Sokaren - 1972 No 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor) from 1972, issue number 1, focuses on the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and psychology, with a prominent article on meditation. The cover features a portrait of Professor Hans Hof, a professor of philosophy and a teacher of meditation, under the headline "MEDITATION ÄR SJÄLENS MEDICIN" (Meditation is the Soul's Medicine).

Meditation: The Soul's Medicine

The main article features an interview with Professor Hans Hof, who explains his approach to meditation, which is largely based on Zen meditation. He describes it as a method to broaden consciousness beyond everyday objects and thoughts, aiming to achieve a state of inner peace and emptiness, similar to Christian contemplative traditions. Hof emphasizes following the breath and body sensations, particularly in the lower abdomen, to achieve this state. He mentions the influence of Jesuit Father Lassalle and the German psychology professor Karlfried von Dürckheim, recommending Dürckheim's book "Hara, Die Erdmitte des Menschen." Hof explains that this method leads to a state where the meditator becomes one with the rhythm of their own breathing, freeing the mind from external objects and leading to an "inner center" of consciousness.

He contrasts his method with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation, noting a formal similarity but emphasizing the goal of transcending object-consciousness and simply 'being'. Hof believes this practice integrates different aspects of one's being, leading to a calmer relationship with the world and a deeper sense of self.

Life After Death and Consciousness

Another significant section explores the concept of life after death through an article by Birgit Lange, referencing Nils-Olof Jacobson's book "Liv efter döden?" and the Danish thinker Martinus Thomsen. The article also details a lecture by Professor H. H. Price from Oxford, given in Bangalore in 1955, titled "Heaven and Hell from the perspective of psychic research." Price's hypothesis suggests that the afterlife might be akin to a dream state, where consciousness continues to exist, shaped by memories and desires. If sensory organs cease to function, one might "dream on" in a world created by their own mind. This could lead to a subjective reality, but Price also considers the role of telepathy, suggesting a shared dream world might be possible, formed by groups of like-minded individuals. He draws parallels to religious traditions and the concept of 'many mansions' in one's Father's house.

Philosophical Debates on God and the Universe

The issue includes discussions on the concept of God and the need for it in understanding the universe. Ingemar Hedenius, a well-known atheist, argues that the 'God hypothesis' has no practical value for scientific interpretation and is an unnecessary and unsuitable idea. He believes scientific explanations, such as chemical processes for the origin of life, are sufficient and that invoking a supernatural creator complicates matters. He dismisses the idea of teleology in evolution, suggesting that if there were a purpose, it was not benevolent given the struggles in nature.

Conversely, Professor Gösta Ehrensvärd, a biochemist, views the universe and life as a result of a 'general plan' orchestrated by a divine 'engineer' or 'artist.' He sees the intricate design of the universe as evidence of a creator and believes humanity was created to appreciate this creation. He describes his view as a form of religious outlook based on gratitude.

Professor Hjalmar Sundén, a professor of religious psychology, acknowledges that natural sciences do not require a concept of God but argues that science does not encompass all of human experience. He believes that choosing a worldview, whether theistic or atheistic, is a personal choice. He rejects the idea that humans created God, stating that the concept of God represents something fundamental that has always existed, though human interpretations of God have evolved. Sundén views God as an incomprehensible 'You' with whom one has a relationship, drawing his understanding of God from the figure of Jesus.

Animal Intelligence and Parapsychology

An article by Sven Rosén explores the possibility of animal intelligence and communication, referencing the experiments of Dr. John C. Lilly with dolphins and earlier experiments with horses, notably "Kloke Hans" by Wilhelm von Osten and Karl Krall. These experiments aimed to establish communication with non-human species and investigate their cognitive abilities. The article also touches upon parapsychological phenomena, including the 'paraffin glove' experiments in Paris and the stigmatization and alleged miracles associated with Padre Pio.

Obituary and Book Reviews

The issue includes an obituary for Professor C. D. Broad, a prominent philosopher and parapsychologist, written by Rolf Ejvegård. It highlights Broad's academic career, his interest in Scandinavian culture, and his significant contributions to philosophy and psychical research. There is also a review of Jörgen Peterzén's book "Magi – Övertro!" (Magic – Superstition!), which examines the history and nature of magic, and a brief mention of a book on Tibetan religion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries between science, spirituality, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, such as meditation, parapsychology, and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance appears open to exploring these topics, presenting various viewpoints from scientists, philosophers, and religious figures, without necessarily endorsing any single perspective. The articles often bridge the gap between empirical research and subjective experience, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of reality may require considering aspects beyond the purely material.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 1
Volume: 9
Date: 1972

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on parapsychology and the unexplained, features a prominent article by Sune Stigsjöö titled "HUR MAN 'AVSLÖJAR' OLOF JÖNSSON" (How to 'Expose' Olof Jönsson). The magazine also includes various other articles, letters to the editor, and book reviews.

Article: How to 'Expose' Olof Jönsson

Sune Stigsjöö addresses the claims made by Erik Truxa and Professor Torbern Laurents regarding Olle Jönsson's parapsychological experiments. Stigsjöö asserts that he has had the most extensive opportunity to form an opinion on Jönsson's phenomena due to years of personal experiments. He criticizes those who attempt to 'debunk' Jönsson, stating they have had only superficial contact with him.

Stigsjöö dismisses Truxa's 'mind-reading' as a technical feat based on a code system, not genuine telepathy. He contrasts this with Professor Laurents' commentary, noting that Laurents conducted successful experiments with Jönsson at the Technical University in the late 1940s. Stigsjöö highlights Laurents' initial positive assessment, including his hope for a docenture at Uppsala University to study Jönsson's experiments. However, Laurents later referred to Jönsson as a 'skilled illusionist,' a change Stigsjöö finds questionable, suggesting Laurents may have altered his views over the decades.

Stigsjöö quotes extensively from Professor Laurents' testimony from a 1949 Vecko-Journalen interview. In this testimony, Laurents describes experiments where Jönsson correctly identified a chosen playing card and predicted the outcome of a dice roll on a sealed envelope, with the results being photographed. Laurents concluded that suggestion was ruled out and that Jönsson claimed clairvoyance and telekinesis. Stigsjöö questions why Laurents, over 20 years later, would propose a 'suggestion hypothesis' as the sole explanation.

Stigsjöö also mentions that Jönsson moved to the USA partly due to 'vile smear campaigns.' He notes that the experiments described by Laurents were conducted in Laurents' own office, using cards and dice provided by Laurents, and were documented through photography and sound recording.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various topics:

• Konstantin Raudive responds to an article about 'Higher speed than light?' in Sökaren nr 5, 1971, clarifying that a statement from the journal Nature likely refers to a distance ('velocity of light radius') rather than speed, and that it was a prediction, not a discovery. He criticizes Sydsvenska Dagbladet for misinterpreting the original text.

• Per-Erik Hedén also comments on the 'Higher speed than light?' article, agreeing with Raudive that it refers to a distance and is a theoretical concept, not an observational result.

• A.B.R. expresses enjoyment of Sökaren and shares personal experiences, including 'out-of-body experiences' and 'lucid dreams.' They wonder if Sökaren could include a page for readers to share their unexplained experiences and seek advice. A.B.R. also references Hugo Gyllander's book from 1905, which mentions a Lapp who could leave his body by inhaling pea steam, and questions if similar experiments are possible today.

• Nils-Olof Jacobson, Sökaren's parapsychological advisor, responds to A.B.R.'s letter. He acknowledges the literature on spontaneous levitation and suggests that the Lapp's experience might involve a trance state induced by pea steam, rather than the soul being 'sucked up.' He emphasizes that such experiences are subjective and difficult to control externally.

• Harald Schubert provides contact information for those interested in 'Haarlemer healing oil.'

Book Reviews and Columns

• "MAGI" (Magic): A review of Jörgen Peterzén's book "Magi," which covers historical and contemporary aspects of magic, rituals, witchcraft, and black masses. The reviewer finds the historical section more readable but criticizes Peterzén's handling of modern phenomena, noting a lack of depth regarding figures like Aleister Crowley and a dismissive attitude towards certain spiritual movements (Christian Science, Theosophy, I-fology) while treating spiritualism more fairly. The reviewer suggests Peterzén's strong negative bias hinders an objective study.

• "MEDIALITET" (Mediumship): A review of Astrid Gilmark's books "Jag hör" (I Hear) and "Seanser" (Séances). The reviewer questions the reliability of a medium's interpretation of their paranormal experiences and notes that even renowned mediums like Eileen Garrett and Leonore Piper had doubts about their own experiences, sometimes attributing them to the subconscious. The reviewer finds Gilmark's dismissal of the 'animistic' interpretation and her certainty about contact with the deceased problematic, suggesting she hasn't fully engaged with the scientific complexities of mediumship.

• "ÄR UNIVERSUM AMORALISKT?" (Is the Universe Amoral?): This section presents an article based on Francis Story's "Buddist-Bulletin," which argues that the universe lacks ethical principles and operates on the laws of desire and self-preservation. The author of the Sökaren article counters this view, suggesting that nature does exhibit signs of ethical principles, such as the limitation of suffering (e.g., the 'faint death reflex') and the body's healing capabilities. The article posits that consciousness is a fundamental part of the universe and possesses ethical concepts, implying the universe is not entirely amoral.

• "GUDSBEGREPPET" (The Concept of God): This piece argues that the complexity of the human brain and the order in the universe point towards a highly intelligent Creator, rather than random chance and selection. It quotes Professor Woltereck's view that the idea of evolution alone creating life's diversity is a 'strange delusion.'

• "KAN HÄSTAR TÄNKA?" (Can Horses Think?): This section lists literature related to the topic of animal intelligence, specifically focusing on the thinking horses of Elberfeld.

• "PSYKISK OCH FYSISK HJÄLP GIVES": An advertisement for a service offering psychic and physical help, with contact details for Kaufmann in Copenhagen.

• "En stor idé": A short poetic piece about the power and nature of a great idea.

• "Vetandet": A philosophical reflection on wisdom, emphasizing that knowledge alone is insufficient and that being human is paramount.

• FRITHJOF HALLMAN: A quote attributed to Frithjof Hallman, likely from a literary work, discussing the importance of human qualities over mere knowledge.

• Book Orders: Listings for books available through Sökaren's mail-order bookstore, including titles by Birgit Lange, Dénis Lindbohm, and others.

• "UFO OCKULTISM ESP": An advertisement for English-language literature on these topics from Edista postorderbokhandel.

• ISABEL COOPER-OAKELY: Listings for books by Isabel Cooper-Oakely and others, with prices and formats.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and materialistic worldviews. Themes include parapsychology (telekinesis, clairvoyance, voice phenomena), mediumship, the nature of consciousness, the existence of a higher intelligence or Creator, and the occult. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and discussing these topics, while also presenting critical perspectives and encouraging reader participation. There is a clear interest in distinguishing genuine paranormal abilities from trickery and illusionism, as exemplified by the lead article on Olof Jönsson.