Sokaren - 1970 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 1
Volume: 7
Date: 1970

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published by Sökarens Förlag, delves into a variety of spiritual, philosophical, and unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on Islam, UFOs, and metaphysical concepts.

Islamisk Tro (Islamic Faith)

Authored by Mahmud Eriksson, this section provides an introduction to the Islamic faith. It begins with the fundamental declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." Eriksson explains that this confession, when witnessed, makes one a Muslim. The article details the five pillars of Islam, starting with this core belief. It emphasizes Allah's unique status and Muhammad's role as His messenger, clarifying that Muhammad is not to be deified. The second pillar, prayer, is discussed, distinguishing between the ritualistic daily prayers and the free prayer. The ritual prayer is described as a public manifestation performed collectively, facing Mecca, with specific postures and words recited in Arabic five times a day. Eriksson notes the absence of a priestly class in Islam and highlights that the prayer takes up about half an hour of the day, serving as a time to dedicate oneself to God. The article also touches upon the concept of the Quran as the text revealed by God through Muhammad, serving as a universal lawbook.

Kvällar med Martinus (Evenings with Martinus)

Birgit Cars shares her experiences and impressions of Martinus, a spiritual teacher. She describes meeting him in Denmark and forming her own understanding of his teachings. Cars portrays Martinus as a person of warmth and goodness, despite his somewhat ordinary outward appearance. She recounts his willingness to share stories from his childhood and his engaging, humorous anecdotes. Martinus is depicted as a natural center of attention, radiating joy and humility. Cars reflects on his cosmic teachings, which she finds initially challenging due to their dense and novel nature. She highlights Martinus's use of symbols as a primary means of conveying his cosmic understanding, particularly in his work 'Livets bog' (The Book of Life) and 'Symbolboken' (The Book of Symbols). She suggests that his teachings offer a worldview that emphasizes cosmic evolution, interconnectedness, and a universal love, encouraging a personal search for truth.

UFO-varelser i USA (UFO Beings in the USA)

This article presents a report on UFO sightings and encounters with alleged alien beings in the United States, investigated by NICAP (The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). It details a case from Idaho in November 1967, where two Navajo Indians, Willie Begay and Guy Tossie, reported seeing a dome-shaped UFO and two small figures. One figure emerged and approached their car, which then moved on its own. The beings were described as about one meter tall, with rough faces, thin lips, large round eyes, and no visible nose. The article notes that the car's engine was running, and the headlights were on, but the witnesses believed the car was powered by the UFO. After the beings returned to the UFO, it ascended erratically. The incident was reported to the police, and subsequent investigations noted the witnesses' fear and the unusual behavior of local livestock. Another witness, Mrs. Elaine Quinn, reported seeing an orange, rotating, and erratic light in the sky that night, corroborating some details of the Indian's account. The article also mentions a third witness who encountered a UFO and two beings on the same night, but was initially reluctant to report it due to fear of ridicule. The report includes analysis from professionals like psychiatrist Dr. Allen S. Mariner, who found the emotional reactions of the witnesses compelling, and Dr. F. J. Manalac, who suggested the possibility of such phenomena. Biologist Dr. Norman S. Wolf questioned the aliens' attempt to communicate in an unknown language, and a psychologist, who wished to remain anonymous, believed most witnesses saw what they reported.

Människan (The Human Being)

Authored by Walther Eidlitz, this extensive article explores the Hindu concept of the human being, focusing on the processes of death and reincarnation. Eidlitz explains that according to Hindu scriptures, what Westerners perceive as the totality of a person—body, soul, and spirit—is merely a series of coverings or 'hulls' made of physical matter, even the subtle 'inner mind' (antahkarana). This inner mind consists of citta (consciousness, like a mirror reflecting all impressions), manas (the faculty of desire and emotion), and buddhi (reason and intellect). Ahamkara, the sense of 'I-ness,' is also described. The article posits that life itself is imparted by the 'eternal atman,' a spark of divine life from Brahman (God), which is distinct from these material coverings. The atman, possessing free will, can choose to serve God or pursue selfish desires. When the atman chooses the latter, it becomes bound to physical and subtle bodies, experiencing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) according to its karma (actions and their consequences). Hells and heavens are described as temporary states. Eidlitz emphasizes that the ultimate goal in Hinduism is the liberation of the atman from this cycle, achieved through self-realization and the understanding that the atman is one with Brahman. He contrasts this with Western perspectives, suggesting that Western societies often focus on improving the material existence of the body and mind while neglecting the eternal atman. The article concludes by stating that true liberation comes from realizing God within oneself, which dissolves the 'knot of the heart'—the false identification with the temporary physical and subtle bodies.

Bokrecensioner (Book Reviews)

This section includes reviews of several books:

• REHNS UFO-BOK NR 2 by Gösta Rehn: Reviewed by K. Gösta Rehn, this book is praised for its extensive research and factual approach to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that flying saucers are likely interplanetary. The reviewer notes Rehn's dismissal of 'occult' explanations and his focus on tangible evidence. However, the reviewer critiques Rehn's brief handling of the Condon Report and suggests that some UFO case descriptions could be more detailed. The book's inclusion of UFO photographs is mentioned, though their significance is downplayed.
• EN FÖRTJUSANDE SAGA (A Charming Tale) about Barbro Karlén: This review highlights the young author's prolific writing career, starting at age 12. Karlén's books, such as 'Människan på jorden' and 'I begynnelsen skapade Gud,' are described as having achieved significant success. The review quotes Erik Ask-Upmark, who praises Karlén's ability to convey profound spiritual insights with a light and beautiful style. The reviewer expresses interest in how Karlén's work will develop, questioning whether her youthful idealism will mature into a more intellectually grounded philosophy.

Jordskred? (Landslide?)

This short piece discusses the health implications of artificial sweeteners, specifically cyclamate, which was found to cause harm in animals and was subsequently banned in Sweden. It serves as an illustration of the potential dangers of artificial substances introduced into the human body, arguing that the human organism is adapted to natural foods and that artificial additives can lead to harm. The article suggests that cyclamate is not an isolated case and that other artificial foods and drugs may also cause damage. It advocates for a return to natural foods and a critical approach to synthetic products.

Varia (Miscellaneous)

This section contains several short articles:

• PROF. SCHJELDERUP: An interview with Professor Harald Schjelderup, a psychologist with a strong interest in parapsychology, who discusses phenomena like telepathy, out-of-body experiences, and psychometry. He states that telepathy is a scientifically recognized phenomenon and suggests that there might be something in the human soul that transcends death.
• VARIFRÅN KOMMER TEFATEN? (Where Do the Saucers Come From?): This article explores theories about the origin of UFOs. One reader suggests a 'sister planet' to Earth located on the opposite side of the Sun. The article discusses this idea, referencing the Condon Report, and also touches upon the possibility of Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, serving as bases for UFOs, citing theories by I. S. Shklovski and Fred Hoyle.
• ROBERT KENNEDY OCH UFO: A letter from Senator Robert F. Kennedy is mentioned, in which he states his membership in the Amalgamated Flying Saucers Association and his interest in UFO phenomena, wishing for more research.
• KOSMISK BULLETIN: An announcement about a new cosmic bulletin published by Thor-Leif Dahnielson in Eksjö, Sweden. It covers UFO topics, cosmic philosophy, and social issues.
• UFO-INFORMATION: A note about an informational bulletin being published by UFO-Motala for UFOlogists.
• NORSK UFO-TIDSKRIFT: Information about a new Norwegian UFO magazine called 'Fakta?', which also covers cosmic philosophy and parapsychology.
• **The article also includes a calculation of the potential number of planets with intelligent life in our galaxy, based on the number of stars and the likelihood of planets and life.

SM: De oidentifierade flygande föremålen (The Unidentified Flying Objects)

This article by Sven Magnusson discusses the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Magnusson notes that despite numerous sightings, definitive proof of their nature or origin remains elusive. He acknowledges the common belief among ufologists that UFOs are interplanetary craft but also suggests that extraterrestrial intelligences might be observing Earth due to humanity's technological advancements, particularly nuclear technology, which could be a cause for concern. The article posits that if advanced beings exist on other planets, they would likely be monitoring Earth's development, especially given the rapid scientific and technological progress, including space exploration. Magnusson expresses a sense of wonder and unease about the possibility of encountering these beings, suggesting that their intentions might not be entirely benevolent, or that they might be indifferent to humanity's fate. He concludes by reflecting on the vastness of life and consciousness in the universe, finding comfort in the idea that humanity is part of something much larger than itself.

Tänk på hälsan! (Think About Your Health!)

This section continues the discussion on health, emphasizing the importance of natural foods and cautioning against artificial additives. It reiterates the point made in a previous article about the potential harm of synthetic substances like cyclamate, which was banned in Sweden due to its detrimental effects on animals. The author argues that the human body is designed to process natural substances and that artificial products can lead to unforeseen health problems. The article criticizes the official medical establishment for its surprise when synthetic products prove harmful, suggesting a systemic oversight in prioritizing natural health practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, the unexplained, and alternative belief systems. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and the potential for advanced civilizations observing Earth. The articles on Islam and Hinduism present these religions as complex systems of belief with profound philosophical underpinnings, emphasizing their teachings on the nature of God, the soul, and the afterlife. The magazine also promotes a critical view of conventional science and medicine, advocating for natural health and questioning established norms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects that lie beyond mainstream understanding, encouraging readers to consider a broader spectrum of reality and spiritual possibilities.