Sokaren - 1971 No 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor), dated Nr 4 1971, features a prominent article on the Sufi movement in the West and its founder, Inayat Khan, authored by Anna-Greta Ångström. The magazine also includes articles on Bhaktiyoga by Walther Eidlitz, the cosmology of Martinus, and an investigation into a UFO sighting in Anten, Sweden. Other topics include parapsychology, the concept of a new world religion, and telepathy.

Sufi-rörelsen i Västerlandet och dess Grundare

Anna-Greta Ångström details the life and mission of Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927), who left India in 1910 to bring Sufi teachings to the West. Inayat Khan, a gifted musician, felt a calling to spread a message of spiritual freedom and unity, believing that dogmas and divisions obscured the fundamental truth of the One. He saw the divine voice within every person's heart and advocated for seeking God within oneself. His journey began in America, followed by extensive tours in Europe, where he established the Sufi Movement and the Sufi Order. The article highlights his emphasis on love, harmony, and beauty as guiding principles for life. It also mentions the establishment of the Sufi Summer School and the 'Universal Temple' in Katwijk aan Zee, Holland.

Bhaktiyoga

Walther Eidlitz explains Bhaktiyoga, the path of devotion in Hinduism. He references the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing that the divine word is inseparable from God. The article describes the cyclical nature of creation and dissolution in Hindu cosmology, with Brahma as the creator and Shiva as the dissolver, all under the ultimate power of the Supreme Being. Bhakti is defined as loving service to God, a divine power that enables one to know and serve the Divine. It is not merely emotional but a profound connection initiated by God, preparing the heart for divine reception. The text also touches upon the concept of the Atman (individual soul) and its relationship with Brahman (the formless Absolute) and Bhagavan (the personal God).

Martinus's Cosmology

An article by Svend-Age Rossen, based on the writings of Martinus Thomsen (Martinus), presents his worldview. Martinus posits that the universe is a living organism without spatial or temporal limitations. He views physical laws as part of larger life principles and sees God as an ever-present factor in all beings. Humans are described as organs or cells within this divine organism, guided by cosmic laws that promote universal well-being. The concept of free will is central, balanced by the law of karma (destiny), which ensures that actions have consequences without being punitive. The article also touches upon the idea of the individual's cosmic structure, emphasizing the eternal nature of the 'I' or 'Self' beyond the physical body and psyche.

UFO Incident in Anten, Sweden

This section investigates a UFO sighting and subsequent ground traces near Enebacken, Anten, Sweden, on the night of August 29-30, 1970. Witnesses reported seeing a round, red object with beams of light. The following day, three circular, burnt imprints were found in the grass. The police initially blamed two local boys, a theory questioned by the investigating group G.I.C.O.F.F. Analysis of soil samples revealed a weak gamma activity, not present in control samples. The article discusses potential explanations, including the possibility of a hot air balloon experiment, but also explores the theory of 'ion propulsion' for UFOs, drawing parallels with Adamski's descriptions and Ivan Troëng's experiments with 'ion flyers'. The possibility of radioactive traces from UFO activity is also considered.

Parapsychology and the Afterlife

Dr. Nils-Olof Jacobson's book "Liv efter döden?" (Life After Death?) is reviewed. Jacobson, a psychiatrist, examines various parapsychological phenomena, including mediumship, out-of-body experiences, and alleged reincarnation, in relation to the problem of death. The reviewer, while commending Jacobson's work for its seriousness and clarity, expresses some reservations about interpreting certain phenomena solely as evidence for survival after death, suggesting that alternative explanations might exist. The review highlights Jacobson's balanced approach, acknowledging the material's potential to support a belief in survival while not definitively proving it.

The Concept of a New World Religion

Bernhard Hegardt discusses the possibility of a new world religion emerging, prompted by global crises and the perceived decline of existing religions. He notes that scientific advancements, particularly in physics, have led some scientists to consider Eastern philosophies and mystical concepts. The article suggests that a future world religion might originate in Asia and be characterized by knowledge and meditation rather than blind dogma. It also touches upon the idea of 'rationalist mysticism' and the potential for a shift towards a more intuitive and spiritual worldview.

Telepathy

A brief mention is made of a course on telepathy, presented as a natural ability that can be learned and developed, not a supernatural phenomenon. The course promises to teach individuals how to use their innate capacity for thought communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Läkaren" consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, spirituality, and the unexplained. This issue demonstrates a clear interest in Eastern philosophies (Sufism, Bhaktiyoga), alternative cosmologies (Martinus), and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding (UFOs, parapsychology). The editorial stance appears open-minded, encouraging critical inquiry into these subjects while maintaining a degree of skepticism and seeking rational explanations. There is a recurring theme of seeking deeper meaning and spiritual understanding in a rapidly changing world, with a particular focus on the inner life and personal transformation.

Title: SM
Issue: 4
Volume: 8
Year: 1971
Publisher: Sveriges Medicinska Studentförbund
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of SM, dated 1971, features a prominent article on pornography, alongside other diverse topics including the Sufi movement, Indian yoga, and UFOs.

Pornografin (Pornography)

The main article, "Pornografin," addresses pornography as a contemporary phenomenon that is spreading and intensifying. The author posits that pornography brutalizes the life-sustaining principle of humanity through text, image, and speech, distorting the natural experience of love and intimacy by replacing tenderness and care with crudeness and vulgarity.

The article suggests that pornography is not likely to disappear soon and questions how society should confront it. It acknowledges that sexuality is a shared human experience, driven by natural curiosity and longing. However, it criticizes pornography for falsifying this natural part of life's experience.

Despite the potentially offensive nature of pornography, the author advocates for a degree of understanding and empathy, suggesting that those who do not accept it as a legitimate part of society need not feel hurt or humiliated. A potential approach is to reframe the negative associations with explicit content by connecting them with positive emotions, thereby "disarming" pornography.

The author explores the question of whether pornography is mentally unhealthy, noting that some believe it can be useful. For the author, the only true benefit lies in developing one's emotional life, fostering greater humaneness and love, and understanding the drives associated with reproduction. The article emphasizes the importance of correctly understanding and fulfilling the desires driven by sexual instincts.

Furthermore, the article touches upon natural modesty in sexual matters, suggesting it serves a protective function, especially for women. It argues against fighting this modesty, stating that doing so would be a violation of one's true nature. The author finds it difficult to tolerate the calls for sexually irresponsible behavior often found in pornography, such as depicting adultery as mere pleasure or promiscuity as innocent play. A significant danger highlighted is the way pornography glosses over the consequences of sexual irresponsibility, like venereal diseases and unwanted pregnancies, thereby creating a false reality that influences people towards immoral conduct.

The author concludes that while not prepared to be tolerant of pornography, they find it right that it should be combated. However, as long as it exists, it should be viewed with understanding.

Other Articles

Beyond the main focus on pornography, the issue includes several other articles:

• "Sufi-rörelsen i västerlandet" (The Sufi Movement in the West) by Anna-Greta Ångström.
• "Den indiska bhaktiyogan" (The Indian Bhakti Yoga) by Walther Eidlitz.
• "Livets gåta" (The Riddle of Life) by Svend-Åge Rossen.
• "En ny världsreligion" (A New World Religion) by Bernhard Hegardt.
• "Anten-fallet" (The Anten Fall), a topic discussed on page 10.
• "Är tefaten jonflygare?" (Are Flying Saucers Ion Flyers?) by Ivan Troëng, exploring the possibility of UFOs being related to ion propulsion.

Subscription and Advertising Information

The issue also provides subscription prices for Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, as well as for Finland. Advertising prices are listed, including rates for full-page, half-page, quarter-page, and small ads. Copyright is reserved by the respective authors. The magazine was printed by Ljusdals Tryck AB in Ljusdal in 1971.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SM appear to be a critical examination of societal issues (pornography), explorations of spiritual and philosophical concepts (Sufism, yoga, the riddle of life, new world religions), and engagement with contemporary mysteries (UFOs). The editorial stance, particularly regarding pornography, is one of critical engagement and a call for understanding rather than outright condemnation, while still advocating for its eventual combating. The magazine seems to aim at providing its readers with diverse perspectives on social, spiritual, and even scientific or pseudoscientific topics relevant to the time.