Sokaren - 1969 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 5
Volume: 6
Date: May 1969
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: BUDDHISMENS GRUNDTANKAR (The Fundamentals of Buddhism)

This issue of Sökaren magazine offers a diverse range of articles, exploring spiritual, paranormal, and health-related topics. The cover prominently features an article on Buddhism by Amita Nisatta, alongside reports on a UFO sighting and alternative healing methods.

Buddhismens Grundtankar (The Fundamentals of Buddhism) by Amita Nisatta

Amita Nisatta, a Swedish Buddhist nun with extensive studies in India and Burma, presents an overview of Buddhist philosophy. She notes that Buddhism is often misunderstood as mysticism or idol worship, whereas philosopher Nietzsche described it as "a hundred times more realistic than the Christian doctrine." The article highlights that Buddhism replaces prayer with meditation for self-control and knowledge, setting aside the concept of an almighty creator. It emphasizes the avoidance of extremes like asceticism and indulgence, and the rejection of conflict, revenge, and enmity.

Buddha, meaning "The Enlightened One," was born a prince named Siddhattha Gotama. At 29, he renounced his royal life, seeking liberation from the cycle of rebirth through six years of asceticism. He described this period as one of suffering, followed by his attainment of enlightenment.

The article details Buddha's path, including his initial study with yogis and his subsequent practice of extreme asceticism, which nearly led to his death. He realized that physical torture was futile and abandoned it for spiritual and moral development. This led him to understand the universal law of suffering, its cause (desire and ignorance), its cessation, and the path to its cessation – the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path is outlined as Right Insight, Right Mindedness, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These principles guide individuals towards inner peace and wisdom.

Buddha's teachings are characterized by a rejection of dogma and blind faith, encouraging individuals to test teachings for themselves. The article contrasts the two extremes of sensual indulgence and asceticism, presenting the Eightfold Path as the Middle Way. It asserts that true progress comes from self-understanding and insight, not external rituals or prayers.

The concept of Kamma (Karma) is explained as the law of cause and effect, where present circumstances are the result of past actions. The universal moral law, Dhamma, is presented as the foundation of existence. The article also touches upon the Buddhist view of the self as a constantly changing process of physical and psychological phenomena, rather than a permanent soul.

En UFO-observation 1959 (A UFO Observation 1959) by Gideon Johansson

This section recounts a UFO sighting by Gideon Johansson in Mariannelund, Sweden, in late October 1959. During a power outage around 6:55 PM, Johansson and his son Rolf witnessed an intense white light above the Folkets Hus building. They initially thought it was a falling airplane but soon realized it was a silent, hovering craft. The object descended, narrowly missing a linden tree, and hovered about a meter above the ground. Johansson described seeing two occupants inside the craft through a large glass-like window. The beings had high foreheads, large eyes, narrow noses, and small mouths, wearing white uniforms with crossed black belts. Johansson waved at them, but they appeared indifferent. The craft then moved slowly away and disappeared instantly, leaving a sensation of displaced air.

The article includes a drawing by Johansson depicting the two occupants. It also notes that many people did not believe Johansson at the time, and he faced skepticism from his employer. Johansson estimated the craft's size to be similar to a Volkswagen Beetle. He also speculated that the beings communicated telepathically and that the craft had a malfunction.

Subsequent analysis of power lines in the area revealed they had been glazed with a black, glassy substance over a length of three and a half meters.

Lars Korhonen botar sjuka (Lars Korhonen Heals the Sick)

This extensive report details the experiences of patients treated by Lars Korhonen using prism glasses. The article begins by referencing an earlier piece in Sökaren about Korhonen's method, which had drawn attention and some controversy.

Several case studies are presented:

• Anne-Marie Löfgren: A patient with MS, who began using prism glasses in June 1968. After adjustments to the prism orientation, she experienced significant improvements, including increased strength, better mobility, reduced swelling, and improved hair quality. She stopped taking medication and reported feeling happier and more energetic.
• Ann-Marie Olsson: A 39-year-old patient who had used prism glasses for over a year. She reported that the glasses had given her "life back," enabling her to be active again after being bedridden. She noted improvements in circulation, energy levels, and mood.
• Helmer Johansson: A 60-year-old man suffering from leg cramps and stiffness, who found relief and improved mobility after using prism glasses. He reported being able to walk much longer distances without pain and felt more sociable.
• Margareta Karlsson: A patient with MS since 1959, who experienced significant improvements in mobility, energy, and mood after using prism glasses. She reported being able to walk, ski, and dance again, and felt warmer and clearer-headed.
• Sven Ovefors: A former alcoholic who found relief from anxiety and depression with prism glasses. He reported a reduced craving for alcohol and a more positive outlook on life.

The article also includes laboratory analyses of blood samples from patients, showing changes in acid-base balance and cholesterol levels correlating with the use of prism glasses. Korhonen hypothesizes that the glasses affect the blinking mechanism, which in turn regulates hormone production, influencing blood chemistry and psychological well-being.

Despite the positive patient testimonials, the article notes skepticism from a medical writer who dismissed Korhonen's method as quackery and suggestion.

Silversträngen (The Silver Cord) by Agne Windmark

This article discusses the phenomenon of the 'silver cord' or 'silver string,' a concept often mentioned in descriptions of out-of-body experiences (OBEs). Drawing from Robert Crookall's research, the author notes that while the silver cord is not always reported in OBEs, it appears in a significant number of cases.

Several accounts are cited: a doctor who believed he was dead but found himself outside his body, connected by a thin, 'spiderweb-like' strand; a French priest who felt his astral body was bound by an 'elastic string'; and a psychologist who saw her 'silver string' dangling, almost broken, during an illness.

The article also includes accounts from individuals who witnessed the silver cord connecting the deceased to their physical bodies, describing it as a luminous or smoky substance that eventually breaks, allowing the soul to depart.

Djurens Rättigheter (Animal Rights)

This section features an article from the Swedish newspaper DN (Dagens Nyheter) titled "Djurfabrikerna" (Animal Factories), which criticizes the exploitation of domestic animals in "concentration camps for pets." The article questions the lack of moral and legal safeguards for animals and calls for stronger animal welfare laws.

DN advocates for recognizing animals' rights and ensuring they have a decent quality of life beyond mere survival. The article in Sökaren expresses hope that this public discourse signals a shift towards a more compassionate view of animals, acknowledging their sentience and capacity for feelings like joy, sorrow, fear, and love.

It suggests that a society that values animal well-being will also benefit humanity, promoting a lifestyle free from violence and cruelty, and reducing the need for harmful animal experiments.

Other Sections

• Gyllene Visdom (Golden Wisdom): A collection of quotes from various authors, including Ralph Waldo Trine and Marcus Aurelius, on life, nature, and inner peace.
• Program for Sommaren 1969 (Program for Summer 1969): A detailed schedule of courses and events at Kosmos Feriehem, covering topics such as macrobiotics, yoga, meditation, graphology, and Martinus' cosmology.
• Varia: A section containing shorter articles, including a discussion on 'inner voices' or divine guidance from a Christian perspective, research on plant reactions to stress (Psycho Galvanic Reflexes), and a report on healing demonstrations on English television.
• Sökarens Postorderbokhandel (Sökaren's Mail-Order Bookstore): A list of books available for purchase, covering a wide range of topics including spirituality, parapsychology, health, and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic approach to life, emphasizing personal growth, spiritual development, and alternative perspectives on health and well-being. There is a strong interest in the paranormal, including UFOs, out-of-body experiences, and psychic phenomena, often presented with a critical yet open-minded perspective. The editorial stance appears to favor individual inquiry and the exploration of unconventional ideas, encouraging readers to question established norms and seek deeper understanding. The magazine also shows a concern for ethical issues, such as animal rights and the impact of modern industrial practices on both humans and animals. The inclusion of various programs and book lists suggests an aim to provide resources and community for like-minded individuals.