Sokaren - 1971 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 2
Volume: 1971
Date: February 1971
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 3:- SEK (including VAT)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated February 1971, explores a diverse range of topics including Buddhist philosophy, UFO phenomena, and psychokinesis. The cover prominently features the headline "Den BUDDHISTISKA livsinställningen" (The Buddhist attitude to life), accompanied by an image of Buddha and a quote attributed to him: "Jag är fri genom att törsten släckts." (I am free because the thirst has been quenched).

The Buddhist Attitude to Life

The main article, written by Rune E. A. Johansson, delves into the core principles of Buddhism. It highlights that Buddhism is an ancient religion, approximately 2500 years old, which has spread across Asia and evolved into various forms. Johansson focuses on the early teachings, presenting a simplified autobiographical account attributed to Buddha. This account describes Buddha's early life as a layman enjoying worldly pleasures before realizing the impermanence and dangers of desires. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from overcoming this 'thirst' and achieving inner peace, not through external salvation but through personal effort and understanding.

The article stresses that Buddhism is based on knowledge and personal verification, appealing to both intellect and compassion. It advocates for a middle way, characterized by simplicity and detachment, rather than asceticism. The path to inner freedom involves controlling desires, overcoming egoism, anger, and greed, and cultivating moral conduct and mindfulness. The text also touches upon the concept of reincarnation and the cyclical nature of suffering driven by desire.

Amita Nisatta, a Swedish Buddhist nun, contributes a piece titled "LIVETS SYFTE" (The Purpose of Life), which reiterates that Buddhism is founded on knowledge, not faith. It calls for compassion, kindness, and helpfulness towards all beings, urging individuals to make the world a better place through their actions and words.

UFOs: Credibility of Witnesses and Phenomena

Another significant section of the magazine addresses UFO phenomena, featuring an article titled "EN PSYKIATER BERTHOLD ERIC SCHWARZ TALAR MED UFO-VITTNEN OCH FINNER DEM TROVÄRDIGA" (A Psychiatrist Berthold Eric Schwarz Talks to UFO Witnesses and Finds Them Credible). The article discusses a study by psychiatrist Berthold Eric Schwarz, published in Medical Times, which examines the credibility of UFO witnesses from a psychiatric perspective. Schwarz, with twelve years of experience, found no instances of UFO-related delusions among his patients. He presents four cases where the main witnesses were psychologically examined and found to be credible.

These cases include:

1. Benjamin Thompson: A policeman who witnessed a large, luminous object that caused temporary blindness and engine failure in his car.
2. Jerry H. Simons: A 22-year-old man whose car's engine and electrical systems failed while a luminous object followed him.
3. Robert Martz: A former electrician who observed a large, fiery object that caused his car's engine to stop.
4. Betty Jean Klem and others: A group who witnessed a UFO, and later, strange footprints and a clear, colorless liquid were found at the site. Betty Jean Klem, a 16-year-old, was particularly distressed and described a dark, formless being.

The article also cites Professor J. Allen Hynek, who noted that UFO reports are more common in rural areas and that witnesses are often respected members of their communities, making it unlikely they would fabricate stories for publicity.

Furthermore, the magazine highlights the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)'s recommendation for renewed scientific study of UFO phenomena, citing a significant percentage of unexplained cases with high credibility. The AIAA researchers question the Condon Report's conclusions and the assertion that extraterrestrial visits are impossible in the near future.

Psychokinesis and the Nature of Consciousness

The issue also features an article titled "FÖRSÖK MED PSYKOKINESI" (Experiments with Psychokinesis) by Nils-Olof Jacobson. This article defines psychokinesis (PK) as the influence of the mind on physical objects without known physical means. It discusses spontaneous PK phenomena like poltergeists and laboratory studies, including experiments with dice and levitation. The article mentions the work of researchers like Håkon Forwald and K. Batcheldor, who suggest that PK can be achieved through practice and a calm, expectant mental attitude.

Jacobson recounts experiments involving a group attempting to levitate a table, which resulted in violent movements and even the table lifting several feet off the ground. He also describes an experiment where a lamp could be turned on and off by command, and even answer questions. The article suggests that these phenomena can be explained by human behavior rather than supernatural entities.

Another piece, "EN SPIRITUALISTISK VÄRLDSBILD" (A Spiritualist Worldview), explores the nature of consciousness and the self ('jaget'). It posits that the self is an independent, immaterial entity, distinct from the physical body, and that its existence is not dependent on the body. The article discusses concepts like astral projection and reincarnation, suggesting that the self is timeless and rum-less, and that the material world is a manifestation of a universal consciousness or 'God'.

Other Articles and Features

"NÅGRA TANKAR OM DÖDEN" (Some Thoughts on Death) by Alf Ahlberg, discusses the societal taboo surrounding death and argues that confronting mortality can enhance the appreciation of life. He explores the experience of dying, suggesting it is often not painful and can be accompanied by a sense of peace.

Thor-Leif Dahnielson contributes an article defending George Adamski, a controversial UFO contactee, arguing that Adamski's claims about UFOs and extraterrestrial life were accurate, citing photographic evidence and scientific confirmations that emerged later. Dahnielson highlights Adamski's descriptions of the Moon's atmosphere, surface features, and potential for life, which were later corroborated by space missions.

Letters to the Editor and Book Reviews are also included, covering topics such as Finnish UFO reports, Rosicrucian teachings, and books on future possibilities and the historical Jesus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and societal norms, including UFOs, parapsychology, and alternative spiritual beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on personal experience, witness testimony, and the potential for a deeper understanding of reality beyond material explanations. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to consider possibilities that lie outside mainstream discourse. The articles often advocate for a more profound, spiritual, or consciousness-based understanding of life, the universe, and humanity's place within it.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 2, Årgång 80
Date: 1971 (February)
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: SM: NYCKELN (SM: THE KEY)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated February 1971, centers on the theme that 'love' is the fundamental key to building better societies. The editorial and several articles explore the detrimental effects of egoism and advocate for a societal shift towards empathy, care, and responsibility.

The Egoism vs. Love Debate

The main article posits that high cultures can only be created in conjunction with the principle of love. It argues that current Western societies are characterized by a dominant egoistic principle, leading to numerous negative phenomena such as harmful drugs, factory farming, environmental pollution, violence, and pornography. The author contends that these issues stem from a lack of understanding of facts rooted in egoism. The solution proposed is 'nästakärlek' (love for one's neighbor), which encompasses care, consideration, responsibility, and helpfulness. This principle, if adopted, would naturally eliminate the harmful consequences of egoism.

The article further discusses the increasing brutality in society, stating that it cannot be solved by police actions or social reforms alone. Instead, it attributes this trend to the prevailing societal spirit, influenced by mass media and schools, which creates a cold and uncaring atmosphere. The author laments the lack of genuine concepts of good ideals and ethical thinking, questioning where kindness, love, and wisdom can be found in contemporary life.

Pornography and Violence

A significant concern raised is the potential link between pornography and the increase in violence and insensitivity. The author suggests that when immature minds are exposed to the coarseness and audacity promoted by mass media, it can negatively influence their behavior, thinking, and societal attitudes.

Regulating Media Content

To foster a better mentality, the article suggests that natural demands for freedom must be balanced. It advocates for prohibiting corrupting sexual fantasies in text and images, as well as the glorification of violence or war in mass media, drawing a parallel to the need to prohibit violence.

Freedom and Higher Principles

The author asserts that freedom is not an absolute, inviolable principle, especially when it conflicts with higher principles such as consideration and responsibility. This perspective suggests a need for ethical boundaries in the exercise of freedom.

Historical and Spiritual Perspectives

The issue references Jesus of Nazareth as an ethical pioneer who advocated for loving one's neighbor 2,000 years ago. It notes that many great religious figures, both before and after Jesus, have strongly promoted the idea of neighborly love as the foundation for good community.

Despite the challenges, the article expresses optimism about humanity's development, describing it as a clearly upward curve with many examples of higher spiritual and ethical life. It believes that people can react positively to good impulses and, with strong support for high ideals, can form good societies where individuals can live healthy and meaningful lives.

Featured Articles

• Rune E. A. Johansson: Discusses the Buddhist view of life, highlighting its emphasis on compassion and detachment.
• Alf Ahlberg: Presents a case study involving a psychiatrist named Schwarz, exploring psychological aspects.
• Birger Qvarnström: Details the 'Rosenheimfallet' (Rosenheim Case), likely a UFO or paranormal incident.
• Nils-Olof Jacobson: Explores attempts at psychokinesis, examining the phenomenon and its potential.
• Thor-Leif Dahnielson: Discusses whether Adamski's claims about flying saucers were true and presents a spiritualist worldview.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the transformative power of love and empathy in society, contrasting it with the destructive nature of egoism. The magazine advocates for a more ethical and responsible approach to media content and personal behavior, suggesting that a spiritual and humanistic perspective is crucial for societal progress. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of promoting higher ideals and fostering a more caring and less violent society, grounded in principles of neighborly love and ethical responsibility.