Sokaren - 1966 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 7, Årgång 3
Date: 1966
Price: 1:80 (incl. VAT)

This issue of Sökaren delves into themes of reincarnation, UFO phenomena, spiritualism, and alternative health practices. It features a prominent cover story investigating the claims of Munesh, an Indian boy who allegedly remembers his past life as Bhajan Singh.

Munesh: The Reincarnated Bhajan Singh?

The main article, authored by H. N. Banerjee, details the remarkable case of Munesh, a child in Chandgari, India, who, from the age of four, began recounting vivid memories of being Bhajan Singh, a man who had died in Itarni in 1951. Munesh's mother initially dismissed his claims as fantasies, but his grandfather, Thakur Netrapal Singh, became intrigued. Munesh provided specific details about his former life, including his wife, brothers, mother, daughter, house, and property. His claims were corroborated when Bhajan Singh's widow, Ayodhya Devi, and his brother, Bhure Singh, visited Munesh and were recognized by him. Munesh further demonstrated his identity by recounting intimate details of Bhajan Singh's life and correctly identifying his former home and possessions in Itarni. He also recognized his former father-in-law and mother-in-law in Bisara and was reunited with his daughter. The case was investigated by the parapsychology department at Rajasthan University, which concluded it was a case of 'out-of-body memory,' ruling out normal means of acquiring the information.

UFO Sightings and Explanations

Professor J. Allen Hynek, a consultant for the US Air Force's UFO project, addresses recent sightings in Dexter and Hillsdale, Michigan. He dismisses photographs taken in Milan, Michigan, as misidentified celestial bodies (moon and Venus). Hynek proposes that the lights observed in Dexter and Hillsdale, described as red, green, and yellow, were likely chemical light phenomena caused by the ignition of marsh gas (CH4, H2S, PH3) in the swampy areas. He notes that these lights appeared to move and change intensity, consistent with marsh gas behavior, and disappeared when approached. Hynek emphasizes that no actual craft was seen, and the locations were unlikely landing sites for extraterrestrial vehicles.

However, the magazine also presents contrasting views, citing reports of disk-shaped objects and rapid maneuvers seen by police officers in Dexter, suggesting that Hynek's explanation might not cover all reported phenomena. The article critiques K. Gösta Rehn's book 'Flygande tefaten,' accusing it of being tendentious and biased for focusing only on reports involving 'dwarfs' and dismissing accounts of 'human-like beings' or 'monsters' as less credible. The reviewer argues that Rehn unfairly labels proponents of 'contactee' stories, like George Adamski, as 'fantasists' and 'tefat-fools,' and dismisses Adamski's accounts as 'robber stories.'

Spiritualism and Alternative Practices

Lourival de Freitas in London: This section reports on a controversial performance by Brazilian healer Lourival de Freitas in London. His methods, described as primitive and shamanistic, included drinking alcohol, smoking, and performing 'operations' with unsterilized instruments. He allegedly extracted an eye lens and 'diseased tissue' from patients. While some defended Freitas, citing successful healings, others, including healers Harry Edwards and Gordon Turner, expressed strong doubts about the authenticity of his claims, pointing to the lack of close examination of the extracted materials and the suspicious circumstances of the procedures.

Mahesh Yogi and Mantra Japa: The article discusses Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his transcendental meditation technique. It notes that while Yogi claims to be a 'Maharishi,' he was not widely known by that title in India, often referred to as 'Brahmachari Mahesh.' The method involves repeating a specific mantra for a fee, with the claim that it mobilizes spiritual resources. The author points out that mantra repetition is a common and often free practice in India, and questions the necessity of paying for it. The article also touches upon the Christian tradition of repetitive prayer, such as the Jesus Prayer.

Meditation in East and West: Karl Christiansen explores the meaning and goals of meditation, emphasizing the pursuit of 'cosmic consciousness' and unity with the divine. He discusses various meditation techniques, including the use of mantras, and notes that while the practice is widespread, the specific mantras and their meanings can vary. Christiansen suggests that the intention and 'salvation need' of the meditator might be more crucial than the specific mantra used.

Spiritualism on English TV: A report on a BBC television debate about spiritualism highlights the differing views within the movement. Maurice Barbanell, representing Psychic News, distanced the mainstream spiritualist movement from extreme claims about 'Masters from flying saucers' and celebrity spirits. He emphasized the need for evidence and personal conviction over blind faith.

Health and Well-being

Patient's Dilemma: Bacteria or Medicine - Which is More Dangerous?: This article raises concerns about modern medicine, citing a report suggesting that 10-15% of hospital patients suffer adverse effects from treatments. It discusses the potential dangers of antibiotics and other drugs, including cases of birth defects and neurological damage linked to specific medications like Thalidomide. The author questions the reliability of animal testing for drug safety, arguing that animal physiology differs significantly from human physiology.

Dietary Advice: A letter advises caution regarding a completely meatless diet, suggesting that while vegetarianism has benefits, it may not provide all necessary nutrients. The author recommends a balanced approach, possibly including meat a few times a week, and mentions potential heart issues linked to strict vegetarian diets.

Other Sections

Grey Owl's Life Story: A brief biography of Grey Owl, a conservationist and writer who dedicated his life to protecting beavers after a transformative experience.

Book Reviews: Reviews of 'Flygande tefaten' by K. Gösta Rehn, 'Morialand' by Sverre Holmsen, 'Yoga' by Narayan W. Saraf, and 'Människan och makterna' by John Björkhem.

Letters to the Editor: Readers share their thoughts on UFO phenomena and personal experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded yet critical approach to phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. It champions the investigation of UFOs, reincarnation, and spiritualism, but also scrutinizes claims and seeks rational explanations where possible. There is a recurring theme of questioning established norms, whether in medicine, religion, or societal structures. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical investigation and the presentation of diverse viewpoints, even when they conflict. The magazine also shows a strong interest in alternative health and spiritual development, encouraging readers to explore these areas critically.