Sokaren - 1973 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1973 and identified as NR3, features a prominent cover story on Barbro Karlén, a young Swedish author who claims to have memories of past lives, including a significant past life as Anne Frank. The magazine also delves into the Baha'i faith, its history, and its presence in Sweden, alongside articles discussing UFO phenomena and spiritualism.

Barbro Karlén: A Life of Past Memories

The lead article introduces Barbro Karlén, who debuted as a poet at the age of 12 with her collection "Människan på jorden" (The Human on Earth). The book has achieved significant sales, selling 80,000 copies in Sweden and being published in multiple languages. At 18, Barbro has already published nine books, with more manuscripts ready. Her upcoming book, "200 liv" (200 Lives), is set to explore reincarnation, a concept she deeply connects with, recalling previous existences, most notably as Anne Frank.

Barbro recounts the profound fear she felt as Anne Frank, being taken to the Belsen concentration camp. The article provides a brief history of Anne Frank, her family's hiding in Amsterdam, their discovery, and Anne's death in the camp in 1945 at the age of 15. Anne's diary, found hidden, became a worldwide bestseller.

Barbro explains her understanding of the soul's evolution: starting as mere matter, progressing through plants and animals, then to humans, and finally evolving into divine beings who attain absolute insight. Her success as an author has enabled her to purchase a farm in Västergötland, where she lives with her husband, Lasse Sjögreen, whom she married the previous year. They are expecting a child in May.

Her mother, Maria Karlén, shares anecdotes about Barbro's early revelations. At two years old, Barbro stated she was not just Barbro and that her father was only her father for that moment, identifying herself as Anne. Initially, her mother dismissed these as fantasies, but as Barbro grew, her ability to recall past lives, even leading them to Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam, became undeniable.

Barbro's former teacher, Atle Burman, recognized her unique talent early on, collecting her poems and essays. He was particularly struck by her profound questions at a young age, such as "Who teaches us how to live?" Burman, who held beliefs in reincarnation, was convinced by Barbro's accounts. He notes that while Barbro's father remains skeptical, her mother now accepts her claims.

Barbro's readers, many of whom are religious, have had mixed reactions. Some who previously supported her have distanced themselves after her revelations about past lives. However, she also has followers who acknowledge the truth in her stories, even if they find them outside their usual religious framework. Despite criticism, Barbro remains indifferent, focusing on her work to spread divine truths, using stories to convey the concept of reincarnation until society was ready for direct discussion.

Barbro believes Christianity is the most accurate teaching, as taught by Jesus, who she states preached reincarnation, a concept later removed from the Bible. She sees Jesus and Buddha as embodying the same divine spirit. She respects all religions, acknowledging the comfort and strength they offer.

The Baha'i Faith: A Universal Religion

An extensive section is dedicated to the Baha'i faith, presented as a missionary, non-Christian religion. The article details the history of the faith, starting with Ali Muhammad (The Bab) in 1844, who declared himself the Bab (gate) and a messenger. His teachings were later expanded upon by Baha' Allah (Mirza Husain Ali Nur), who is considered the manifestation of God for this age. The faith emphasizes the unity of God, the unity of religions, and the unity of humanity.

The article describes the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, USA, a significant pilgrimage site. It outlines the core principles of the Baha'i faith, including the prohibition of asceticism, the promotion of universal peace, the equality of men and women, the elimination of prejudice, and the establishment of universal education and an international auxiliary language.

The spread of the Baha'i faith in the West is chronicled, beginning with its introduction at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. The article highlights the efforts of early missionaries like Louise Melander-Erickson and August Rudd in Sweden, who were tasked by 'Abd al-Baha' to spread the faith in Scandinavia. It also mentions the visits of prominent Baha'i figures like Martha Root and Nellie Stevison French to Sweden.

Key Baha'i principles discussed include the belief in one God, the progressive revelation of divine truth through prophets like Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad, with Baha' Allah being the latest manifestation. The concept of humanity's unity is central, aiming for a global society that guarantees peaceful development.

Spiritualism and the Afterlife

Another significant portion of the magazine explores spiritualistic phenomena, particularly the "voices on tape" or Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). The article "Talar de döda på band?" (Do the dead speak on tape?) by Nils-Olof Jacobson critically examines the claims made by Claude Thorlin in his book "De döda talar på band" (The Dead Speak on Tape). Jacobson questions the validity of these recordings, suggesting they could be misinterpretations of ambient noise or even hoaxes.

Thorlin, however, remains convinced of the authenticity of these voices, interpreting them as evidence of life after death and communication from spirits. He recounts several seances and recordings, including one where he claims to have heard voices singing in a mixture of languages, which he interprets as a message from the spirit world.

Jacobson investigates one of Thorlin's cited examples, a recording of a choir, and discovers that the sounds are from a Giuseppe Verdi piece, "Te Deum," suggesting a more mundane explanation than spirit communication. Despite this, Thorlin maintains his belief in the spirit hypothesis.

The article also features an interview with Birgit Lange, who discusses her departure from the Church of Sweden and her critique of Christian dogma, particularly the concept of an anthropomorphic God. She questions the literal interpretation of biblical texts and suggests that modern theologians may not fully believe in a personal God.

Other Articles and Themes

The magazine includes a brief mention of Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual teacher who founded meditation centers worldwide, promoting a path of love, devotion, and surrender to God. His philosophy emphasizes inner transformation and the unity of all beings.

There's also a section titled "NIO FRÅGOR OM KRISTENDOM" (Nine Questions About Christianity) by Curt Liljenström, which probes the nature of Christianity, its rituals, dogmas, and the role of Jesus. The questions challenge conventional interpretations and explore the possibility of incorporating non-Christian ideas into Christian belief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, spiritualism, and alternative religious beliefs. The magazine appears to be open to investigating phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in Jacobson's analysis of EVP. The editorial stance seems to favor open inquiry into spiritual matters, including reincarnation, UFOs, and the nature of consciousness beyond death, alongside a critical examination of established religious doctrines. The Baha'i faith is presented as a significant spiritual movement with a message of global unity and peace.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 3
Volume: 10
Date: March 1973

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in March 1973, explores a diverse range of topics, from the controversial effects of LSD to the philosophical implications of spiritualism and the mysteries of UFOs. The magazine maintains an open-minded yet critical approach, featuring reader contributions, interviews with notable figures, and in-depth book reviews.

Letters and Reader Contributions

The issue opens with a letter from Sven Jonson, who defends LSD against claims of it being a dangerous narcotic. He argues that LSD, rather than inducing a lower state of consciousness, actually heightens it. Jonson suggests that the 'dangers' associated with LSD trips arise from an individual's unwillingness or unpreparedness to confront their subconscious, leading to negative experiences. He criticizes media sensationalism and uninformed opinions on the subject, advocating for education rather than propaganda.

Another reader, Hans Åkerberg, is commended for an article in a previous issue, with a hope that the referenced literature will be read.

A section for donations ('Gåvor') lists numerous contributors and their amounts, totaling 312 Swedish Kronor, with a heartfelt thank you.

A personal ad seeks a companion for a woman who describes herself as a happy, outgoing, non-denominational seeker with deep roots in home and nature, interested in reading and seeking a friend aged 60-65 with similar interests for shared companionship and home.

A room for rent is advertised on Djurgården for a quiet person.

Editorial and Circulation Appeal

An appeal is made to readers to help increase subscriptions by recommending Sökaren to friends. The magazine aims to reach an additional thousand subscribers, currently standing at just over two thousand. Readers are encouraged to provide names and addresses of interested individuals.

Featured Articles and Interviews

"En ny ideologi för en ny tidsålder" by Young Oom Kim

This section promotes a book titled "De Gudomliga Principerna" (The Divine Principles) by Young Oom Kim, available for purchase or loan from HSA-UWC in Stockholm.

Interview with Dr. Bengt Hubendick

Dr. Bengt Hubendick, head of the Natural History Museum in Gothenburg and author of "Läsebok för politiker - och alla andra," is interviewed. He expresses a view that from an evolutionary standpoint, individual significance is minimal, with the species' survival being paramount. However, he acknowledges the psychological and emotional benefits religion can provide. Hubendick critically views human intelligence as nature's "greatest mistake," enabling humanity to destroy the planet and shorten its own existence. He highlights the crucial role of natural history museums in educating the public about environmental threats and the necessity for politicians to support long-term ecological preservation. He stresses the importance of recognizing ecological and psychological limits, advocating for balanced cultures and warning of brutal adaptation processes if preparations are delayed. He notes the lack of examples of human activities that form natural, circular processes, citing the impact of modern society on even isolated communities.

"Däniken i högform går på djupet" (Book Review)

This review discusses Erich von Däniken's latest book, "Gudasäd" (God's Seed), which follows his previous successes. The book presents new evidence for his theory of ancient astronauts visiting Earth, citing discoveries in Ecuador, including a vast underground library with metallic plates inscribed with unknown script. The review highlights Däniken's exploration of worldwide serpent and dragon imagery as symbols of space travel and his investigation into a cave system with a 'library' of metallic sheets and gold artifacts. The reviewer questions the scientific community's potential skepticism towards these findings and mentions the work of archaeologist Juan Moricz and Father Carlo Crespi. The review also touches upon Joseph F. Blumrich's upcoming book analyzing Ezekiel's visions from a technical perspective and Däniken's observations on Polynesian ritual masks and ancient South American artifacts.

"Möjligheternas väv" (Book Review)

This review covers Gösta Ehrensvärd's book "En väv av möjligheter" (A Weave of Possibilities), which follows his earlier work "Före - efter" (Before - After). The book is described as an inventory of factors contributing to a dystopian future vision, with a focus on energy problems. It is recommended for biology students and professionals seeking broader technical perspectives. Ehrensvärd emphasizes the importance of compassion and moderation, suggesting that humanity's future lies in mental pursuits and the search for complex truths, rather than material-technical advancements. He advocates for living in harmony with nature rather than attempting to 'master' it.

"En Walther Eidlitz-bok" (Book Review)

This review discusses Walther Eidlitz's book "Livets mål och mening" (Life's Goal and Meaning). The reviewer expresses being deeply moved and inspired by the book's portrayal of the Indian concept of life and its holistic approach. While acknowledging initial resistance to certain ideas, the reviewer ultimately finds profound resonance with Eidlitz's philosophy, particularly his insights into the nature of existence and the pursuit of truth.

"Parapsykologin och det eviga livet" (Book Review)

This review examines Bertil Peterson's book "Parapsykologin och det eviga livet" (Parapsychology and Eternal Life). Peterson, an engineer and researcher, attempts to reconcile parapsychology with scientific and theological concepts, proposing an explanation for suffering based on the interplay of chance, human malice, and ignorance, and suggesting that suffering in this life is insignificant compared to eternal life.

Other Sections

Ljudbehandling mot migrän (Sound Treatment for Migraine)

An article describes a new migraine treatment developed by Harald Bergestam, involving a combination of electronic sound therapy and diet. Patients listen to specific sounds through headphones, based on the theory that a healthy brain has a unique sound pattern that can be disrupted by illness.

Antikvarisk litteratur (Antiquarian Literature)

Rönnells antikvariat in Stockholm is mentioned for its catalog of literature on topics such as theosophy, spiritualism, yoga, hypnosis, and various Eastern philosophies.

UFO

A section in Danish promotes reading about "foreign spaceships," UFO reports, scientific news, and astronomical information. It encourages readers to subscribe to "UFO-aspekt."

Spiritualismen (Spiritualism)

Nils-Olof Jacobson writes about spiritualism, stating he is not a spiritualist but views it as an interesting religion that warrants serious consideration. He discusses the concept of the 'spirit world' as a mental construct and finds spontaneous psychic experiences like out-of-body phenomena and visions more compelling than typical séance phenomena, which he attributes to the subconscious. He expresses a theoretical belief in reincarnation and out-of-body experiences, but distinguishes himself from practicing spiritualists.

Club Kamelen Program

A schedule of events at Club Kamelen in Stockholm is listed, featuring lectures and discussions on topics ranging from Indian myths to graphology and meditation.

Bodhi

An advertisement for the Buddhist quarterly magazine "Bodhi" is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine demonstrates a consistent interest in alternative philosophies, parapsychology, and unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and spiritualism. There is a clear editorial stance of encouraging open-minded inquiry and critical examination of these subjects, as evidenced by the balanced presentation of reader opinions, interviews, and book reviews. The magazine also shows a concern for ecological issues and the future of humanity, reflecting a broader societal discourse of the early 1970s. The inclusion of diverse topics, from personal ads to scientific theories and spiritual practices, suggests an aim to cater to a readership interested in a wide spectrum of unconventional ideas and personal growth.