Sokaren - 1971 No 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated June 1971, is a Swedish publication focusing on spiritual, philosophical, and alternative topics. The cover story, "FÖRSÖKSDJURENS FÖRSVARSADVOKATER" (The Defense Lawyers for Experimental Animals) by Agne Windmark, highlights the work of Ellen and Johan Börtz in advocating for animal rights and against vivisection.

Animal Rights Advocacy

The article details the decades-long efforts of Ellen and Johan Börtz, who through the "Nordiska Samfundet" (Nordic Society), have worked to create public opinion against animal experimentation. It describes their background, their shared values rooted in deep Christianity and a desire for truth, and their commitment to educating the public about the suffering of animals. The piece emphasizes the need to see animals as fellow beings for whom humans have responsibility, not as mere "things" to be exploited. The Börtz couple's work is characterized by thorough research and reasoned arguments, which has attracted support from scientists and doctors. The establishment of the "Nordiska Samfundets Stiftelse för vetenskaplig forskning utan djurförsök" (Nordic Society's Foundation for Scientific Research Without Animal Experiments) in 1963 is noted as a significant step, with a fund already accumulating substantial resources for research that avoids animal testing. The article quotes legal expert Carl M. Elwing, who stresses the importance of public education and a radical shift in attitudes towards vivisection, questioning the necessity and ethical justification of causing animal suffering for human benefit.

The Question of Jesus' Existence

Another significant article, "HAR JESUS LEVAT?" (Did Jesus Live?), by Professor G. A. Wells, challenges the historical existence of Jesus. Wells argues that the earliest Christian writings, particularly the letters of Paul, show a remarkable ignorance of the biographical details found in the later Gospels. He points out that Paul rarely mentions Jesus' life events, miracles, or teachings, focusing instead on the death and resurrection. Wells suggests that the biographical details were likely added later as myths to support Christian beliefs. He examines the silence of contemporary non-Christian sources like Tacitus, Josephus, and Philo of Alexandria, arguing that if Jesus had been the historical figure described in the Gospels, these writers would have mentioned him. Wells concludes that the Jesus of the Gospels may be a composite figure, a product of religious expectations and mythological narratives of the time, and that Paul's letters represent the true foundation of Christianity, focusing on an abstract concept of a savior rather than a historical person.

Psychic Phenomena and Mental Illness

"MEDIUMLIKNANDE FENOMEN HOS MENTALPATIENTER" (Medium-like Phenomena in Mental Patients) by Bo Johnson, a psychiatrist, explores the similarities between experiences reported by mental patients and those claimed by spiritualist mediums. Johnson notes that patients suffering from schizophrenia often report hearing voices, which they attribute to spirits. He discusses how these voices can influence behavior and how the patients perceive these entities as superior beings. While scientific tests for paranormal abilities have yielded no positive results, Johnson suggests that the patients' experiences, though often negative, may stem from their own psychological states. He contrasts this with mediums, who, in his experience, are not typically mentally ill and often possess strong personalities. Johnson posits that the experiences of mental patients are rooted in their own psychological processes and are not indicative of genuine paranormal contact, but rather a manifestation of their internal struggles and a lack of effective psychological defense mechanisms.

Jiddu Krishnamurti's Philosophy

"Krishnamurti" by Agne Windmark introduces the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti, an influential spiritual thinker. The article highlights Krishnamurti's rejection of organized religion and his emphasis on self-discovery and direct experience. It discusses his departure from the Theosophical Society and his subsequent independent path of teaching. Krishnamurti's core message is that truth is a pathless land, and one cannot approach it through any religion, sect, or dogma. He advocates for a state of total awareness and freedom from conditioning, encouraging individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. The article contrasts Krishnamurti's approach to meditation with other methods, emphasizing that true meditation is a state of being, not a technique. His book "Freedom from the Known" is presented as a compilation of his most significant teachings.

Critique of the Condon Report

"EN FRÅGA OM INTEGRITET" (A Question of Integrity) by Charles Harvard Gibbs-Smith critically examines the Condon Report on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The article alleges that the report's integrity was compromised from its inception due to a memorandum written by Robert J. Low, which outlined a strategy to downplay evidence and focus on the psychological aspects of UFO witnesses. Gibbs-Smith argues that this memorandum reveals a predetermined intention to produce a skeptical outcome, regardless of the evidence. The author criticizes the University of Colorado and the scientific community for not adequately addressing the ethical implications of this approach, suggesting a lack of scientific integrity in the handling of the UFO phenomenon.

Psychic Surgery and Other Topics

The issue also includes a report on the death of the renowned Brazilian psychic surgeon José Arigo, who was known for performing operations with simple instruments and without anesthesia, claiming to be a channel for a German surgeon named Dr. Adolfo Fritz. The article notes that Arigo's methods were studied by scientists, though his practice was often legally challenged. Additionally, there are shorter pieces on "LEVNADSKONST" (The Art of Living), featuring reflections from various individuals on how to live a meaningful life, and a discussion on Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of "Nibbana" (Nirvana), and its interpretation in contrast to Western religious ideas. The magazine also features a section on book reviews and contact advertisements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of questioning established beliefs, seeking deeper truths, and advocating for marginalized or misunderstood subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to examine conventional wisdom in areas ranging from animal welfare and religious history to the nature of consciousness and the scientific study of unexplained phenomena. There is a clear openness to alternative perspectives and a willingness to challenge orthodox views, particularly in science and religion. The magazine promotes a holistic approach to life, encompassing spiritual, philosophical, and ethical considerations, and encourages personal growth and a critical engagement with the world.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 6
Volume: Årgång 8
Date: 1971

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in 1971, delves into profound spiritual and philosophical themes, with a particular focus on the nature of the divine and the concept of a universal consciousness.

The Divine as Universal Substance

The lead article posits that the divine is not a personal deity but rather 'Ande' (Spirit), the fundamental substance of the universe and the inner essence of all living things. It asserts that all gods are born from the human mind and have no connection to living beings. This divine 'Ande' is described as the source of creation, the ground of all matter, and the universal nature that manifests in various forms across different levels of clarity and existence, from microscopic beings to higher entities.

The article suggests that our spiritual selves are fragments of this divine being, sparks of the World Being. It advocates for a new religion that worships 'that which Is,' emphasizing love for the living, akin to the path of Buddha, who abstained from speaking about ultimate matters.

The Nature of the Soul and Identity

The text emphasizes the immortality of the soul, stating that its deepest being is without beginning or end. It introduces the concept of an 'identity doctrine' of Hindu origin as the religion of the future. This doctrine centers on worshipping our common center, the 'I' within us, which is identified as God, Reality, Truth, and an omnipotent substance with manifold 'eyes' observing the world of senses that exists within 'Ande'.

Critique of Traditional Theology

The author expresses a critical view of traditional theology, calling it a form of poor judgment. However, for those who doubt that the spiritual essence of our being is one with the World Soul, even the identity doctrine might be dismissed as mere theology and metaphysics.

Knowledge and Belief

The magazine acknowledges that humanity has no complete knowledge of the life of the World Spirit. It reiterates that 'Ande,' the Spirit that is the 'I' and the Inner Self in all living beings and forms, is what should be worshipped. The core tenet is "Tat twam asi" – "I am you, you are this, we are all in the same being." This philosophy, in its ultimate consequence, leads to infinite love, paradise, and community.

The publication advises against speculating about ultimate matters, reincarnation, or karma, and questions the 'goodness' of God. It suggests that most religions created by humanity have involved worship of external, otherworldly concepts, and the alignment of these ideas with reality is uncertain. The current stance is to accept a 'zero point,' where one does not 'believe' but perceives their existence as a form and as 'Ande,' the universal substance and nature of Being.

Personal Experience and Understanding

The author states that the writings are mere suggestions, not attempts at convincing arguments. These ideas require personal immersion and independent understanding, not just passive reading.

The Religion of the Future

The article concludes that the 'worship' of 'Ande,' that which Is, is the religion of the future. This idea can be shaped individually according to each person's capacity for understanding.

Contents and Contributors

The issue features several articles by various authors:

• Agne Windmark contributes "Försöksdjurens försvarsadvokater" (Defenders of Experimental Animals) and "'Sinnet' i den buddistiska begreppsvärlden" ('The Mind' in the Buddhist Conceptual World), and "Har Jesus levat?" (Did Jesus Live?).
• Bo Johnson writes about "Mediumliknande fenomen hos mentalpatienter" (Medium-like Phenomena in Mental Patients).
• Karl Christiansen discusses "J. Krishnamurti, talesman för andlig frihet" (J. Krishnamurti, Spokesman for Spiritual Freedom).
• Charles Harvard Gibbs-Smith offers insights on "En fråga om integritet" (A Question of Integrity) and "Levnadskonst" (The Art of Living).
• A brief mention is made of "José Arigo död" (José Arigo Dead).

Subscription and Advertising Information

The magazine provides subscription prices: 29:00 SEK for a full year (10 issues) and 15:25 SEK for a half year. Special arrangements are noted for subscribers in Norway, Denmark, and Finland, with corresponding prices in their local currencies or via postgiro. Advertising rates are also listed, with prices for full-page, half-page, and small advertisements based on centimeters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spirituality, the nature of consciousness, the divine as an immanent universal force rather than a transcendent deity, and the exploration of alternative belief systems and phenomena such as mediumship and Eastern philosophies. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into established religious doctrines, advocating for a more personal and experiential approach to spirituality centered on love and the recognition of a universal interconnectedness.