Sokaren - 1967 No 08

Magazine Overview

SÖKAREN, Volume 4, Issue 8, dated August 1967, is a Swedish magazine focusing on spiritual, psychological, and alternative topics. The cover prominently features an article titled 'HJÄLP FÖR NERVSJUKA: Specialglasögon!' (Help for the Nervously Ill: Special Glasses!) and a photograph of Lars Korhonen, the subject of the article.

Article: HJÄLP FÖR NERVSJUKA: Specialglasögon!

This extensive article introduces Lars Korhonen, a former alcoholic and shoemaker in Stockholm, who claims to treat alcoholism and anxiety neuroses using 'special glasses' with prism lenses. Korhonen's theory posits that by adjusting the angle of the lenses, he can alter the eye's visual perception, thereby influencing eye muscles, blink reflex, and consequently, the production of hormones from the pineal and pituitary glands. He believes that blinking regulates energy and that chronic alcoholics suffer from anxiety due to overproduction of energy. By regulating blinking, he aims to restore balance and eliminate the need for alcohol or sedatives. The article details numerous testimonials from patients, including those with chronic alcoholism and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), who report significant improvements in their well-being, energy levels, and reduction in symptoms after using Korhonen's glasses. It also mentions his work with MS patients, who are described as having low energy and 'undertryck' (low pressure), and how the glasses help increase their energy and circulation. Korhonen's method is presented as a 'miracle cure' by some, and the article notes his voluntary work and lack of advertising, relying on word-of-mouth referrals. A patient's detailed testimony describes a profound recovery from severe anxiety neurosis, attributing it entirely to Korhonen's treatment.

Article: KALLELSEN TILL MEDKÄNSLA (The Call to Compassion)

Authored by D. R. Saggar, this article explores the concept of compassion ('medkänsla') as a fundamental principle in various spiritual traditions. It begins with a visit to the Gandhi Samarak Sanghralaya in Delhi, where images of Gandhi, Jesus, and Buddha are presented as exemplars of compassion, love, and 'ahimsa' (non-violence). The article delves into the teachings of Buddha, emphasizing 'maitri' (compassion) and the importance of respecting all living beings. It quotes Buddha's beatitudes related to compassion and the desire for all living beings to be happy. The teachings of Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, are also highlighted, with 'ahimsa' (non-killing) as the cardinal principle. The article references Manu, the ancient Indian lawgiver, who declared 'ahimsa' as the highest religion and moral law. It further draws parallels with Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Nanak and Kabir, all underscoring the significance of kindness, compassion, and non-violence. Lao-Tse and Zoroaster are also mentioned for their emphasis on compassion and righteous living. The article concludes by suggesting that compassion is the ethical and spiritual foundation for human action and the path to world peace.

Article: Är det sant att Jesus uppstod? (Is it true that Jesus resurrected?)

This is a rebuttal by Per-Olof Hellquist to an earlier article questioning the resurrection of Jesus. Hellquist argues against three common objections: 1) Jesus was not dead when taken down from the cross, 2) someone else died in his place, and 3) the disciples stole the body. Hellquist contends that scientifically, it's unlikely Jesus would have survived the crucifixion and forty days afterward, nor that his enemies would have failed to ensure his death. He also argues that the disciples, who risked their lives to preach the resurrection, were unlikely to be deliberate deceivers, especially if the resurrection was a surprise to them, as suggested by their initial disbelief. He points to the disciples' transformation from fearful individuals to bold preachers as evidence of a significant event. Hellquist questions the article's dismissal of 'psychic visions' and the dating of the New Testament manuscripts, citing scholarly estimates that the Gospels were written within the first century. The article also includes a response from the original article's authors (anonymously referred to as 'Red.'), who maintain that the possibility of Jesus surviving the crucifixion, or the disciples being deceived, cannot be ruled out. They argue that the evidence for the resurrection is not conclusive and that the existence of these possibilities undermines the dogma of the resurrection. They also question the nature of the 'appearances' of Jesus, suggesting they could have been subjective visions.

Article: UFO förföljde bilist (UFO pursued a motorist)

This article reports on a UFO sighting by Ann-Lis Danielsson, a 22-year-old student, near Kungälv, Sweden, on March 22, 1967. She described a disc-shaped object emitting intense green light that followed her car for approximately 15 minutes. The object reportedly hovered, ascended, descended, and turned with determined movements, emitting a whistling sound. The report includes a detailed analysis by Sven Schalin of FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency), who interviewed Danielsson. Schalin corroborates her account, noting the object's disc profile, green light, and whistling sound. He estimates the object's size and distance, suggesting a diameter of around 40 meters at an altitude of approximately 400 meters. Schalin concludes that the phenomenon remains unexplained and tentatively categorizes it as an 'unidentified flying object' (UFO).

Article: Var mannen från Nasaret vegetarian? (Was the man from Nazareth a vegetarian?)

Authored by Olof Thorborg, this article argues that Jesus Christ was likely a vegetarian. Thorborg criticizes the literal interpretation of biblical texts by some fundamentalists, who use instances like the feeding of the five thousand or the Last Supper to suggest Jesus consumed meat. He posits that Jesus's teachings of love, compassion, and non-violence ('ahimsa') are fundamentally incompatible with the act of killing animals for food. Thorborg suggests that the concept of 'ahimsa' is the key to understanding the Bible and that Jesus's mission was to promote a world of peace and harmony, which he believes is best achieved through vegetarianism. He argues that a world sustained by violence, including the consumption of meat, is inherently disharmonious and that a shift towards vegetarianism is a crucial step towards a peaceful and healthy global society. He also touches upon the idea of spiritual protection and the symbolic significance of Jesus's birth during the winter solstice.

Other Content

The magazine also features a section on 'NYA BÖCKER' (New Books), reviewing titles on psychology, spirituality, and parapsychology. There is a 'SÖKARENS BOKHANDEL' (Sökaren's Bookstore) section listing books available for purchase, including works by Poul Bjerre, Ernest Dimnet, and Christopher Mayhew. A 'VEGETARISKT KOLLEKTIV' (Vegetarian Collective) notice seeks individuals interested in starting a vegetarian collective. The issue includes a poem titled 'JAG VILL TRO' (I Want to Believe) by Gunnar Rugland and a section on 'VAR ÄR NIBBANA?' (Where is Nibbana?) discussing Buddhist concepts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are alternative healing methods (Lars Korhonen's glasses), spiritual teachings and philosophies (compassion, ahimsa, vegetarianism, the nature of Jesus), and unexplained phenomena (UFO sightings). The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and spiritual interpretations, encouraging readers to explore these topics beyond mainstream scientific or religious dogma. There's a clear emphasis on personal transformation, inner peace, and a holistic view of life, often drawing from Eastern philosophies and spiritual leaders alongside Christian teachings. The magazine seems to advocate for a more compassionate and non-violent approach to life, both individually and societally.