Sokaren - 1972 No 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor), dated April 1972, No. 4, delves into a variety of spiritual, religious, and psychical phenomena, presenting a diverse range of perspectives from Sweden and India. The cover prominently features an article on the Indian spiritual figure Ananda Mayee Ma, alongside explorations of spiritualism, reincarnation research, astrology, and the Hare Krishna movement.

Ananda Mayee Ma: Filled with God

The lead article, "Ananda Mayee Ma: Fylla av Gud" (Filled with God), by Astrid Setterwall-Angström, provides a narrative account of a journey to India and encounters with Ananda Mayee Ma. Born Nirmala Devi into a Brahmin family in Bengal, she displayed unusual spiritual inclinations from childhood. Her husband was reportedly the first to understand her unique nature, and she was later known as Mataji (Mother) and then Ananda Mayee Ma, meaning 'the one taken possession of by bliss'. The article emphasizes the concept of the Divine Mother in Hinduism, representing the highest personal concept of God, embodying unconditional love and a refuge in life's uncertainties. Ananda Mayee Ma's ashrams in Benares and elsewhere are mentioned, and the author recounts attending a Kirtan (religious music evening) at her ashram. The description highlights her serene presence, her deep, expressive eyes, and the aura of peace and freedom she emanates. The author notes her ability to be present in the world while seemingly in a state of bliss, engaging in conversation and observing nature. The Kirtan itself is described as a deeply moving experience, with participants singing devotional songs to the Divine Mother. The article also touches upon the concept of 'samadhi' (spiritual absorption) and Ananda Mayee Ma's ability to enter such states. The author's personal encounter with Ananda Mayee Ma is depicted as a moment of profound connection and understanding, where she is told, "You yourself are the Mother."

Ananda Mayee Ma's teachings, as conveyed through the article, stress the importance of joy and seeking the divine within. She is described as embodying the highest manifestation of a personal God-concept, offering unconditional love and a steadfast refuge. The article quotes her saying, "Try to notice everything that brings you real joy! That brings you closer to God!"

Spiritualism: Superstition, Anti-Christian Movement, or a Belief for Modern People?

This section features personal testimonies from individuals involved in spiritualism. Leo Torgny, a former journalist, expresses his journey into spiritualism, attributing it to early intuitive experiences and a growing belief in psychic phenomena and spiritual guidance. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and his Christian faith alongside his spiritualist beliefs, citing authors like Nils-Olof Jacobson and Dr. Ian Stevenson.

Monica Nordin, a 26-year-old treasurer for the spiritualist youth association, shares her perspective on spiritualism, highlighting its role in fostering courage, responsibility, and trust through an understanding of cosmic laws. She speaks of finding logical explanations for life experiences and the value of contact with the 'other side' as a balancing factor. She also stresses the importance of listening and empathy.

Eva Lejman, a philosophy graduate and speaker for spiritualists, recounts her journey from a Christian background through periods of doubt to a renewed faith influenced by religious history studies and contact with spiritualists. She describes her experiences with séances, where she felt guided by spirits and gained a deeper understanding of life and the universe. She emphasizes the idea of spiritualism as a path to understanding the divine in all things and the interconnectedness of all life.

Personal Accounts and Research

Mona Gustafsson: Spiritualist

Mona Gustafsson shares her experiences as a spiritualist, seeing the deceased clearly and experiencing visits to the spirit world. She describes the spirit world as having hospitals, lakes, and temples, with structures made of a light, durable material. She explains that immediate post-death experiences vary, with some going to 'hospitals' for shock absorption, while others are guided by loved ones. She emphasizes that earthly values like wealth and social status are meaningless in the spirit world, and that earthly life is a testing ground for spiritual development.

Professor Ian Stevenson: Reincarnation Research

Professor Ian Stevenson discusses his extensive research into reincarnation, with nearly 1200 cases collected. He notes similarities in cases across different cultures but also acknowledges variations. He is working on comparative studies and plans to publish more books on the subject. Stevenson addresses criticisms of his work, particularly the 'compensatory fantasy' theory, arguing it doesn't fully explain the details of his cases, especially those involving negative past lives. He also distinguishes between hypnotic regression, which he largely dismisses as fantasy, and genuine past-life recall, citing a few cases where individuals spoke unknown languages under hypnosis as strong evidence.

He notes that significant progress in survival research has been slow due to a lack of dedicated scientists, but there's growing interest. He believes there are indications of survival after death from various sources, including mediumistic communications, apparitions, out-of-body experiences, and reincarnation cases. Stevenson is also conducting a 'combination lock test' to scientifically prove survival.

Seance at Karlavägen

A description of a spiritualist séance at Karlavägen 52, Stockholm, details the setting and the process. A medium channels spirits, including a 'leader' named Abdula, a 'controller' Mikael, and recently deceased individuals. The messages are often personal, recalling familiar events and relationships. The article notes the common theme of deceased relatives sending greetings and assuring loved ones that they are well. It also touches upon the skepticism surrounding mediums, with the article defending the medium's sincerity.

World Religions Meeting

Alf Ahlberg's article, "Världsreligionernas Möte" (The Meeting of World Religions), critiques the historical intolerance of Christianity towards other faiths, such as Judaism and Islam. He argues that in the modern world, a global perspective is necessary, and while abandoning religion is not the answer, a new global religion formed by picking elements from existing ones is also not ideal. Ahlberg proposes that each religion offers a partial truth, like blind men describing an elephant, and that the true essence lies in how followers live their lives, not just their doctrines. He uses the parable of the ring from Lessing's "Nathan the Wise" to illustrate that the value of a religion is in its ability to foster good, loving individuals. He suggests that Christianity, while not inherently 'higher' than other religions, may be the 'religious mother tongue' for many in the West, and that interfaith dialogue, rather than proselytization, is the way forward. He advocates for understanding and mutual respect among different religious traditions.

Other Articles

What is Death?

This section presents accounts from patients who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) during surgery. These individuals report hearing music, voices, and feeling detached from their bodies. Some found their NDEs removed their fear of death. Examples include Frederick Priest, who 'died' three times, and Olga Jalink, who experienced a vision of her body from above.

Star Magazines

A review of six English-language astrology magazines is provided. "The Astrological Magazine" from India is described as a serious publication offering in-depth astrological analysis and advice. "Zolar's Official Horoscope Magazine" from the USA is presented as a more popular publication with daily horoscopes and advice on various aspects of life, including love and success, often accompanied by advertisements for occult items. "Horoscope" magazine is highlighted as a leading astrological publication, and "Prediction" is reviewed as a monthly magazine focusing on astrology and other psychical phenomena. The article contrasts these commercial publications with more serious ones like "Astrology" and "The Astrological Journal", which are aimed at dedicated practitioners and researchers.

Krishna Devotees

An article profiles the Hare Krishna movement, featuring an interview with Lilashakti Devi-dasi (formerly Lena Engwall from Sweden). She explains the movement's philosophy, which centers on serving Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The article details their lifestyle, including simple living, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and adhering to four regulative principles (no meat, fish, or eggs; no illicit sex; no intoxication; no gambling). The concept of reincarnation and karma is explained, emphasizing that one's actions determine future lives. The article also touches upon the economic aspects of the movement, mentioning their sale of books and incense.

Religion's God – or Science's?

Curt Liljenström's article explores the intersection of science and religion, referencing physicists like Eddington, Jeans, and Planck who have suggested a rational order or a mathematical thinker behind the universe. He discusses the idea of a 'divine plan' and the possibility of proving God scientifically. The article also touches upon chemical mysticism and the subjective nature of mystical experiences, contrasting them with scientific materialism. It questions the traditional concept of God and suggests that a scientific understanding of the universe might lead to a different, perhaps more impersonal, concept of divinity, potentially offering solace in the face of existential anxieties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Läkaren" appears to adopt an open-minded and exploratory stance towards spiritual and psychical phenomena. It presents a wide array of beliefs and practices, from traditional Indian spirituality and Western spiritualism to research on reincarnation and the practices of the Hare Krishna movement. The editorial approach seems to be one of presenting diverse viewpoints and personal experiences, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between science and spirituality, with articles discussing how modern scientific theories might align with or challenge religious concepts. The magazine also seems to advocate for interfaith dialogue and a more tolerant approach to different religious traditions, as seen in Ahlberg's article. The overall tone suggests a belief in the existence of phenomena beyond conventional scientific explanation and an interest in exploring the human quest for meaning and connection with the divine.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 4
Volume: 9
Year: 1972
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0970

Article: Prentice Mulford – An Authentic American

This extensive article by Frithjof Hallman chronicles the life and philosophy of Prentice Mulford (1834-1891), an American writer and thinker. Mulford's life was marked by diverse experiences, from his early seafaring adventures and gold prospecting in California to his later career as a journalist and author. The article highlights Mulford's deep connection with nature, which he saw as a source of wisdom and cosmic laws. He believed in the inherent divinity of all things and advocated for a life of joy, love, and spiritual growth, warning against the destructive nature of greed and materialism.

Mulford's early life in his father's inn exposed him to various travelers and their stories. His voyages took him to places like Haiti, Rio, and the Arctic. The California gold rush exposed him to the harsh realities of human nature, where greed led to conflict and moral decay. However, he found solace and teaching in the natural world, believing that trees and animals held profound wisdom. He articulated a philosophy where love for nature was a source of life force, and harming it diminished this force for humanity.

His experiences as a gold prospector and later as a store owner and newspaper publisher in Sonora led him to confront the monopolistic practices of industrialists like Rockefeller. Mulford, who had organizational talents and a desire to protect the weak, found himself targeted and threatened. This led him to abandon his business ventures and focus on journalism and spiritual development.

Moving to New York, Mulford gained a wider audience through his column "Dagens historia" (Today's History) in the New York Graphic. He observed the frantic pace of city life and the human tendency to chase money and pleasure at the expense of others. He wrote about the need for calmness and patience, arguing that haste leads to loss and that true victory comes from a tranquil mind.

Seeking a closer connection with nature, Mulford built a log cabin in the New Jersey wilderness, where he cultivated a garden. The overwhelming number of letters he received from people seeking help and guidance led him to publish his first book, the "White Cross Library," in 1887. This series gained him international recognition.

In his later years, Mulford left his solitude to connect directly with those suffering and lost in the urban environment. The article emphasizes the powerful, positive energy that emanates from Mulford's writings, offering hope, clarity, and vitality to his readers. He believed in the power of positive thought and the responsibility each person has for their own thoughts and their impact on their lives and the lives of others.

Mulford's philosophy is summarized in his quote about human beings being magnets that attract either positive or negative ideas, and that a longing for perfection can draw all good things. He also noted that thoughts have potent effects, and that happiness, success, and health are as contagious as misfortune.

Article: The World's Highest Religion

Per Glanell writes about the Buddhist scriptures, specifically "The Long Sayings," "The Middle Sayings," "The Kindred Sayings," and "The Gradual Sayings." He describes these texts as unique, profound, and divinely inspired, offering unparalleled wisdom. Glanell posits that Buddha is not only the supreme teacher but also the greatest savior of this world. He argues that while translations and guides can help, the original Pali texts are essential for understanding the beauty and depth of Buddhist teachings. He asserts that Buddhist practice, when properly followed, yields immediate and harmless results, and that the best guidance is found within these scriptures.

Glanell clarifies that his statements are not intended to devalue other religions but to highlight the unique value of Buddhist teachings. He suggests that a Christian who embraces Buddhist principles, as outlined in these "sayings," would become a better Christian than one adhering strictly to church doctrine. He concludes by stating that Buddha is the most unparalleled religious founder, and his teachings, preserved in these four collections, represent the greatest treasure in the world.

Article: People

This short piece describes individuals who possess an inner dignity and a natural ability to make others feel valued and respected. They are characterized by their sincere sympathy for living beings and their capacity to share their inner joy with others. The author suggests that humanity is evolving towards a higher state of perfection, and future societies will be fundamentally different, built on empathy and community.

Letter to the Editor: Zen Meditation

This section includes a letter from Gunnar Gällmo, secretary of the Society for Buddhist Information, addressing the misrepresentation of Zen meditation. The society issued a statement following a TV program about Zen meditation at St. David'sgården in Rättvik. They clarify that Zen is a Buddhist practice that requires adherence to Buddhist teachings, including a detachment from theistic concepts of God, making it incompatible with a Christian worldview. The society states that the meditation taught at Rättvik, which appeared to be based on a Christian outlook and taught by non-Buddhists, was not genuine Zen meditation. They consider the use of the term "zen" in this context to be misleading, bordering on deception, and urge those responsible to cease using Buddhist terminology for Christian activities.

Letter to the Editor: Book Recommendations

A reader, Valborg Lidgren, inquires about books such as "Universell Kontakt" by Liebie Pugh, and "Resa med flygande tefat" and "Budskapet från rymden" by Daniel W. Fry. She has heard that "Universell Kontakt" might be fictional and asks for the magazine's assessment of these books, which are published by Parthenon in Helsingborg.

Editor's Response to Book Recommendations

The editor advises caution when accepting the content of such books, noting that while they might be based on real experiences, these experiences could be misinterpreted or misrepresented. The editor is unaware of any definitive proof that Pugh and Fry are dishonest but acknowledges that the events discussed are unconfirmed and insufficiently investigated. The editor mentions that the English Society for Psychical Research may have conducted investigations into the claims made by Liebie Pugh, but no public report has been seen.

Article: The Bible

This article critically examines the role of the Bible in Swedish religion. It argues that while the Bible has traditionally been revered as "God's word," its authority is diminishing in the modern era, with science replacing religious authority for many. The author suggests that the Bible, like any other book, is subject to objective study and discussion. The article posits that the Bible's unquestionable status among the religious is deeply ingrained, making it difficult to move beyond it. The author calls for a more comprehensive approach to religious study, incorporating ideas from various spiritual figures like Buddha, Gandhi, Schweitzer, and Kagawa, and suggests creating "new Bibles" or religious anthologies.

The article contends that the Jesus figure in the Bible is not historical in the strict sense but rather a testament to faith. It criticizes popular portrayals of Jesus as often being ahistorical and biblically inaccurate, representing subjective interpretations. The author believes that true religious faith stems from an inner, indefinable spiritual source, not solely from dogma. Therefore, the Bible and old doctrines are not indispensable for the church. The article suggests that the church could focus on the concept of God and relegate Jesus and the Bible to a secondary position.

It is argued that the Bible is increasingly perceived as a collection of myths and unverified claims, leading many people to seek alternative spiritual paths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, yoga, mysticism, and Zen. The author views this as a positive development, offering greater opportunities to understand the core of life and the universe. The article concludes by stating that the Bible's doctrine of hell is particularly problematic, potentially alienating many individuals and indicating that the Bible may not possess the divine character that Christians have traditionally attributed to it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren magazine exhibits a strong interest in alternative spirituality, comparative religion, and the exploration of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be critical of traditional religious dogma, particularly the unquestioned authority of the Bible in Christianity. There is an open invitation to explore diverse spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Eastern philosophies, and to critically examine religious texts and figures. The magazine also engages with phenomena such as UFOs and spiritualism, suggesting a broad and open-minded approach to understanding the mysteries of existence. The emphasis on personal growth, inner wisdom, and the power of positive thought, as exemplified by Prentice Mulford, is a recurring theme. The magazine also demonstrates a willingness to address controversial topics and to engage in critical discourse, as seen in the statement regarding Zen meditation and the discussion of the Bible's historical and theological limitations.