Sokaren - 1972 No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Läkaren" (The Doctor), number 7 from 1972, focuses on the theme of "Medmänsklighet... ...det finaste som finns?" (Humanity... ...the finest thing there is?). The cover features a photograph of a group engaged in a community activity, possibly musical, with the prominent headline posing the central question of the issue.

Hans-Erik Lindström: A Life of Compassion

The lead article profiles Hans-Erik Lindström, a young priest in the Church of Sweden and a central figure in the "Ny Gemenskap" (New Community) movement. Lindström recounts how a sermon on the Good Samaritan at the age of 20 profoundly changed his life, leading him to dedicate himself to helping the needy, particularly in developing countries. He describes an "aha-experience" that clarified his life's purpose, inspired by Jesus' teachings on compassion and his own awareness of global poverty. Lindström explains that he never felt a conflict between natural human egoism and the call to follow Jesus' example of love, viewing giving as an inner calling. He details his early practices of giving away most of his earnings, saving money by forgoing new textbooks and borrowing from the library. While his family and friends expressed concern about his extreme generosity, he felt no doubt. He acknowledges that since marrying and having children, his approach has adapted to include consideration for his family, focusing on living simply and giving away what is not directly needed. In 1967, his focus expanded to include the needs within Sweden, organizing a "Christmas Fast" to protest against holiday excess.

Jourhavande Präst: A Listening Ear in Times of Need

The magazine highlights the "Jourhavande Präst" (Priest on Call) service, available via the alarm number 90 000 in over 30 locations across Sweden. The service is described as an ecumenical effort involving various Christian denominations. In Gothenburg, church dean Frizell leads the initiative, which includes 30 priests volunteering for night shifts and supported by about 50 lay "jourhavande medmänniskor" (on-call fellow humans) who can assist in emergencies. The service receives around 15 calls per night. For immediate crises, such as potential suicides, the "Kyrkans Jourtjänst" (Church's Duty Service) is available. This facility is a house where two on-call individuals provide a temporary safe haven for those in need, helping them transition to specialized care. Callers present a wide range of problems, often with an underlying religious need. The service caters to diverse individuals, including those who are marginalized or struggling with modern society's stresses. Anonymity is guaranteed, allowing callers to speak freely. For the elderly, the service often addresses loneliness and the need for companionship. The article notes collaboration with social services and hospitals. The initiative is financially supported by church councils and the Gothenburg Church City Mission.

Parapsychology: An Interview with Eva Hellström

Eva Hellström, founder of the Society for Parapsychological Research in 1947, is interviewed about her lifelong interest in psychic phenomena. She recounts how her interest was sparked in the mid-1940s by a group of people with diverse intellectual interests, including psychology and philosophy, who were spiritualists. Initially skeptical, Hellström began reading extensively and joined the Stockholm Spiritualist Association to investigate further. She participated in numerous materialization and trumpet séances, notably with mediums Einer Nielsen and Ernst Broberg. Hellström expresses reservations about the control measures during these séances, feeling that spiritualists too readily accepted phenomena as proof of spirit communication without sufficient scrutiny. She recounts instances where mediums claimed to be stationary while she, from within the inner circle, knew they were moving. While not accusing the mediums of fraud, she felt the manifestations were not as convincingly spiritual as presented, possibly due to the mediums being in trance. She left the spiritualist movement due to the perceived lack of adequate control and transparency. Hellström also discusses her own paragnostic experiences, including a precognitive vision of an ancient artifact that she later found at the Coptic Museum in Cairo, matching its description and colors precisely. She also describes dreams that accurately predicted events, such as a subway accident. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous record-keeping for her experiences, which has been recognized by researchers like Professor Ian Stevenson. Hellström also details her involvement in international parapsychological circles, attending conferences and collaborating with leading researchers.

The Kalama Sutta: Discernment Over Dogma

This section presents a translation of the Kalama Sutta, a discourse by the Buddha to the Kalamas of Kesaputta. The Buddha advises them not to accept teachings based on tradition, succession, hearsay, scripture, logical reasoning, inference, or the authority of a teacher. Instead, he urges them to rely on their own understanding: if they find certain actions or beliefs to be unhealthy, blameworthy, and leading to suffering, they should abandon them. Conversely, if they find certain actions or beliefs to be healthy, blameless, and leading to well-being, they should follow them. The discourse then elaborates on the negative consequences of greed, hatred, and delusion, and the positive outcomes of their opposites: non-greed, non-hatred, and non-delusion. It emphasizes the cultivation of a mind filled with boundless love, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The teaching concludes by stating that those who cultivate such a mind achieve liberation and happiness in this life.

Mesmerism and the Dawn of Parapsychology

Birger Qvarnström's article traces the origins of systematic investigation into the hidden aspects of the psyche, beginning with Franz Anton Mesmer and his followers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Mesmer's concept of a universal fluid and his use of magnets and later "passes" (stroking movements) to induce a state of somnambulism (magnetically induced sleep) are discussed. This state was found to enhance sensitivity, memory, and intellectual capacity, and even induce anesthesia. More significantly, Mesmer's work led to the observation of phenomena suggesting extrasensory perception (ESP), including telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. The article notes that Mesmer's discoveries were later explored by his disciples, particularly the Marquis de Puységur, who observed that somnambulists could act as echoes of the magnetizer's thoughts and feelings, a phenomenon that marked a significant development in understanding the subconscious. The article details various paranormal aspects observed, such as thought transference, mental suggestion, magnetic rapport, and eyeless sight. It draws parallels between these 18th-century observations and modern parapsychological research, citing examples from Russian studies and the work of researchers like Rosa Kuleshova. The article also touches upon the spiritualist interpretations that emerged, influenced by figures like Swedenborg, and the subsequent rise of spiritualism with mediums like the Fox sisters and Daniel Dunglas Home. The resurgence of interest in mesmerism, under the name hypnotism, in the late 19th century, led by figures like Charles Richet and Pierre Janet, is also mentioned as a precursor to the establishment of the Society for Psychical Research.

A Journey to Benares

Astrid Setterwall-Ångström shares her impressions from a trip to Benares (Varanasi), India. She describes the city as the "the golden city," a place of immense spiritual significance where millions have sought purification in the Ganges River and attained enlightenment. The article paints a vivid picture of the city's atmosphere, from the early morning mist on the Ganges to the bustling ghats (riverbanks) filled with pilgrims, sadhus, and daily life activities. She notes the presence of temples, the weaving of gold brocade, and the deep reverence for the goddess Ganga. The text describes the rituals of bathing in the river, offering prayers, and the presence of Brahmins reciting scriptures. Setterwall-Ångström observes the stark contrasts of life and death, with scenes of poverty and almsgiving juxtaposed with the sacred rituals. The article concludes with a reflection on the profound spiritual atmosphere of Benares, where the pursuit of ultimate reality seems to permeate everything, referencing a quote from the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad about leading from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.

The Kalama Sutta: A Buddhist Perspective on Truth

This section continues the discussion on discerning truth, presenting the Kalama Sutta. The Buddha advises the Kalamas not to blindly accept teachings based on tradition, scripture, or authority, but to critically examine them based on their own experience and consequences. The Sutta emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, free from greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to well-being and happiness. It also describes the cultivation of boundless love, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity as pathways to spiritual liberation.

Varia: News and Reviews

This section includes several short items:

• Brad Steiger Criticized: A review of Brad Steiger's book mentions criticism from the magazine "Psychic" regarding factual inaccuracies and contradictions in his accounts of criminal cases, particularly the "Tjörnarpsmorden" and the disappearance of three girls in Indiana.
• Phobos: A Martian Moon: An article discusses Phobos, one of Mars' moons, noting its mysterious nature and Swift's early prediction of its existence. It touches upon theories about its composition (hollow or captured asteroid) and mentions recent photographic evidence from the Mariner 9 probe, suggesting it is a dark, cratered object.
• Book Recommendations: Several books are listed for purchase, including works on UFOs, occultism, alchemy, and parapsychology, with contact information for publishers and bookstores.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is "medmänsklighet" (humanity/compassion), explored from multiple angles: religious (Christian and Buddhist), psychological, historical, and personal. The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking, personal responsibility, and active compassion. The inclusion of the Kalama Sutta strongly advocates for independent judgment and empirical evaluation of beliefs and teachings. The parapsychology articles suggest an open yet critical approach to investigating unexplained phenomena. The profile of Hans-Erik Lindström exemplifies a life dedicated to altruism, while the "Jourhavande Präst" service highlights the importance of human connection and support. The historical perspective on mesmerism frames the modern study of consciousness and psychic phenomena as a continuation of long-standing human inquiry.

This issue of "Sökaren" (Seeker) magazine, number 7 from 1972, is dedicated to exploring profound life questions and philosophical inquiries, with a particular focus on spirituality, religion, and parapsychology. The cover boldly asks "SM: SNOBBAR?" (SM: SNUBS?), challenging the notion that deep existential and spiritual pursuits are merely the domain of the elite or pretentious.

Articles and Features

The Cover Question: "SM: SNOBBAR?"

The editorial addresses the criticism that the magazine's focus on life-philosophy questions like the existence of God and the afterlife is irrelevant to ordinary people and only for 'snobs'. The author argues that these are the most fundamental human problems, especially given the inherent difficulties and suffering in human life, including illness, aging, and death. The author contends that these existential questions are paramount, even more so than social issues like environmental degradation or war, and that addressing them can indirectly impact social injustices.

Interview with Eva Hellström on Parapsychology

Eva Hellström discusses the importance of parapsychological research, advocating for a professorship in the field in Sweden. She highlights the John Björkhem Memorial Fund as one of the few supporting such research. Hellström shares her conviction that many parapsychological phenomena are real, though she lacks a definitive explanation. She mentions experiencing glimpses of the future and images of objects found later. While acknowledging the spiritual hypothesis, she prefers to describe her inner experiences as stemming from her 'inner person'. The interview touches upon out-of-body experiences and their potential implications for the belief in life after death.

A Great Teacher's Proclamation: Swami Vivekananda

This section, authored by Brita Rodosi, provides an overview of Swami Vivekananda's life and teachings. Born in Calcutta in 1862, he became a disciple of Ramakrishna and later a monk. After years of study and contemplation in the Himalayas, he embarked on a journey across India. In 1893, he was invited to represent Hinduism at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His powerful and eloquent presentation of Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing universal tolerance and brotherhood, garnered immense success. The article details his impact in America, the establishment of Vedanta societies, and his return to India, where he championed the spiritual revival of the nation before his early death in 1902. The text delves into Vivekananda's core teachings on Vedanta, particularly the concept of Brahman as the sole, all-pervading reality, and Atman as the inner essence of all beings. It explains that all perceived diversity is a manifestation of this single, unchanging essence.

Review: Ingemar Hedenius's "Helvetesläran"

This review discusses Ingemar Hedenius's book, which challenges the Christian doctrine of hell. Hedenius, a known critic of Christianity, argues that Jesus himself believed in and taught about hell, thus questioning his status as the Son of God or God. The review notes Hedenius's contempt for the concept of hell and his view that it stems from primitive human impulses like revenge and hatred. The reviewer agrees with Hedenius that the belief in hell is part of early Christianity and that Jesus's ethics, as presented in the Gospels, were otherworldly and focused on rewards in the afterlife and avoidance of hell.

Review: "Röster i mänskligt landskap" (Voices in Human Landscape)

This review discusses a musical work by Alfred Janson, based on a poem by Elisabet Hermodsson, which was inspired by the revolutionary priest Camilo Torres. The work, featuring vocals, spoken word, and instruments, explores themes of revolution, suffering, and the dilemma of violence in the fight against oppression, particularly in the context of Latin America. The review highlights the piece's powerful dynamics and its ability to evoke intense emotions and provoke thought about the human condition.

World's Highest Religion

Authored by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this section promotes Buddhist scriptures, specifically "The Long Sayings," "The Middle Sayings," "The Kindred Sayings," and "The Gradual Sayings," as essential texts for truth-seekers. Jacobson praises these texts for their unity, scope, depth, authenticity, and beauty, calling them the central part of the Buddhist Bible. He asserts that Buddha is the supreme teacher and savior, and that the Buddhist training described in these texts yields immediate results and is universally applicable. While not devaluing other religions, Jacobson strongly advocates for Buddhism as the most profound religious revelation.

What is Truth?

This article reports on a four-day seminar held at S:ta Katharinastiftelsen, where representatives from various religious and spiritual movements (Sufism, Martinus philosophy, Spiritualism, Scientology, Liberal Catholicism, Mormonism, Baha'i Faith, Theosophy, etc.) presented their views on the theme "What is Truth?". The event aimed to foster open and friendly dialogue across different faiths, with participants sharing their perspectives and engaging in Q&A sessions.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from Nils-Olof J. responds to an editorial in "Sökaren," criticizing its perceived materialistic review of Christianity and its perceived intolerance towards religious beliefs. The author argues that religion is not solely about logical analysis but also inspiration, feeling, and mysticism, and that biblical narratives hold symbolic value beyond historical accuracy. He defends the importance of faith and personal experience in understanding religious texts. The response from the editor (presumably Sven M.) acknowledges the friend's points but defends the magazine's critical stance, emphasizing that criticism is essential for truth-seeking. The editor also reiterates his own philosophical leanings towards Vedanta and his belief that dogmas can hinder spiritual development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the search for meaning in life, the nature of reality and consciousness, the validity of different religious and spiritual paths, and the role of critical inquiry in understanding truth. The magazine appears to champion a broad, open-minded approach to spirituality and philosophy, encouraging readers to question, explore, and form their own conclusions, while also engaging in critical discourse about established religious doctrines. The editorial stance seems to favor a critical yet respectful examination of various belief systems, with a particular inclination towards Eastern philosophies and parapsychological research, while maintaining a commitment to intellectual honesty and open debate.