Sokaren - 1972 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 2 1972
Date: February 1972
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 3:25 including tax

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated February 1972, delves into several intriguing topics at the intersection of science, the paranormal, and human potential. The main cover headline, "ÅTERFÖDELSE?" (Reincarnation?), sets the tone for a significant portion of the content, which explores the concept of past lives and the research surrounding it. The magazine also features articles on psychic surgery, UFO sightings, and the phenomenon of child prodigies, reflecting a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and human capabilities.

Reinkarnationsforskning (Reincarnation Research)

The lead article focuses on the pioneering work of Professor Ian Stevenson from the University of Virginia. Stevenson is presented as a leading authority in parapsychology, particularly in the field of reincarnation. His seminal work, "Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation," published in 1966, is highlighted as a thorough and factual examination of cases pointing towards reincarnation. Despite its depth, the book has not achieved widespread distribution, being primarily read by those with a strong interest in parapsychology. The article notes that while Stevenson cannot definitively prove that humans survive death and return in new bodies, the collected facts provide significant evidence for the reincarnation theory. The central question posed is whether humans live more than once, a question deemed more significant than almost any other scientific inquiry.

By 1966, Stevenson was aware of approximately 600 reincarnation-type cases worldwide, having personally investigated around 200 with his colleagues. This number has since risen to over a thousand. The selection of the 20 cases in his book was not based on choosing the most dramatic examples, but rather on creating a representative sample. Consequently, not all cases are equally detailed or well-confirmed, though Stevenson has studied many other equally strong cases.

Claims of past lives are most prevalent in environments where reincarnation is a common belief, such as Southeast Asia (India, Ceylon, Thailand, Burma), Western Asia (Turkey, Syria, Lebanon), Europe, and Brazil. Of the 20 cases discussed in the book, seven are from India, three from Ceylon, two from Brazil, seven from Alaska, and one from Lebanon. The article acknowledges the environmental influence argument but suggests that Stevenson's findings indicate a paranormal element in many cases.

Stevenson's methodology involves studying cases as close to their onset as possible, interviewing multiple witnesses, and conducting follow-up interviews. He emphasizes the importance of the researcher's skill in interviewing and the need to account for potential unreliability in witnesses' memories or interpretations. He notes that discrepancies in witness accounts occur in about 10% of cases, which he considers a low percentage that increases overall confidence in the data.

Key aspects of these cases include the child's strong identification with the previous personality, emotional attachments to the past family, and sometimes a denial of their current identity. The behavior of the child often matches descriptions of the deceased person. Stevenson's analysis dismisses simple explanations like fraud or cryptomnesia (hidden memories) for most cases, as there is often no discernible motive for deception, and the children's knowledge goes beyond what they could have naturally acquired. He also considers extrasensory perception (ESP) in conjunction with identification, but finds it insufficient to explain the full scope of the phenomena, particularly the complete personality changes observed in some instances. He ultimately finds the reincarnation hypothesis to be the most plausible explanation, though he stresses that it remains a hypothesis, not a proven fact.

Case Study: Gnanatilleka

One of Stevenson's 20 cases involves Gnanatilleka Baddewithana from Ceylon, born in 1956. At age two, she began making specific claims about a previous life, including details about her former family members and the location of her previous home in Talawakele. Investigations led to a family in Talawakele who had lost their 12-year-old son, Tillekeratne, in November 1954. Gnanatilleka visited Talawakele and recognized places, including the site of her alleged former home. Stevenson investigated the case in 1961, interviewing Gnanatilleka and members of both families. The families were reportedly unknown to each other prior to the investigation. Stevenson documented 34 key confirmed statements made by Gnanatilleka, which included accurate details about Tillekeratne's life, such as his father being a postman, his brother being bitten by a dog, and the absence of coconuts in Talawakele. She also correctly identified the location of her former home and recognized relatives. The case also noted a gender shift, as Gnanatilleka claimed to have been a boy named Tillekeratne. By 1962, Gnanatilleka had reportedly stopped talking about her past life.

Psychic Surgery: Reality or Bluff?

This section critically examines the phenomenon of 'mediumistic surgery,' particularly focusing on practitioners like José Arigo in Brazil and Tony Agpaoa in the Philippines. While some researchers like Andrija Puharich vouched for Arigo's authenticity, and Professor Ian Stevenson initially believed in the operations he witnessed in the Philippines, later investigations, including those by the German magazine 'Stern,' have cast doubt on their legitimacy. 'Stern' alleged that Tony Agpaoa, a well-known psychic surgeon, used trickery and sleight of hand, with 'tumors' being made of fat tissue or blood clots, and no actual surgical wounds being created. The article mentions that Agpaoa's operations were observed by Professor Hans Bender and Dr. Peter Wartenberg, who found inconsistencies and evidence of deception.

However, the article also presents a counter-perspective from the spiritualist magazine 'Psychic News,' which interviewed Tony Agpaoa. He denied the accusations of fraud, and his assistant, Martha Schafflutzel, a Swiss yoga expert, attested to the authenticity of his healing abilities. 'Psychic News' reported that Agpaoa claimed to receive 15% of patient donations and was training students in psychic surgery, attributing his abilities to a spirit guide.

Two Swedish civil engineers, Leif Olsson and Björn Svedinger, who witnessed Agpaoa's operations in 1970, offered a different view. While initially skeptical, they were impressed by his apparent ability to perform operations without instruments, removing what appeared to be tumors. Olsson found it difficult to believe Agpaoa used trickery, noting his short sleeves and lack of hidden tools. Svedinger himself underwent an 'eye operation' by Agpaoa, reporting improvement. The article includes a quote from Agpaoa explaining his abilities through 'vibrations' and harmony with the universe, negating the need for conventional surgical tools or sterilization.

Despite the conflicting accounts, the article concludes that the phenomenon of psychic surgery remains ambiguous and contradictory, with many believing in its authenticity while others point to evidence of fraud.

Spiritism is Antichrist!

Pastor Stanley Sjöberg of City Pingstförsamling in Stockholm is interviewed about his campaign against spiritism, which he characterizes as a dangerous, antichrist movement. He believes spiritism is spreading and will lead people astray, citing biblical prophecies about the Antichrist. Sjöberg bases his views solely on the Bible, asserting it as a higher authority than science. He argues that spiritism denies fundamental Christian truths like Jesus' atonement and resurrection. He dismisses reincarnation as a harsh and loveless doctrine, contrasting it with the Christian message of grace and forgiveness. Sjöberg also addresses the concept of hell, stating that while it is a severe consequence, it is a biblical truth. He interprets biblical references to figures like John the Baptist being Elijah as symbolic of spiritual influence rather than literal reincarnation. He concludes that the Bible provides the only true path to salvation and a meaningful life.

Kim Ung-yong: The Child Prodigy

This section profiles Kim Ung-yong, an eight-year-old boy from Seoul, South Korea, who possesses an extraordinarily high IQ (measured at 210). He is described as speaking six languages, having advanced knowledge in mathematics, and having achieved university-level academic feats at a very young age. The article highlights his early development, including reading at a young age and appearing on television at age one. His parents, both professors, express concern about raising such exceptionally intelligent children, noting that they have had to move frequently to protect them from attention. The family follows a strict routine, including a vegetarian diet and studying late into the night. The article questions the potential impact of such intense intellectual development on a child's upbringing and social development.

Olle Jönsson: Parapsychological Experiments

Olle Jönsson, a Swedish engineer living in Chicago, is featured for his parapsychological abilities. Known as the "miracle man from Varberg" in Sweden, he claims to have demonstrated telekinesis, moving objects with his mind, including pianos under scientific control. Jönsson asserts that his abilities are genuine and have been tested by numerous scientists. He dismisses claims of fraud, attributing them to a lack of understanding of parapsychology. He also claims to be able to read auras and has a strong belief in a God and the survival of the soul, suggesting a form of reincarnation. Jönsson expresses a desire to return to Sweden in the future. The article mentions a book about him titled "The Psychic Feats of Olof Jonsson" by Brad Steiger.

Book Reviews: "Foreign Book Wandering"

Roland Adlerberth provides a review of several books related to paranormal phenomena and esoteric subjects. He introduces his column as a "friendly skepticism," aiming to explore these topics without outright dismissal or blind acceptance. The books reviewed include:

• "The Legend of Linda Martel" by Charles Graves: A book about a young British girl who, despite her short life, reportedly healed many people. Adlerberth finds it credible and worthy of consideration.
• "Predictions: Fact or Fallacy" by Hans Holzer: Holzer examines future predictors, analyzing their claims with a critical yet open approach, providing insights into the industry of fortune-telling.
• "My Life and Prophecies" by Jeane Dixon: A biographical account of the famous prophetess, which Adlerberth finds too conservative and lacking in fortean interest.
• "Companions of the Unseen" by Paul Tabori: This book profiles eight famous mediums, offering a balanced perspective on their lives and abilities.
• "Such Stuff as Dreams" by Brian Hill: An anthology of dreams from literature and notable individuals, presented as a pleasant read for those interested in the world of dreams.

Adlerberth also briefly mentions other books on alchemy, UFOs, and fairy lore, indicating a wide range of topics covered in his review column.

Eugen Semitjov: UFOs and Parapsychology

Eugen Semitjov, a Swedish journalist and cartoonist known for his work on space exploration, discusses his interest in UFOs and parapsychology. He admits to being fascinated by the subject, regardless of its true nature. Semitjov expresses skepticism towards many UFO claims due to instances of hoax and financial motives. He has spoken with Professor J. Allen Hynek, who, despite initial skepticism, became convinced that UFO phenomena warrant scientific investigation. Semitjov leans towards the hypothesis of interplanetary spacecraft but finds Jacques Vallee's theories too optimistic. He believes that many UFO reports are misinterpretations of natural phenomena or atmospheric effects. He also recounts an encounter with Carl Sagan, who acknowledged the existence of unexplained sightings but cautioned against assuming they are extraterrestrial.

Semitjov also shares the story of Gösta Carlsson, a "pollen king" who claimed to have encountered a "flying saucer" in 1946. Carlsson described a disc-shaped craft with a luminous mast and occupants in white suits. He presented a burnt quartz fragment from the craft. Semitjov visited the site with Carlsson and observed physical evidence, including a scorched circle and affected vegetation. Semitjov finds Carlsson to be a credible witness, noting his lack of sensationalism and the absence of motive for deception.

Varia

This section contains a collection of short articles and news items:

• Kim Ung-yong: A brief mention of the child prodigy Kim Ung-yong, reiterating his exceptional intelligence and early achievements.
• Eat More Honey!: An article discussing the longevity of ancient Britons, attributing it partly to their consumption of honey. It cites historical figures who lived exceptionally long lives, such as Thomas Parr, who lived to 152.
• TM (Transcendental Meditation): A summary of an article from 'Lundagård' magazine about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's TM technique. It highlights TM's purported benefits for stress reduction, increased energy, and overall well-being, citing scientific studies on its physiological effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are the exploration of the unexplained, the boundaries of scientific understanding, and the potential for phenomena beyond conventional explanation. The magazine adopts a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and theories from various perspectives, while also maintaining a degree of critical skepticism, particularly regarding claims of fraud or sensationalism. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific consensus, inviting them to engage with topics like reincarnation, psychic phenomena, and UFOs with an open yet discerning mind. The inclusion of book reviews and personal accounts further reinforces this approach, aiming to inform and provoke thought on subjects often relegated to the fringes of accepted knowledge.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 2
Volume: 9
Date: 1972

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on parapsychology, spirituality, and alternative perspectives, features several key articles and reviews.

Att Tända en Eld by Dénis Lindbohm

Dénis Lindbohm's article, "Att Tända en Eld" (To Light a Fire), delves into the concept of reincarnation and personal responsibility. Lindbohm recounts how his previous writings and a book, "Jagets eld," led to an increase in correspondence and public attention, including an appearance on a TV program. He shares anecdotes of people who claim to remember past lives, citing the name "Kvátur-Glon" as a recurring element that evokes strong recognition in some individuals. Lindbohm posits that these memories, while not direct proof to outsiders, are significant to him as they suggest a shared origin or experience.

He expresses his belief that humanity's worldview will be overturned by future discoveries, positioning himself as a facilitator for others to explore these ideas. Lindbohm acknowledges the mixed reactions to his work, ranging from accusations of being possessed by the devil to comparisons with Buddha and Jesus. He humorously notes his own imperfections, including smoking, drinking, and having written pornography, contrasting this with the spiritual interpretations of his past-life memories.

Lindbohm addresses criticism that he makes reincarnation seem like a cult, clarifying that his intention is not to promote escapism. Instead, he asserts his conviction that he will be reborn and desires a future life filled with joy, not suffering. He poses a direct question to the reader: "Are you prepared to sacrifice everything for the right to freedom and happiness?" He believes that if one is not willing to make such sacrifices, their faith is not firmly grounded.

Responding to a critique that he sounds arrogant and condescending, Lindbohm explains that he finds it abhorrent to leave the world to worldly powers while dreaming of a better afterlife. His experiences have taught him that we live in our incarnations, that the environment is shared, and that everyone has a right to a true life. He emphasizes that the world's condition is everyone's responsibility, and that individual actions, like a single match lighting a forest fire, can have significant impact.

Lindbohm rejects the idea of a solitary path to enlightenment, stating that while individuals are distinct "islands" in spacetime, they are fundamentally connected beneath the surface. He argues that the purpose of individual lives is to serve the greater whole, not just the self. He dismisses the notion of a "higher meaning" being solely for a select few, asserting that if meaning exists for some, it must exist for all, and that meaning is intrinsically linked to justice, which necessitates more than one earthly life.

He concludes by urging readers to act and improve their world, stating that to leave it without improvement is to live a meaningless life. He shares a story about a friend who, after reading his book "Jagets eld," asked, "What do you want me to do?" Lindbohm's response was, "I want you to become one of us and make our world true." This call to action is extended to the reader.

Book Reviews

Framtidschockad? (Future Shocked?)

This section reviews Alvin Toffler's book "Future Shock." The review discusses Toffler's definition of future shock as a psychological and physical suffering caused by overstimulation and the rapid pace of change in modern society. It highlights Toffler's observations on the increasing number of people experiencing this phenomenon and the societal implications. The review notes Toffler's optimism about technological progress but also points out his limited engagement with ecological concerns and population growth.

Den Fantastiske Charles Fort (The Fantastic Charles Fort)

This review introduces Charles Fort, an author born in 1874 who dedicated his life to documenting anomalous phenomena that defied scientific explanation. Fort spent years in libraries, particularly the British Museum, meticulously recording strange occurrences. The review mentions his books, including "New Lands," and his skepticism towards astronomers. It notes the varied opinions on Fort, with some calling him a genius and others a fool. The reviewer emphasizes that Fort's work should not be read superficially and highlights his unconventional theories about the Earth and the cosmos, such as the stars being holes in a shell surrounding the Earth.

Skivor (Records)

This section reviews three records from the Stockholm-based publisher Proprietus. The records feature the chamber choir conducted by Leif Strand, performing with jazz musicians like Arne Domnerus, Bengt Hallberg, and Georg Riedel. The reviewer, admitting to a lack of formal musical expertise, describes the music as a blend of spiritual songs, jazz improvisation, and arrangements of old psalms and folk tunes. The records reviewed are "En skiva" (A Record), "En skiva till" (Another Record), and "Sorgen och glädjen" (Sorrow and Joy). The reviewer praises the quality of the recordings and recommends them to readers, highlighting specific tracks and performances.

Other Content

Other items in the issue include a brief mention of "Kroppsenergiälstraren MWO" demonstrated by H. Schubert, and information on "Haarlemer healing oil" available from Harald Schubert. The magazine also lists its editorial board, subscription prices, and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of consciousness, alternative explanations for reality (such as reincarnation), the impact of societal change, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects beyond mainstream scientific and societal acceptance, encouraging critical thinking and personal responsibility in understanding the world and one's place within it. There is a clear emphasis on the idea that individual actions and beliefs have broader consequences.