Sokaren - 1972 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor), dated No. 3, 1972, focuses on the life and thought of Martin Buber, a prominent Jewish mystic and philosopher. The issue also delves into the controversial topic of reincarnation, parapsychology, and UFO sightings, presenting various perspectives and research findings.

Martin Buber: A Jewish Mystic in Our Time

Authored by Alf Ahlberg, this section provides an overview of Martin Buber's life and work. It highlights his unique position among Jewish intellectuals, who often assimilated into broader humanist religious movements, while Buber remained dedicated to the Jewish tradition. He sought to purify it from historical accretions and return it to its essential simplicity, viewing it not as superior to other religions but as a profound spiritual path. Buber's perspective on inter-religious relations is presented, emphasizing that each religion originates from a unique revelation and aims to transcend boundaries, making comparative judgments ultimately meaningless.

Buber's sympathy for Christianity is noted, particularly his view of Jesus as the greatest of Jewish prophets, deeply imbued with the Jewish spirit. Buber famously described Jesus as his "great brother."

The article traces Buber's intellectual journey, from his upbringing in a scholarly home in Lemberg to his studies in Vienna, Leipzig, Berlin, and Zurich. His deep engagement with Chassidism, an Eastern European Jewish mystical movement, is emphasized. Buber's seminal work, "Ich und Du" (I and Thou), published in 1923, is highlighted as foundational to his philosophy of human relations. His academic career in Frankfurt was cut short by the rise of Nazism, leading him to emigrate to Jerusalem in 1938, where he continued his scholarly work and engaged in efforts towards reconciliation between Israel and Arab states.

Chassidism is described as a mystical yet life-affirming movement that emerged in mid-18th century Poland, founded by Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (Baal-schem-tow). Buber saw Chassidism not as an aberration but as a vital branch of the ancient Jewish tree of mysticism, emphasizing its inherent spiritual depth, which he believed was further honed by centuries of Jewish persecution.

Buber's philosophy centers on the concept of "making the everyday holy." He posits that all existence is sacred and that the distinction between the sacred and the profane is artificial. The concept of evil is understood not as a positive force but as a deficiency or absence of reality, a "divine exile" that humanity's task is to overcome.

A core tenet of Buber's thought is the "I-Thou" relationship, contrasting with the "I-It" relationship. The "I-Thou" involves genuine, reciprocal engagement with all beings, while the "I-It" objectifies and analyzes. Buber believed that modern Western culture's overemphasis on the "I-It" threatens to stifle the "I-Thou" connection, leading to spiritual impoverishment.

Four key aspects of this worldview are presented: 1) Making the everyday holy; 2) Active, serving love, which extends to all beings, even adversaries; 3) Humility, recognizing oneself as a co-creator with God and acknowledging the inherent dignity of every person; and 4) The concept of the "Kingdom of Peace" (fridsriket) as the ultimate goal, achieved through collective human action and the return of "divine glory" to its source. Buber's vision of a socialist society, outlined in "Paths in Utopia," emphasizes small, self-governing communities.

Is Belief in Reincarnation for Modern Westerners?

This section explores the concept of reincarnation through interviews and discussions.

Sigfrid Fjellander, Bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church, asserts that reincarnation is a reality, an ancient concept found across cultures, and supported by modern parapsychological research. He cites cases of children with clear memories of past lives, suggesting that while not definitive scientific proof, the evidence strongly supports the likelihood of rebirth. Fjellander believes reincarnation provides meaning to life, offering a sense of continuity and cosmic justice. He notes that the concept was present in Judaism during Jesus' time and that Jesus' references to Elijah possibly allude to reincarnation. He also discusses the historical suppression of reincarnationist ideas within Christianity, particularly after the Council of Constantinople in 543 AD.

Doctor Lennart Kjellson, a physician, also believes in reincarnation, viewing it as a process of the soul's journey through various earthly forms to eventually merge with God. He explains that the increasing world population can be accommodated by the accelerated pace of spiritual evolution. Kjellson draws on the ideas of Rudolf Steiner and Carl Gustav Jung, suggesting that human evolution progresses from simpler to more complex life forms. He believes that past lives are not remembered to allow for present-moment focus and that the concept of karma provides a framework for understanding suffering.

Ellen's account details vivid memories of a past life as a boy who died in a cycling accident. Her narrative includes details of the accident, her disembodied experience, and her subsequent transition into a new body as a girl. She recounts her mother's surprise at her remembering details from infancy.

Dr. Nils-Olof Jacobson offers a critical perspective on reincarnation, acknowledging its appeal as a framework for understanding life and suffering but cautioning that it is not definitive proof of truth. He discusses the work of researchers like Ian Stevenson, who has documented numerous cases of alleged past-life memories. Jacobson notes that while reincarnationism offers meaning, it should not lead to passive acceptance of suffering.

Carl-Martin Edsman, Professor of Religious History, argues strongly against the presence of reincarnationist beliefs in the Bible and early Christianity. He contends that the Christian doctrines of Christ's second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life are fundamentally incompatible with reincarnation. Edsman critiques attempts to find support for reincarnation in biblical texts, attributing such interpretations to flawed exegesis and selective citation. He highlights that early Church fathers like Tertullian, Ambrose, and Augustine rejected reincarnation, and that the Council of Constantinople in 543 AD officially condemned the idea of pre-existence of souls. He dismisses Origen's views as a variant that was also ultimately rejected by the Church.

Klubb Kamelen: An Oasis for Seekers

This section profiles "Klubb Kamelen" (Camel Club), a unique gathering place in Stockholm's Old Town that offers an alternative to conventional nightlife. Founded by Eddie Grahn, the club serves as a venue for diverse spiritual and philosophical discussions, featuring talks on topics ranging from Tibetan mysticism and UFO research to astrology, graphology, and Eastern philosophies. The club emphasizes a healthy lifestyle, serving vegetarian food and herbal teas, and fostering an atmosphere of open-mindedness and community among its diverse attendees, who range in age from teenagers to the elderly.

Varia: Practical Parapsychology and Skeptical Perspectives

This section touches upon various aspects of parapsychology and related phenomena.

Practical Parapsychology: John L. Randall's research on psychokinesis (PK) affecting tumors in mice is mentioned, suggesting potential future applications in medicine.

Skeptical Rosalind Heywood: Parapsychologist Rosalind Heywood expresses skepticism towards the concept of a spirit world, suggesting that "mediumistic" phenomena may stem from the human subconscious and psychological factors, such as unresolved grief or suppressed talents. She cites examples of individuals whose suppressed creative or artistic abilities manifested through mediumship.

ESP in Space: Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell's ESP experiments during the Apollo 14 mission are described, where he attempted to telepathically transmit symbols to receivers on Earth. The results, though not definitive proof, suggested that ESP might be independent of distance.

J. Allen Hynek Interview: Astronomer J. Allen Hynek, a former consultant on UFOs for the U.S. Air Force, discusses his views on UFO research. He advocates for a scientific approach, emphasizing the need to collect data and analyze phenomena without pre-conceived notions. Hynek criticizes the Condon Committee's methodology, arguing that it wrongly defined UFOs and focused too narrowly on the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He suggests that UFOs might represent a genuine scientific mystery, possibly involving non-human intelligence or other unknown phenomena. Hynek also expresses support for government and UN funding for UFO research and proposes the establishment of international research institutes.

The Case of James Hyslop and the Thompson-Gifford Case: This detailed account describes the investigation by Professor James Hyslop into the case of F. L. Thompson, a goldsmith who, after the death of landscape painter Robert Swain Gifford, began to produce paintings in Gifford's style and with his motifs. Thompson experienced hallucinations and felt possessed by Gifford's artistic spirit. Hyslop's investigation, involving mediums and extensive research, explored the possibility of personality transference or mediumistic inspiration.

Varia: Other Topics

Practical Parapsychology: Mentions research on psychokinesis (PK) affecting tumors in mice, suggesting potential medical applications.

Skeptical Rosalind Heywood: Discusses her view that mediumistic phenomena may originate from the subconscious rather than a spirit world.

ESP in Space: Details Edgar D. Mitchell's ESP experiments during the Apollo 14 mission.

J. Allen Hynek Interview: Features an interview with astronomer J. Allen Hynek on UFO research, his critique of the Condon Committee, and his advocacy for scientific investigation.

The Case of James Hyslop and the Thompson-Gifford Case: A detailed account of a case involving alleged artistic possession or mediumistic inspiration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Läkaren" consistently explores topics at the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and the unexplained. This issue, in particular, highlights the enduring relevance of Martin Buber's thought, while also engaging with contemporary interests in reincarnation, parapsychology, and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and research findings, even on controversial subjects, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach, as seen in the discussions on reincarnation and UFO evidence. The magazine seems to aim at providing its readers with a broad spectrum of intellectual and spiritual exploration.

This issue of Sökaren, number 3 from 1972, is a Swedish publication focusing on ufology, parapsychology, alternative history, and spiritual phenomena. The magazine is edited by Sven Magnusson and features contributions from an editorial board including Nils-Olof Jacobson, Bo R. Ståhl, and Agne Windmark. The issue includes a retrospective 'ÅTERBLICK' by the editor, reflecting on the magazine's inception and development since its start in 1964.

Articles and Features

Book Reviews

• "YMDOGAT - ATLANTIS" by N. O. Bergquist: Reviewed by Ivan Troëng, this book is presented as an exploration of a post-glacial civilization in the Nordic region around 3000 BC, challenging conventional archaeological timelines. Bergquist posits the existence of advanced technology, including compasses and sighting discs, predating their accepted historical discovery. The review highlights the book's discussion of the Ura-Linda Chronicle, which describes a cataclysmic event similar to Plato's Atlantis. Troëng finds the book rich in citations and indexes but questions some of Bergquist's interpretations, particularly regarding the nature of the cataclysm.
• "Före efter" by Gösta Ehrensvärd: Reviewed by Bertil Nilsson, this book is described as a non-prophetic outline of future scenarios, suggesting a potential collapse of civilization due to resource depletion and population growth. Ehrensvärd paints a picture of a future with lower living standards, potential conflicts, and a struggle for survival, though he remains cautiously optimistic about humanity's ability to adapt.
• "Mystikens värld" by Leo Talamonti: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book is presented as a journalistic work on paranormal and occult phenomena. Jacobson criticizes the book for lacking an index, table of contents, and glossary, making it difficult to navigate and understand. He notes that while it compiles numerous spontaneous cases, it offers little in-depth analysis or modern parapsychological context.
• "Livets Bok, del II" by Martinus: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this is the second volume of a Danish spiritual work translated into Swedish. Jacobson advises that the book is best suited for those already familiar with Martinus's philosophy, as it is dense and complex. He suggests smaller works or a visual overview book for newcomers.

Reader Contributions and Personal Ads

• Letters (BREV): A reader, identified as a critic of Pauwels and Bergier's "Vår fantastiska värld," points out numerous factual errors and a lack of critical sourcing in the book. The reader expresses difficulty in verifying information and questions the reliability of the authors' broader claims.
• Donations (GAVOR): A list of donors and their contributions is published, totaling 504 Swedish kronor.
• Personal Ads (KONTAKT): Two personal advertisements are included, seeking companionship. One is from an older, vegetarian woman interested in parapsychology, music, and travel, seeking a like-minded man. The other is from a 41-year-old man seeking a companion.

Other Content

• "DU OCH JAG" by Axel Fredenholm: A short philosophical piece reflecting on wealth, power, and the human pursuit of these, contrasting it with the gift of a smile and the ability to observe life's strivings with detachment.
• "EN HOPPFULL ÖNSKAN" by Bengt Falkegård: A narrative describing a spiritual transition, likely from life to an afterlife, focusing on the release from physical suffering and the reunion with loved ones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren include the exploration of ancient civilizations and lost knowledge (Atlantis, Ura-Linda Chronicle), spiritual and paranormal phenomena (reincarnation, possession, mysticism), and critical analyses of books within these genres. The magazine also touches upon future societal challenges and the importance of critical thinking. The editor, Sven Magnusson, acknowledges the magazine's developmental journey, admitting to past shortcomings in layout and content but asserting that the publication has become more serious and credible over time. He emphasizes that readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the material presented, as the magazine aims to provide interesting content rather than definitive truths.