Sokaren - 1970 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 7, Årgång 7
Date: 1970
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Att söka kunskap – och tillämpa den i livet (To seek knowledge – and apply it in life)

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spirituality, parapsychology, and esoteric topics, presents a diverse range of articles exploring consciousness, the nature of reality, and unexplained phenomena.

Theosophy: Seeking Knowledge and Applying It in Life

Barbro Rydholm-Melander's lead article, "Att söka kunskap – och tillämpa den i livet," introduces Theosophy as divine wisdom, tracing its roots back to ancient philosophers like Ammonius Sakkas, Plato, Paracelsus, and Giordano Bruno. The article highlights Helena Petrovna Blavatsky's seminal work, "The Secret Doctrine," as a comprehensive presentation of Theosophy in modern times. Theosophy is presented as a unifying philosophy that reconciles Eastern mysticism with Western scientific thought, offering spiritual insight and intellectual satisfaction. The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875, is described as a global organization open to all who seek truth, regardless of their background, with three core aims: universal brotherhood, comparative study of religions, philosophy, and science, and the study of unexplained natural laws and human potential. The article emphasizes that Theosophy is not a religion but a way of life, encouraging tolerance and the pursuit of wisdom.

Madame Blavatsky's extensive writings are mentioned, along with the society's growth to approximately 35,000 members in over sixty countries. The article notes that later generations of Theosophists have built upon this foundation, with periods focusing on clairvoyant research and societal issues, and more recently, on understanding the human mind and its potential for higher consciousness, exemplified by current president N. Sri Ram. The core tenets of Theosophy include the concept of an absolute, all-pervading source of reality, the cyclical nature of the universe, and the inherent divinity of all souls, leading to an ethical framework based on universal unity and brotherhood.

Personal Accounts and Spiritual Journeys

"En stråle av hopp" (A ray of hope) by Birgit Lange, tells the story of Helmer V. Nyberg, a teacher and librarian who, after a personal tragedy, found solace and a renewed creative impulse through parapsychology. Nyberg's poetry, which began to flow prolifically after his wife's death, is presented as a testament to finding meaning and comfort beyond conventional understanding. The article draws a parallel between Nyberg's experience and that of Geraldine Cummins, who recounted a visitation from her deceased brother, suggesting that profound grief can open individuals to spiritual communication and a higher reality.

"Vad är betydelsefullt med det paranormala?" (What is significant about the paranormal?) by Lawrence L. LeShan, Ph.D., argues that parapsychology is more than just the study of unusual phenomena; it is a study of human nature itself. LeShan critiques the prevailing materialistic view of humanity, which sees individuals as isolated, physical beings. He posits that the paranormal, or ESP (Extrasensory Perception), offers evidence that challenges this limited view, suggesting that humans are interconnected and possess deeper potentials. The article highlights how the acceptance of concepts like the unconscious mind by Freud revolutionized our understanding of ourselves, and how parapsychology is poised to do the same by revealing a more profound and interconnected human nature.

Scientific Investigations and Unexplained Phenomena

"Vision och verklighet" (Vision and reality) by Alf Ahlberg, Ph.D., examines the nature of mystical visions throughout history and across cultures. Ahlberg questions whether these visions represent an objective reality beyond the reach of conventional science or are merely subjective psychological states. He notes the shift in scientific thinking, particularly in physics, which now acknowledges that our senses perceive only a fraction of reality. Ahlberg suggests that mystical visions might be glimpses into other dimensions or aspects of reality, potentially reconciling religion and science. He discusses Henri Bergson's and C. D. Broad's hypotheses about the brain acting as a filter, allowing only certain impressions to reach consciousness, and how altered states might permit access to a broader spectrum of reality.

"Forskarteam hos Jürgenson" (Research team at Jürgenson's) by Claude Thorlin, reports on an international research team, led by parapsychologist Professor Hans Bender, that visited Friedrich Jürgenson in Mölnbo, Sweden. The team aimed to scientifically investigate the unexplained voices that Jürgenson had been recording on audio tape. The article details the sophisticated equipment used, including TV cameras and multiple tape recorders, to ensure rigorous control and rule out fraud. Professor Bender outlined three key questions the research sought to answer: whether the voices originate from the deceased, whether they pass through a medium, or if they stem from the subconscious of those present. The team expressed significant interest in the phenomenon and planned further research.

"Klärvoajant iakttagelse av dödsprocessens förlopp" (Clairvoyant observation of the death process) by Andrew Jackson Davis, recounts his clairvoyant observations of the dying process. Davis, an American psychic and physician from the 19th century, described the physical body's struggle to retain life as the spiritual body begins to form and separate. He observed the formation of a new, luminous spiritual body and the gradual detachment from the physical form, likening the process to a birth into a higher plane of existence. He noted that the physical body, after the separation, appeared to be preserved from immediate decay.

Health and Well-being

"Vägen till hälsa II" (The path to health II) by Henning Karström, focuses on the detrimental effects of excessive sugar consumption and the benefits of whole grain bread. Karström highlights the dramatic increase in sugar consumption in Sweden and other Western countries, linking it to various health problems such as weak bones, tooth decay, nerve disorders, and increased susceptibility to infections. He contrasts refined sugar with honey, noting that while honey is more natural, it is still high in sugar. The article also emphasizes the nutritional superiority of whole grain bread over white bread, citing a table that shows significantly higher levels of vitamins and minerals in whole grains.

Other Sections

The issue also includes a section titled "Varia" (Miscellaneous), featuring short news items such as the Parapsychology Association's acceptance into the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the idea that UFOs might be psychological, and reports on hypnotic experiments in Soviet Russia and the effects of music on plant growth. A brief mention of Gunnar Rugland, a proponent of vegetarian health collectives and world peace, who passed away, is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that extends beyond materialism, emphasizing the importance of spiritual inquiry, the study of esoteric traditions like Theosophy, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena such as parapsychology, reincarnation, and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to question conventional beliefs and explore alternative perspectives on life, death, and consciousness. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between science and spirituality, suggesting that these are not mutually exclusive but can offer complementary insights into the nature of reality.