Sokaren - 1973 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 4
Date: 1973
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Price: 3:50 inkl. moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1973, delves into topics of consciousness, death, parapsychology, spirituality, and human nature.

Doktor Duvernoy och Döden

The main feature focuses on Dr. Werner Duvernoy, a chief anesthesiologist at Löwenströmska Hospital in Upplands Väsby. Dr. Duvernoy posits that human consciousness can exist independently of the physical body, suggesting the soul has a freedom that allows it to exist separate from material reality. He references accounts from individuals who have experienced profound unconsciousness and reported conscious experiences while their physical bodies were seemingly inactive. Dr. Duvernoy has collected numerous such cases, aiming to compile them into a book. He notes that these out-of-body experiences are often very clear and intense, with the dying person observing their own body from a distance. While he acknowledges the mystery of what happens after death, he draws parallels between his observations and the concept of consciousness as a form of energy that may be eternal, even if its physical manifestation changes.

Interviews on Parapsychology

The magazine features interviews with several individuals discussing their perspectives on parapsychology:

• Fil.dr. Kerstin Anér expresses interest in parapsychology, not based on personal experience but on the belief that it broadens scientific understanding. She cites works by Ernesto de Martino, Sir Alistair Hardy, and Ostrander & Schroeder as influential.
• Författaren Werner Aspenström views the interest in the supernatural as a reflection of one's attitude towards the world. He finds poetry to be a space where hidden things can be revealed and is intrigued by the psychological aspects of belief systems. He acknowledges the existence of paranormal phenomena but is critical of simplistic spiritualist interpretations.
• Kulturred. Bernt Eklundh shares a personal experience of intense anxiety that led to what he describes as a state of receiving 'signals,' including reading others' thoughts. He views the brain as a filter and is cautious about definitive conclusions in parapsychology, though his own experiences have made him more open to the field.
• Författaren Kai Henmark is interested in parapsychology but not obsessed, finding it a way to break down conventional assumptions. He has not had personal parapsychological experiences but is open to exploring the subject.
• Folklivsforskaren Bengt af Klintberg connects modern 'medium' abilities to historical 'wise people' and folk beliefs, suggesting that such phenomena have always existed but have been interpreted through different cultural lenses. He emphasizes the need for careful research to distinguish between genuine experiences and folklore.
• Författaren Staffan Larsson recounts personal experiences with paranormal phenomena, including disembodied voices on tape and poltergeist activity. He is intrigued by these events but remains cautious about definitive explanations.
• Bokförläggare Sune Stigsjöö discusses his extensive experiments with medium Olle Jönsson in the late 1940s, which convinced him of the existence of paranormal phenomena. He is skeptical of spiritualist interpretations but believes in the existence of phenomena like telekinesis and telepathy. He suggests that science is increasingly challenging its own materialistic worldview.
• Författaren Tomas Tranströmer shares experiences with clairvoyance and telekinesis, noting that while he doesn't dismiss paranormal phenomena, he finds the concept of the 'self' and existence itself to be the greatest mystery.

Buddha

Sverre Holmsen, a follower of the Baha'i faith, describes Buddha from a Baha'i perspective. He explains Buddha's life as Siddhartha Gotama, his renunciation of worldly life, his quest for enlightenment, and his teachings on the Middle Way, wisdom, and love. Buddha's message challenged the caste system and emphasized the universal law of karma (cause and effect) and the Four Noble Truths. The article highlights Buddha's rejection of blind faith and his emphasis on personal understanding and ethical conduct.

Sexuality

An article titled 'SEX' explores sexuality as a natural and essential part of human life, akin to other bodily functions. It argues that suppressing natural sexual urges is counterproductive and that sexuality is a fundamental force for life's continuation and reproduction. The article advocates for embracing sexuality within ethical boundaries, viewing it as a profound connection between individuals and the universe, and a basis for love and intimacy. It distinguishes between sexual attraction and genuine love, emphasizing the importance of inner connection.

Other Articles

• Indian Music: An article by John Blom details the origins and characteristics of Indian music, tracing it back to the Vedic period. It highlights its focus on emotional expression, unique scales (ragas), and the use of microtones, contrasting it with Western music.
• C. G. Jung: Alf Ahlberg discusses Carl Jung's theories on life beyond death, drawing from Jung's personal experiences during a near-death event. Jung speculated that earthly life might be a limited section of a larger existence, and that death could be an awakening. He explored concepts of reincarnation and eternal life, suggesting that the soul might return to Earth to fulfill its potential.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundaries of human consciousness, the nature of reality beyond the physical, and the search for meaning. There is a clear interest in parapsychological phenomena, with a critical yet open approach, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine seems to advocate for a broader, more inclusive worldview that integrates spiritual, psychological, and scientific perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of intellectual curiosity and a desire to explore the mysteries of existence, encouraging personal reflection and open-mindedness.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 4
Volume: 1973
Date: 1973
Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-1999
Price: 32:- (annual subscription)

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1973, focuses heavily on the concept of the 'Anden' (spirit or mind) as a fundamental aspect of reality, exploring its implications across science, philosophy, and spirituality.

Articles and Content

ANDEN (The Spirit/Mind)

The lead article, "ANDEN," posits that the human spirit or consciousness is not a trivial matter but a fundamental component of the universe, perhaps even its underlying substance. It challenges the notion that scientific pursuits in physics, astronomy, and biology render the study of the spirit insignificant. The author argues that the 'Anden' is the essence of intelligent life and the foundation upon which the material and even the 'macro- and microcosmos' exist. The article suggests that the spiritual dimension is not bound by physical limitations of space and time, and that the infinite possibilities of the spirit are the true 'infinity' of the universe. It highlights parapsychology as a key discipline for understanding the deeper workings of the universe and the 'spiritual universe.'

Book Reviews

"Det kommer en dag..." by Eugen Semitjov

Reviewed by Ulf R. Johansson, this book explores the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations and the ongoing efforts by scientists in the US and Soviet Union to detect signals from space. Semitjov is presented as a proponent of the idea that contact is inevitable. The review touches upon the vastness of the galaxy, the potential for billions of planets, and the statistical likelihood of advanced civilizations. A significant point raised in the review is the ethical dilemma of humanity revealing its existence to potentially unknown entities, questioning whether such contact would be benevolent. The reviewer notes that Semitjov focuses on technical speculation rather than the ethical and moral implications.

"Religionsfilosofi" (Philosophy of Religion) by John Hicks

Also reviewed by Ulf R. Johansson, this book is described as a textbook-like examination of religious philosophy. It covers topics such as arguments for God's existence, the verifiability of religious claims, and the significance of parapsychological phenomena for religious certainty. Hicks' analysis suggests that reason alone cannot definitively prove or disprove God's existence. The review highlights the teleological argument (argument from design) and Hume's critique, which suggests that order in the universe could arise from natural processes over vast timescales. Hicks also discusses the scientific worldview and its apparent independence from religious concepts, while acknowledging that parapsychology might offer insights into the nature of reality.

UFO Sighting Report

The issue includes a report of a UFO sighting in Sweden on January 28, 1973. The object was described as silent, fast, and approximately 100 meters high, with no electromagnetic or physical traces. The report notes that while the scientific investigation of parapsychological phenomena is crucial, the specific case is presented without extensive analysis.

Other Content

Several other articles and features are listed in the table of contents:

• "Doktor Duvernoy och döden" (Doctor Duvernoy and Death)
• "Inbjudan till ett parapsykologiskt experiment" (Invitation to a Parapsychological Experiment)
• "Hur C. G. Jung tänkte sig livet bortom döden" (How C. G. Jung Envisioned Life Beyond Death) by Alf Ahlberg
• "Indisk musik" (Indian Music) by John Blom
• "Sex – ett nytt förlag" (Sex – A New Publisher) by Larson
• Book reviews (Recensioner)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren strongly emphasizes the spiritual or conscious aspect of existence as fundamental, potentially more so than the material world. It bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and esoteric or spiritual exploration, suggesting that parapsychology and the study of consciousness are vital for understanding the universe's deeper truths. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific explanation, including UFOs and the nature of the spirit, while also engaging with philosophical and theological debates. The editorial stance encourages a holistic view that integrates scientific findings with spiritual and psychological insights.