as a "helpless patient, a greedy, stingy and power-hungry leader," and a "charlatan and deceiver" who claims to be God. Premanand's work is presented as a detailed exposé of the "greatest hoax-maker in our century." The text suggests that Baba's activities are supported by anti-democratic groups and that he uses his influence to extort money and maintain his power, particularly by exploiting the poor and gullible.

Premanand's book is described as a concise and accurate portrait of Satyanarayana Raju (Sai Baba), revealing his alleged weaknesses for women, his propaganda tactics, and his accumulation of wealth. The article highlights how these groups have allegedly created Baba as a focal point for the "gullible poor" in India, with Puttaparthi being a meeting place for smugglers and black marketeers who conspire against the government. Readers are encouraged to gather more compromising data to expose the guru. The text also mentions a booklet by Premanand and Indian CSICOP concerning the "Gold Control Act of 1968," detailing an attempt to address Baba's activities, which was unsuccessful, possibly due to protection under the guise of religion.

Western Researchers and Sai Baba

This part of the magazine discusses the involvement of Western researchers, particularly docent Erlendur Haraldsson, in investigating Indian gurus like Satya Sai Baba. Haraldsson's book on Sai Baba is mentioned, along with his reliance on eyewitness accounts, which Premanand allegedly finds misleading. The article quotes professor Martin Johnson, who expressed astonishment that an "honorable and intelligent person like Erlendur Haraldsson" would seriously consider the possibility of Sai Baba or other gurus being more than mere tricksters. The text implies that Premanand's book provides a crucial counterpoint to Haraldsson's work, potentially making Johnson's and Hoeben's earlier statements even more relevant.

Scientists and Curiosity: Babas and Honesty

This section questions why scientists are not more interested in investigating Sai Baba's alleged miracles. It suggests that Indian scientists have attempted to study these phenomena under controlled conditions, but the guru has refused to cooperate. The article posits that no one would dare to investigate a "god with power" for fear of repercussions. It also touches upon rumors of Sai Baba appearing in multiple places simultaneously, drawing a parallel to a German guru in 1940 who allegedly appeared in 14 places at once.

Mailings with Premanand's Book Destroyed

This part reports that B. Premanand lost 500 copies of his book "Lure of Miracles" due to sabotage by Sai Baba fanatics within the Indian postal service. Premanand is taking measures to ensure future bulk orders from Norway are handled properly. He has also posed 64 questions to Erlendur Haraldsson regarding an article Haraldsson published, but Haraldsson has declined to answer. The article notes that Premanand's archives contain over 2000 press clippings about Sai Baba dating back to 1970, and emphasizes the importance of seeking truth over blind belief.

Gullibility

This section discusses the phenomenon of gullibility, referencing an article from "The Skeptical Inquirer" about Douglas F. Stalker, a professor who conducted a "demonstration performance against pseudoscience." Stalker created pseudo-theories to show how easily people accept them. The article highlights a study by Barry Singer and Victor A. Benassi from the University of California, which demonstrated how easily students could be convinced of supernatural abilities, even when presented with tricks. In this study, students who were told a performer was a "psychologist interested in supernatural abilities" were more likely to believe he had genuine powers than those told he was a "trained psychologist interested in magic and stage tricks." Even after being told the tricks were old and explained in magic books, a significant portion of students still believed in the performer's supernatural abilities. The study concluded that people can hold onto beliefs even against evidence, and that the authority of the presenter plays a significant role.

The Turin Shroud

This extensive section delves into the mystery of the Shroud of Turin. It presents the skeptical viewpoint, primarily drawing from Joe Nickell's book "Inquest on the Shroud of Turin." The article argues that the image on the shroud is not a miraculous imprint but the result of a medieval technique. It recounts the history of the shroud, its exhibition in Lirey in the 14th century, and the initial investigation by Bishop Henri de Poitiers, who declared it a forgery. The article notes that the shroud was later acquired by the House of Savoy and declared Jesus' authentic burial cloth, a belief that persists in the Roman Catholic Church, though not officially declared dogma. The discovery by photographer Secundo Pias in 1898, who found the image acted as a negative, is discussed. However, the article emphasizes that historical documentation, particularly from Bishop Pierre d'Arcis, points to a deliberate forgery motivated by greed. The article also mentions the work of the Turin Research Project (STURP), a group of scientists who initially favored a supernatural explanation but later faced challenges from forensic chemist Walter McCrone. McCrone's analysis found iron oxide and pigments consistent with a tempera painting from around 1356. Joe Nickell's "rubbing hypothesis" is presented as a plausible natural explanation, suggesting a moist cloth was wrapped around a relief of Jesus, and then pigment was rubbed into the cloth. Nickell's work is praised for its clear explanation and its critique of pro-shroud literature.

Solid UFO Cases

This article, based on a lecture by Philip Klass, addresses UFO sightings. Klass, a skeptic, acknowledges that thousands of people have reported mysterious aerial phenomena. However, he argues that despite 40 years of reports, there is a lack of physical evidence to support the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He dismisses many UFO photographs as potential hoaxes and suggests that even credible witnesses might be mistaken or influenced by psychological factors. The article recounts a specific case from Nashville, Tennessee, in 1969, where the mayor, his assistant, and the assistant's wife reported seeing a large, silent, saucer-shaped object. Another report from Showalter, Indiana, on the same evening described a gigantic, cigar-shaped craft. Klass suggests that such reports, when corroborated by multiple independent witnesses, lend credibility to the phenomenon itself, but not necessarily to an extraterrestrial origin.

Other Articles

The issue also includes a brief mention of a radio program discussing "old wives' remedies" and "magnet therapy," questioning their efficacy and highlighting the potential dangers of unproven treatments. There is also a humorous anecdote titled "Eastern Wisdom," contrasting Mao Zedong's request for an American cardiologist during his final days with the stereotypical image of traditional Chinese medicine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and alleged miracles. The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific analysis, and the pursuit of evidence-based explanations. The editorial stance is clearly anti-supernatural and anti-fraud, aiming to educate readers and debunk widely held beliefs that lack scientific support. The articles advocate for a rational approach to understanding phenomena, whether they be religious claims, historical artifacts, or unexplained aerial events.

This issue of UFO-Information, dated October 1987, focuses on a variety of topics related to UFOs, skepticism, and paranormal phenomena. The cover headline, "Himmelsk hjernevask" (Heavenly Brainwashing), hints at a critical examination of certain belief systems. The magazine presents a mix of alleged sightings, scientific skepticism, and discussions of psychological and religious influences.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

The issue begins by examining several UFO reports. One account details a sighting by an NCR business leader in Dayton, Ohio, who described three disc-shaped objects in formation. This report was forwarded to Dr. John Keyto at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Another report comes from a teacher in Nashville who also saw three UFOs in formation and noted her dog's fearful reaction. The magazine also recounts an incident from June 3, 1969, where pilots from a United Airlines flight and a National Guard plane reported a squadron of UFOs over St. Louis, described as being made of burnt aluminum, with a large mothership and smaller craft. Radar confirmation was obtained, though the magazine later suggests these were likely meteor fireballs.

Further into the issue, a section titled "DESINFORMASJON OM UFO" (Disinformation about UFOs) critically examines reports of light phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway. It suggests that many of these sightings are misinterpretations or fabrications, while others can be explained by natural phenomena like atmospheric plasma and ball lightning.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking or offering alternative explanations for UFO phenomena. The article "Grafologi" (Graphology) critiques the practice of handwriting analysis, labeling it a pseudoscience, and discusses how some organizations promote it. The magazine questions the validity of claims made by graphologists and astrologers.

Another section, "MYSTISKE FREMMEDE PA TUNNEL-BANEN I STOCKHOLM" (Mysterious Strangers on the Subway in Stockholm), details a witness account of encountering three pale-skinned men with dark clothes and hats on the Stockholm subway. The witness described their language as incomprehensible and their appearance as peculiar. The magazine notes that other witnesses have reported similar encounters and draws a parallel to the 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomenon in UFO lore.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and "The Third Level"

The article "Bilder fra en annen verden ?" (Pictures from Another World?) explores the phenomenon of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). It discusses experiments by Friedrich Jürgenson and Konstantin Raudive, who claimed to have recorded "voices from space" on audio tapes. The magazine notes the controversial nature of these recordings and the difficulty in verifying their authenticity.

This section also delves into alleged visual phenomena, specifically "TV-BILDER FRA 'DET TREDJE NIVÅET'" (TV Pictures from 'The Third Level'). According to the article, a group in Luxemburg, researching EPR (Electronic Voice Phenomena), received instructions to record images from "the third level" on a TV. They reportedly captured images of landscapes, a woman emerging from water, and a sunrise. The magazine also mentions an alleged TV appearance of Friedrich Jürgenson after his death, as reported by Claude Thorlin.

"Growth Theology" and Religious Cults

A significant article, "Himmelsk hjernevask" (Heavenly Brainwashing), critically examines "growth theology" movements. It highlights the experiences of former members of "Livets Ord Bible School" in Uppsala, Sweden, who describe being subjected to brainwashing and fear tactics. The article points to evangelists like Hans Bratterud and Jan Hanvold in Norway and Ulf Ekman in Sweden as key figures in these movements. It criticizes their business-like approach to religion and their use of psychological manipulation to extract money from followers. The movement is described as having international networks, with examples like the Oslo Kristne Senter in Norway. The article draws parallels between these religious movements and pseudoscience, noting that their claims are often protected by the guise of religion, making them difficult to challenge or regulate.

Skepticism and Pseudoscience

Throughout the issue, a strong skeptical perspective is evident. The magazine actively seeks prosaic explanations for alleged paranormal events, emphasizing the importance of scientific methods and critical thinking. It debunks graphology as a pseudoscience and questions the validity of claims made by proponents of various paranormal phenomena. The magazine argues that many UFO reports can be attributed to psychological factors, misinterpretations, and the influence of popular culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO reports, the debunking of paranormal claims through scientific reasoning, and a cautious approach to phenomena that lack empirical evidence. The magazine also addresses the dangers of religious cults and psychological manipulation. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a preference for rational, evidence-based explanations. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the complexities of UFO phenomena and related beliefs, encouraging critical thinking and a discerning approach to information.