Sokaren - 1970 No 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated 1970, volume 7, issue 10, is a Swedish magazine focusing on a variety of alternative and spiritual topics. The cover prominently features an article on 'Biodynamisk Odling' (Biodynamic Farming) by Kjell Arman, advocating for healthier food through a holistic approach to agriculture.

Articles and Content

Biodynamisk Odling (Biodynamic Farming)

Kjell Arman's lead article explains the principles of biodynamic farming, emphasizing the interconnectedness of healthy soil and healthy plants. It argues that nurturing the soil is crucial for producing food that nourishes both the body and soul, offering a contrast to modern agricultural practices reliant on artificial fertilizers and biocides. The article highlights the growing interest in this method due to environmental concerns and the desire for quality food. It also mentions the Biodynamiska Föreningen (Biodynamic Association) and its role in promoting and educating about this practice, including courses and research efforts.

Kärlekens Konst (The Art of Love)

This section delves into the philosophical and psychological aspects of love, drawing heavily from Erich Fromm's book 'Kärlekens konst'. It defines love as an active force for connection, transcending individual boundaries and fostering unity. The article distinguishes between various forms of love, emphasizing 'broderskärlek' (brotherly love) as the fundamental form. It discusses love as a giving rather than a taking, characterized by care, responsibility, and insight. The text also touches upon the paradox of love where two individuals become one yet remain distinct, and the idea that true love involves giving without expectation of return.

Vilken Auktoritet har Bibeln? (What Authority Does the Bible Have?)

This feature presents interviews with three experts: Professor Carl-Martin Edsman (Religious History), Professor Ingemar Hedenius (Practical Philosophy), and Alf Ahlberg (Cultural Writer). They discuss whether the Bible is God's word or a human document. Edsman suggests it's both, with its human history and perceived divine message. Hedenius emphasizes the Bible's significant cultural influence but questions its 'great authority' in the sense of being inherently true. Ahlberg views the Bible as one of many 'God-inspired' texts, not holding a unique position. The interviews touch upon the historical reliability of biblical accounts, the concept of miracles, and the role of faith versus reason.

Fria Kyrkan i Berkeley (The Free Church in Berkeley)

This article describes the emergence of the 'Free Church' in Berkeley, California, as a response to the needs of counter-culture youth. Started by pastor Dick York, it evolved from a community ministry offering practical help (housing, food, medical aid) to a radical youth church focused on the teachings of a 'radical Jesus'. The movement is presented as an example of 'Underground' or 'Liberated Church' in America, taking political stances on issues like war, racism, and societal corruption.

Tomtarnas Revolution (The Revolution of the Gnomes)

Erik Martinsson writes about the 'Kabouter' movement in the Netherlands. These 'gnomes' are a youth protest movement advocating for social and environmental change. They have gained political representation in local councils and are campaigning against war, pollution, and industrialization. The article highlights their efforts to create alternative communities and their focus on healthy living, including biodynamic food. It also touches upon their controversial stance on drug distribution and their unique concept of 'Oranjefristat' (Orange Free State).

Det inre ljuset (The Inner Light)

Bo R. Ståhl explores the foundations of Quakerism, emphasizing their belief in an 'inner light' or divine presence within every individual. The article details their silent worship meetings, lack of formal sacraments or priesthood, and their focus on personal spiritual experience. It introduces George Fox as a key historical figure who rediscovered this inner light. The text notes that while many Quakers are Christian, the movement is not exclusively so, and the Bible is not considered their ultimate foundation.

Dina spår försvinner (Your Traces Disappear)

Dénis Lindbohm shares personal reflections on past lives and memories. The author recounts childhood memories of past lives, including a city named 'Voos' or 'Voostlár' and a woman named 'Neia'. The article explores the nature of memory, reincarnation, and the difficulty of reconciling past-life experiences with current reality and the beliefs of loved ones. It touches upon the idea that past lives may not be easily recalled or understood in the present life, and that traces of these lives eventually fade.

Mystik som "medicin" (Mysticism as "Medicine")

This piece discusses the reactions to Ruth Dahlén's mystical experiences, which were shared through radio and television programs. The article presents letters from listeners who found her accounts inspiring, comforting, and even healing. Some viewers and listeners drew parallels to other spiritual traditions or figures like Martinus. The article also includes a personal account of a profound cosmic experience, described as a 'cosmic carousel' or 'swinging with God', which brought a sense of unity and clarity.

Doktor Jonás, astrolog (Doctor Jonas, Astrologer)

Vlado Zila interviews Dr. Eugen Jonás, a Slovakian physician and psychiatrist who uses astrology for medical purposes, particularly in gynecology and fertility regulation. Dr. Jonás claims a high success rate with his method, which is based on cosmic radiation and celestial bodies' influence on women's reproductive cycles. The article notes the controversy surrounding his work within the medical community but also mentions growing interest and support from some scientific circles and international bodies.

Vägen till hälsa V (The Path to Health V)

Henning Karström's article discusses the benefits of a vegetarian diet, citing a publication from the American Medical Association that suggests a link between meat consumption, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. The article highlights research indicating that vegetarian diets can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and blood clots. It also mentions the role of pectin and other plant-based factors in lowering cholesterol levels.

SM: Möjligheter (SM: Opportunities)

This short section is a brief mention of 'SM: Opportunities', likely a recurring segment or topic within the magazine.

Den store naturläkarens testamente (The Great Natural Healer's Testament)

This section promotes a book by Hjalmar Löfgren, described as a natural healer who mastered various healing methods including chiropractic, homeopathy, yoga, and herbalism. The book, 'Orsak och Verkan' (Cause and Effect), is presented as a comprehensive guide to natural treatments for common ailments.

Vart styr vår jord? (Where Is Our Earth Heading?)

This is a promotion for Elisabeth Ståhlgren's book 'Tolkning av Johannes' Uppenbarelse' (Interpretation of the Book of Revelation). The book reportedly interprets the Book of Revelation in light of current environmental issues, materialism, and the threat of nuclear weapons, offering a message of hope and a call for a new way of living.

Reformförlaget (Reform Publishing House)

This is an advertisement for Reformförlaget, offering a book gift with the purchase of other specified books. The promoted book, 'Det vitala problemet' (The Vital Problem) by Alb. Svensson, is described as offering profound insights into practical and spiritual life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative health practices, and critical examination of established societal and religious norms. There's a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or religious paradigms, such as biodynamic farming, past-life memories, mysticism, and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to question and explore different perspectives on life, health, and the universe. The publication seems to cater to an audience interested in holistic living, spiritual growth, and unconventional knowledge.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 10
Volume/Year: 1970
Date: October 1970
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Introduction: "Möjligheter" (Opportunities) by Sven Magnusson

Sven Magnusson, the editor, opens the issue with a reflection on the human condition, acknowledging the inevitability of death, and the presence of suffering, disappointment, and loneliness in life. He posits that these difficult aspects of existence underscore the importance of seeking truth and directing attention towards phenomena that suggest a larger, meaningful context. Magnusson advocates for a balanced approach, urging readers to maintain a cool head while exploring these profound questions, avoiding emotional overindulgence.

He addresses potential criticisms from readers, some of whom suggest he should refrain from criticism and accept all beliefs, while others encourage a more rigorous vetting of the material presented. Magnusson clarifies his editorial policy: he never stamps his content with a seal of truth, but rather submits everything to the reader's own judgment. He views listening to those with interesting insights not as gullibility, but as an openness to diverse perspectives.

The core of the magazine, as Magnusson explains, deals with "opportunities." He acknowledges the difficulty in definitively establishing facts and advises readers to remain both open-minded and critical when confronting problems. While he might not select articles published in earlier volumes for current publication, his underlying principle has always been that the written word should be judged by the reader and be of interest to them, rather than being passively accepted.

Magnusson believes that everything mentioned in the magazine is possible but not necessarily true, and the challenge lies in distinguishing between the two. He describes the magazine's pursuit as an attempt to peer beyond the veil of the unknown and expand the boundaries of what is knowable. His advice to readers is to use their reason.

He explains his selection process for articles, which involves critically reviewing a large volume of foreign literature (over 150 periodicals) on relevant topics. He personally selects about twenty journals for subscription annually and then chooses a select number of articles from these, guided by his sense of quality. For Magnusson, "quality" in this context means a high intellectual level, significant content rather than triviality, good linguistic and journalistic standards, and proper citation of sources where applicable. He aims to create a cultural magazine, acknowledging his own limitations as a writer but emphasizing that Sökaren is intended to offer its merits rather than be judged solely on its flaws.

Personal Reflection: "Dina Spar..." (Your Savings...) (Continued from page 13)

This section delves into a personal, almost mystical experience. The narrator describes moving through a reflective surface, possibly a "force field," into a different space, likening it to passing through a mirror or entering an elevator. The experience leaves a lasting impression, prompting existential questions about memory and the nature of existence.

The narrator addresses the reader directly, asserting their inherent immortality and the certainty of this knowledge, which would be undeniable if the reader could recall past lives. The concept of death is reframed as merely a "somewhat boring door" to a continuation of existence. The narrator expresses a belief in past lives, stating that the reader has lived countless times before.

The text posits that the universe is filled with "eternal PSI-energy" or "God's own spirit," which permeates all of creation. Humans are described as condensations of this energy, and souls in the most distant parts of the universe are seen as kindred spirits, sparks within a cosmic consciousness.

The narrator asserts that humans are cosmic beings and that Earth is merely one stop in a vast journey. Drawing a parallel to a biblical quote about "many rooms in my Father's house," the text suggests the existence of billions of life-bearing planets, each with suitable "costumes" or bodies for inhabitants. The narrator acknowledges the human tendency to identify strongly with their physical form and the material world, which can block the perception of deeper truths.

The piece concludes with a reflection on the transient nature of our current existence. While the universe continues and time progresses, our individual traces will eventually fade, implying a cyclical or eternal process of existence beyond our current comprehension.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren strongly emphasizes the theme of seeking truth and understanding the deeper meaning of existence. The editorial stance, as articulated by Sven Magnusson, is one of critical inquiry combined with an open mind. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring possibilities and challenging conventional perceptions, rather than presenting dogmatic assertions. Recurring themes include the nature of consciousness, the possibility of past lives, the vastness of the cosmos, and the human struggle with mortality and suffering. The publication aims to be a cultural resource that stimulates intellectual engagement and offers a unique perspective on life's profound questions.