Sokaren - 1973 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Date: 1973

This issue of Sökaren magazine provides a diverse exploration of art, spirituality, and the unexplained, reflecting the countercultural and introspective currents of the early 1970s.

Art Distribution: An Oasis of Art

The magazine features a prominent article on 'Art Distribution' (A.D.), a cooperative art center founded in Stockholm in 1966. A.D. is described as an original and playful collective that functions as a 'cooperative art center,' where members support each other and aim to avoid commercialism. It is characterized as a 'cultural oasis' in the urban environment, a 'rhythm and meditation center,' and a 'revolutionary, environmentally oriented movement.' The core idea of A.D. is the realization of human potential and environmental creation through artistic activity. Member Percival is quoted stating, 'We are all artists, i.e., creative people. We all express ourselves in one way or another.'

A.D.'s activities have included lyric and drama gatherings, presenting works by authors like Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Gunnar Ekelöf, Nelly Sachs, and Saint-John Perse, often in multi-sensory environments involving light, sound, scent, images, and rhythm. They have also published books and book catalogs, held art exhibitions, staged plays, and organized dance and music carnivals. The first A.D. carnival took place in the spring of 1968, with subsequent carnivals in 1969 and 1970, often themed around self-transformation and creating a more natural and open city.

The article highlights A.D.'s engagement with the 'environmental movement' and their critique of a commercialized society that stifles creative imagination. They advocate for new forms of community and self-expression as a counter-movement to societal trends.

Art as an Environmental Creator

Percival, an A.D. member, discusses art's role in shaping the environment, suggesting that while political revolution is one aspect, art offers a 'healthier politics' that renews systems from within. He posits that natural revolutions are destructive yet liberating, akin to an eggshell breaking for a chick to emerge.

Occultism: An Interview with Gustav Adolf Pettersson

The issue includes an interview with Gustav Adolf Pettersson, a 70-year-old speaker and teacher known in occult circles. Pettersson explains that understanding the occult world requires achieving a special state of consciousness, often through meditation, a state between waking and sleeping where the ego diminishes.

He describes his own experiences, including 'inner light' appearing in dark rooms and the ability to 'photograph' pages from books with his memory. He recounts a chess game where he perceived thoughts emanating from the players and later saw skeletal forms emerge and then flesh, suggesting a glimpse into past lives or spiritual realities. Pettersson believes the secret lies in the rhythm of breathing and in the space between thinking and sensory perception.

Pettersson discusses the concept of past lives, stating that by tracing memories backward, one can encounter previous incarnations. He asserts that the physical world is an illusion and that consciousness, the spiritual, is the true foundation. He also touches upon the idea of 'eyeless sight' and psychometry, suggesting that these phenomena are linked to the body's internal organization and energy fields, referencing Soviet research on bio-plasma and Kirlian photography.

He emphasizes that true occultism is based on personal experience rather than solely on literature, and he shares an anecdote about a blue mummy appearing to him, which led him to visit Egypt and connect with past-life experiences.

Pettersson explains that the 'imagination' is key to occult perception, and that by focusing emotional energy, one can achieve a state of clear seeing. He believes that everyone can achieve this state through practice and by distinguishing between thought and observation.

Regarding the afterlife, Pettersson describes a period of darkness followed by light, with individuals gradually becoming aware in their new environment. He notes that some may remain connected to earthly matters for a long time, while others progress more rapidly.

The Liberal Catholic Church: A Discussion on Theosophy

Pastor Lennart Söderström addresses the question of whether the Liberal Catholic Church (LKK) is a theosophical church. He clarifies that while the LKK has historical ties to the Theosophical Society and many of its members are theosophists, the church itself is Christian Catholic, not theosophical. He explains that the church's founder, James J. Wedgwood, and bishop Leadbeater were theosophists, and the church's origins in Sweden involved theosophists interested in Christianity. However, Söderström emphasizes that theosophy is not a religion and that a priest's membership in the Theosophical Society does not conflict with their Christian duties.

He cites the church's presiding bishop, Sir Hugh Sykes, who states that the LKK accommodates members with diverse beliefs, including those who see Christ as a historical figure, those who interpret scripture allegorically, and those with intellectual or Gnostic approaches. The church values freedom of interpretation and encourages understanding of different perspectives.

Söderström also discusses reincarnation, noting that while it is not a core tenet of the LKK, some members find it compatible with their Christian worldview. He references 'The Catholic Encyclopedia' which acknowledges the historical presence and philosophical arguments for reincarnation across various cultures.

Manifestations of Unity: Krishna

Sverre Holmsen, a follower of the Baha'i faith, writes about Krishna from a Baha'i perspective, emphasizing the concept of 'Manifestations' – divine messengers like prophets who bring spiritual guidance to humanity. Holmsen posits that all great religions stem from a single divine source and that these Manifestations appear throughout history to guide human development.

Krishna is presented as a significant avatar of Vishnu, the supreme God, who appeared in ancient India. His teachings, preserved in the Bhagavad Gita, are described as a source of inspiration and wisdom, advocating for love, truth, and devotion. The article highlights Krishna's role in purifying religion, re-establishing the belief in one God, and preparing the way for future Manifestations.

The Bhagavad Gita is presented as a profound text that offers solace and guidance, emphasizing selfless service, the immortality of the soul, and the path to divine union through love (bhakti). Krishna's message is seen as a call to awaken divine love within each heart and to overcome inner enemies like ignorance and selfishness.

Professor Hynek on UFOs

A book review by K. Gösta Rehn discusses J. Allen Hynek's book 'The UFO Experience, a scientific inquiry.' The review praises Hynek, an astrophysicist who consulted for the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, for bringing scientific credibility to the study of UFOs. The review highlights Hynek's critique of how UFO cases were handled by the Air Force, suggesting a tendency towards 'debunking' and national security concerns over objective scientific inquiry.

Hynek's book reportedly includes statistics and classifications of UFO sightings, categorizing them based on distance and observable effects. The review notes Hynek's reluctance to fully endorse the extraterrestrial hypothesis, attributing it to academic prudence, but acknowledges his significant contribution to the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in spiritual and alternative movements, evident in the coverage of Art Distribution, occultism, and the Liberal Catholic Church. There is a clear emphasis on self-discovery, personal transformation, and a critique of mainstream societal values, particularly commercialism and materialism. The magazine appears to promote an open-minded approach to spirituality and knowledge, encouraging exploration beyond conventional boundaries. The inclusion of articles on Krishna and occultism suggests an editorial stance that values diverse spiritual traditions and esoteric knowledge. The review of Hynek's book indicates an interest in unexplained phenomena and the scientific investigation thereof, even if the conclusions remain open-ended.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1
Volume: 10
Date: 1973
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine, delves into religious and philosophical debates, with a significant focus on Buddhist ethics and a critical examination of religious figures and beliefs. It also features articles and reviews concerning UFOs and theosophy.

Buddhist Ethics: Clarifications by Gunnar Gällmo

Gunnar Gällmo's article, "Buddhistisk Etik – Några Klarlägganden" (Buddhist Ethics – Some Clarifications), addresses a previous article's claims about Buddha's teachings. Gällmo refutes the assertion that Buddha was primarily concerned with the individual's relationship to themselves and uninterested in active love for others. He argues that Buddhist teachings, from Buddha and his followers, are fundamentally an act of love and that the concept of helping oneself also helps others. He counters the idea that Buddha was bound by his time's beliefs, stating that the preservation of his teachings is a testament to their enduring relevance. Gällmo also challenges the notion that reincarnation was a self-evident concept in Buddha's time, citing various theories present then. He criticizes the Western perspective that sees the cycle of rebirth as inherently negative, suggesting it might be a product of a society that has forgotten the impermanence of all things.

In response, "SM" (likely the editor or another contributor) expresses a differing view, suggesting that Buddha was not significantly interested in active love for others, and that Buddhist teachings are largely inward-looking, focusing on mental discipline and the extinction of desires, which SM views as "development-negative" and detached from societal issues. SM acknowledges that Buddhist texts might contain support for active humanism but believes it's a minor part of the teachings. SM also questions the comparison between Jesus and Buddha, suggesting that neither fully meets the criteria for a supreme religious founder and that humanity still awaits such a figure. SM advocates for viewing religious founders as historical figures rather than perfect beings to avoid hindering intellectual and religious development.

The Liberal Catholic Church (LKK) and Theosophy

An interview or discussion segment, possibly involving "LKK" (Liberal Catholic Church), explores its nature. The LKK is described as a Christian Catholic church, distinct from Roman Catholicism, which allows its members freedom to interpret its official writings. It is suggested that the LKK has a theosophical character, similar to how Kristet Samfund is linked to Anthroposophy. While the LKK has no organizational ties to the Theosophical Society, a significant percentage of its members in Holland are reportedly theosophists, a trend potentially mirrored in Sweden. The interviewee, who chose LKK, is drawn to its sense of the sacramental and its mystical aspects, appreciating that the church allows members personal responsibility rather than imposing a rigid moral code.

UFOs and Scientific Inquiry

K. Gösta Rehn's book "Tefaten är här!" (The Flying Saucers Are Here!) is reviewed by Ewert Mårtensson. Rehn's work is praised for its extensive research and synthesis of evidence for UFOs, challenging the scientific and journalistic tendency to dismiss or ridicule the phenomenon. Rehn argues that UFO reports, when consistently observed and instrumentally verified, point to an intelligent, extraterrestrial origin. The review highlights Rehn's critique of those who dismiss witnesses and facts, emphasizing the importance of objective, open-minded thinking in science. The book is noted for attempting to place the UFO question within a larger context, drawing on various scientific theories and presenting a coherent model. The review also mentions the potential for a loosely organized central group of academics and technicians to collect and integrate UFO data, referencing UFO-Sverige and Henrik Björses.

Superstition and Psychological Beliefs

Another review discusses Gustav Jahoda's book "Fördomar, vidskepelse och överstro i deras psykologiska sammanhang" (Prejudices, Superstition, and Folklore in their Psychological Context). The reviewer from "Verbum" (a Christian publisher) notes that the book, while examining superstition, notably omits Christian beliefs as examples of superstition. The reviewer questions this omission, drawing parallels between phenomena like visions, ghosts, and prophecies in Christianity and what Jahoda labels as superstition. The reviewer criticizes Jahoda's definition of superstition as being culturally relative and opportunistic, and argues that the book demonstrates a lack of understanding of parapsychology and an outdated materialistic worldview.

Other Content

The issue also includes a book review of Per Ragnar's "Brevet till mormor" (Letter to Grandma), described as a simple yet thoughtful book dealing with life's big questions. There is also a section on "Tryckfel" (Printing Errors), correcting a previous error in a review and noting a humorous typo. Advertisements for various books and services, including those related to theosophy, healing, and esoteric subjects, are present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently engages with topics at the intersection of religion, philosophy, and the unexplained. There's a critical yet open approach to religious doctrines, encouraging readers to question and analyze rather than blindly accept. The publication seems to champion open-minded scientific inquiry, particularly in areas like UFO research, and challenges established norms and dismissive attitudes. The editorial stance appears to favor intellectual exploration and a nuanced understanding of complex subjects, encouraging personal interpretation and spiritual maturity over dogmatic adherence.