Sokaren - 1968 No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 9
Volume: 5
Date: 1968
Publisher: ARKIVET FOR UFO-FORSKNING

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena, delves into a variety of esoteric and paranormal subjects. The cover prominently features the question "DOM EFTER DÖDEN?" (Death After Death?), indicating a significant focus on the afterlife.

Death After Death? by Birgit Lange

The lead article, "Death After Death?" by Birgit Lange, explores the work of Robert Crookall, a retired botanist and geologist who has dedicated his later years to studying spiritualist literature. Crookall's research focuses on the question of whether death is a gateway to another form of existence. The article discusses the role of mediums, who act as links between the physical and spiritual worlds, often entering a trance state to convey messages. Crookall's book, "The Supreme Adventure," is highlighted, which addresses the scientific community's general dismissal of mediumistic accounts. Crookall argues that apparent contradictions in mediumistic messages can be explained by different perspectives and circumstances, similar to how travelers from different planets might report varied observations about Earth. He emphasizes that the similarities in their reports are more significant than the differences. The article also touches upon the concept of a 'det mediumistiska klimatet' (the mediumistic climate), which Crookall suggests is often used to dismiss phenomena without deeper analysis.

Crookall's research differentiates between experiences of those who die of old age and those who experience a sudden, premature death. Those who die naturally often experience a period of sleep or rest after death, the duration of which varies. This 'soul-body' or 'spiritual body' is described as a new, strong, and healthy form. In contrast, individuals who die suddenly, such as soldiers in combat or victims of traffic accidents, are said to be immediately aware and often in a state of confusion, not realizing they have died. This confusion is sometimes described as a 'hades' state, a dim or veiled existence, before eventual clarity. The article also discusses the concept of a 'judgment' after death, which Crookall presents as a process of facing one's mistakes and having the opportunity for atonement, rather than a terrifying final judgment. This judgment is described as an immediate confrontation with one's actions and their consequences, leading to a deeper understanding and self-awareness.

A Healer Studied (En helbrägdagörerska studeras)

This section reports on the healing work of Kathryn Kuhlman, an American faith healer. Several doctors, including Professor Robert Hoyt (pathology) and Dr. Martin Biery (spinal surgery), attest to witnessing inexplicable healings during Kuhlman's meetings. Cases mentioned include the disappearance of a bladder tumor, the immediate relief of arthritis patients, the lengthening of a polio-shortened leg, and the healing of a corneal injury. Dr. Claire King, an ophthalmologist, and Dr. Viola Frymann, a surgeon, also provide testimonies of miraculous recoveries. Kuhlman herself attributes these healings to the power of God through Jesus Christ, stating she is merely a channel. She does not physically touch the sick but relies on prayer. The article notes that her meetings have been ongoing for 20 years in Pittsburg and are also held monthly in Los Angeles.

UFO Investigation in Vänga (UFO-undersökning i Vänga) by Rune Rydebrandt

This article details an incident in Vänga, Sweden, on Pentecost Saturday 1968. Åke Johansson discovered a peculiar, dark imprint in the grass at his summer house, which appeared oily and later caused the grass to wither. The imprint had a delta-wing shape with three round depressions. A strong, unpleasant odor was noted, and a dog reacted strongly to it. Johansson also experienced skin irritation. Subsequent analysis of soil samples by various laboratories yielded no definitive results. The report connects this incident to a sighting of a strong light over a nearby lake the previous evening. UFO, Göteborg, the organization investigating the case, suggests the probable landing of an unidentified, foreign object. The article also lists several UFO books published by Parthenon and UFO-förlag, and includes a section on UFO sightings reported by Rune Rydebrandt himself and others in the Gothenburg area.

The Mysterious Gurdjieff (Den mystiske Gurdjieff) by Richard Sattelberg

This article explores the life and teachings of George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff, a prominent mystic of the 20th century. Gurdjieff, who traveled extensively in the East, developed a unique philosophical and psychological system, including exotic physical exercises and demonstrations of unusual psychic powers. The article recounts instances of Gurdjieff's telepathic communication with his student, Peter Ouspensky, including the mental transfer of thoughts and the temporary paralysis of Ouspensky's limbs. It also describes a 'plastics,' Gurdjieff's ability to alter his appearance, which Ouspensky witnessed as a 'transfiguration.' The article mentions Fritz Peters, a student of Gurdjieff, who wrote books about his experiences. Gurdjieff's later years were spent in Paris, where he established an institute for the harmonious development of humanity.

The Four Sublime States by Nyanaponika Thera

This section, translated from a Buddhist text, outlines four "sublime states" of mind:

1. Love (Metta): Described as selfless love, without desire for possession, embracing all beings impartially. It is a force that strengthens and liberates.
2. Compassion (Karuna): The recognition of suffering in oneself and others, leading to a desire to alleviate it. It involves understanding the universality of suffering and acting to help.
3. Sympathetic Joy (Mudita): Finding joy in the happiness and good fortune of others. It is presented as a way to enrich one's own life and encourage noble aspirations.
4. Equanimity (Upekkha): A state of perfect mental balance and impartiality, founded on insight into the impermanent nature of existence. It involves understanding the law of karma and accepting life's fluctuations without being disturbed.

The article emphasizes that these states are not passive but active qualities that lead to liberation from suffering.

An Investigation in New Delhi by Karl Christiansen

This article examines the experiences of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation (TM) in India. The author, Deokrishna Vyas, interviewed several individuals in New Delhi who practiced TM. While some reported positive effects such as stress reduction, increased energy, and improved family relationships, few claimed to have experienced the 'transcendental' states that TM supposedly facilitates. Some described their experiences as 'dreamlike sleep,' suggesting a state of self-hypnosis rather than a higher consciousness. Vyas himself, after being initiated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, found no transcendental benefits and initially struggled with the practice until he received guidance from Swami Muktananda. A yoga teacher also found the TM center's atmosphere unpleasant and the practice to be merely a relaxation technique. The article questions why Maharishi Mahesh Yogi focused on the West rather than his native India, and notes the low participation rate when he sought Indian meditation guides. It also mentions a government-backed anti-corruption campaign in Punjab that included meditation training.

Other Sections

• Letters to the Editor (BREV): Includes a letter from Shankar Banerjee, who claims to be able to perform 'magic' by cutting a person's tongue under hypnosis, and requests an opportunity to demonstrate this in Sweden. He also asks for copies of the magazine.
• Biorythm: A brief note from Bertil Nilsson regarding his biorythm calculations, inviting readers to submit their birth data for a personalized diagram.
• Book Reviews/Recommendations: Features books such as "Konsten att tänka" (The Art of Thinking), "HUR MAN VINNER LIVETS SPEL" (How to Win Life's Game), "DET INRE LJUSET" (The Inner Light), and "UPANISHADERNA".
• Thoughts on God (TANKAR OM GUD): Short quotes on the nature of God from Mahatma Gandhi, Seneca, John Smith, and Rufus M. Jones.
• Health Section (OM HÄLSAN): Includes advice on raw food, the benefits of fasting, and the connection between mental state and physical health, with quotes from Dr. Richard T. Field and Dr. R. G. Jackson.
• Book Advertisements: Promotes books by Elisabeth Ståhlgren on Johannes' Revelation and Agni Yoga.
• Donations: A list of donations received by Sökaren.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, the afterlife, and unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and psychic abilities. There is a clear interest in alternative perspectives on life, death, and consciousness, often drawing from Eastern philosophies and spiritualist traditions. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and reporting on these topics, even when they challenge conventional scientific or societal views. The inclusion of personal testimonies and case studies suggests a belief in the validity of subjective experiences and anecdotal evidence within these fields. The magazine also promotes books and practices related to these themes, acting as a disseminator of information within its niche readership.