Sokaren - 1966 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: No. 2, 1966
Volume: Year 3
Cover Price: 1:80 (incl. cover)
Publisher: SÖKAREN

This issue of SÖKAREN, a Swedish magazine focused on 'experimenting with truth,' delves deeply into the Bahá'í Faith and also explores UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the Bahá'í Faith with a striking image of the interior of the Bahá'í Temple in Wilmette, Illinois. The main article, "Bahá'í" by Sverre Holmsen, provides an extensive overview of the religion's origins, core principles, and key figures.

The Bahá'í Faith: Origins and Principles

The magazine introduces the Bahá'í Faith as a spiritual, revitalizing, and universal world religion that began in Persia in 1844. It is presented as the fulfillment of previous world religions, aiming to unite humanity in justice and peace. The term 'Bahá'í' is explained as deriving from 'Bahá,' meaning 'light' or 'glory.'

Key Figures:

• Bahá'u'lláh: The founder, meaning 'Glory of God,' born in 1817. He is presented as the divine manifestation for this age.
• The Báb: The herald and forerunner, meaning 'Gate,' born in 1819. He announced the coming of Bahá'u'lláh.
• 'Abdul'l-Bahá: Bahá'u'lláh's son, meaning 'Servant of Glory,' who served as the interpreter and perfect example of the faith.

Historical Context:

The article details the persecution faced by the followers of the Báb, known as Bábís, with thousands killed. Bahá'u'lláh himself endured imprisonment and exile, including time in the notorious prison city of 'Akká in the Holy Land. Despite these hardships, he revealed numerous writings that outlined a plan for world peace and collective security, addressing world leaders.

Core Teachings:

The Bahá'í Faith emphasizes the unity of God, the unity of religions, and the unity of humanity. It advocates for independent investigation of truth, the elimination of prejudice, equality between men and women, universal education, and the establishment of a world government and international justice.

Bahá'í Institutions:

The faith has no clergy. It is organized through local, national, and an International House of Justice, elected by Bahá'ís worldwide. The magazine highlights the establishment of the Universal House of Justice in Haifa in 1963.

UFO Observations and Encounters

The issue features several accounts of UFO sightings and encounters:

• Astronomical Observations: Astronomers like Professor Hall and Professor Hess reported seeing disc-shaped objects. Dr. Halstead observed both cigar-shaped and disc-shaped craft. Professor Tombaugh noted unusual lights and a cigar-shaped object. Dr. Fletcher of Kenya believes UFOs are extraterrestrial craft, and Dr. Wilkins described luminous oval objects.
• The Paul Green Incident: Paul Green, an engineer, reported an encounter with a UFO that emitted a strong blue light, causing him physical distress and temporary paralysis. His car also malfunctioned.
• The Michael Johnson Incident: Michael Johnson collapsed after encountering a luminous, orange object with a buzzing sound, suffering from shock and burns.
• The Valensole Incident: An investigation into the Valensole incident revealed details not previously reported, including sightings of small, humanoid beings by Monsieur Masse. Masse described them as having large heads and smooth skin, and he felt they had good intentions.

Other Articles and Features

• "Seger över 'djävulen'" (Victory over the 'devil'): This article recounts the case of a doctor, Dr. José Hortencio de Medeiros Sobrinho, who witnessed the healing of a patient with advanced cancer by a healer named Arigo. The doctor was initially skeptical but was convinced by the patient's recovery.
• "Experiment med magi" (Experiment with magic): This piece describes experiments in using mental power to influence lottery outcomes, claiming a statistically significant success rate above chance.
• "Matfilosofi" (Food Philosophy): This section discusses principles of healthy eating, advocating for vegetarianism, natural foods, and mindful consumption.
• Book Reviews: Several books are reviewed, including works on Eastern wisdom, stoicism, and Bahá'í literature.
• Letters to the Editor: Correspondence includes a letter from Dagmar Westerström in New York describing her observations of Arigo's healing practices and a letter from Professor Hans Bender regarding UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a search for truth, spiritual understanding, and the betterment of humanity. It champions the Bahá'í Faith as a unifying force for the modern era, presenting its principles as solutions to global problems. The editorial stance is open to exploring paranormal phenomena, including UFOs and healing, while maintaining a critical and investigative approach. The magazine aims to inform and inspire its readers to seek deeper knowledge and contribute to a more harmonious world.