Sokaren - 1973 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR5
Date: 1973

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1973, focuses on Anthroposophy, exploring its philosophical underpinnings and practical applications. It also features a significant section on atheism and agnosticism in Sweden, alongside articles on parapsychology and the presence of Buddhism in the country.

Anthroposophy: Awareness of Spiritual Forces

The main article introduces Anthroposophy as a spiritual movement with diverse practical activities, including Waldorf pedagogy (Kristofferskolan in Stockholm), therapeutic education for the mentally handicapped, biodynamic farming, and eurythmy. It highlights that these practices stem from the Anthroposophical worldview founded by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925).

Rudolf Steiner is described as a highly gifted and scientifically educated man with deep spiritual interests and extrasensory experiences. He viewed Anthroposophy as a 'spiritual science' that utilizes the human being's spiritual perception organs, which he claimed to have highly developed through training. Steiner asserted that Anthroposophy provides knowledge of the spiritual realm in a manner analogous to how external sensory organs provide knowledge of the physical world. His book 'How Does One Attain Knowledge of the Higher Worlds?' (1904) outlines the methods he used to achieve these research results.

Initially, Steiner found kindred spirits in theosophy and participated in its work for about ten years before breaking away to form the Anthroposophical Society in 1912.

A Swedish Anthroposophist's Perspective

Erik Olof Holmberg, an architect and one of Sweden's approximately 600 Anthroposophists, shares his understanding of Anthroposophy. He emphasizes that it is not merely about believing in the unprovable but is a path of life-research where ideas are tested. Holmberg explains that Anthroposophy seeks to understand the connection between spirit and matter, offering a more comprehensive view of humanity and reality than materialism by acknowledging the spiritual world as an integral part of existence. He details Steiner's concept of the human being as composed of a physical body, a life body (formative force), an astral body (seat of soul life and emotions), and the ego (individual consciousness). Steiner viewed humans as a threefold being: body, soul, and spirit.

Holmberg contrasts this with materialism, which he states lacks a concrete understanding of the spiritual and soul, often dismissing idealism as superstition. He notes that modern science quantifies but struggles with quality, whereas Anthroposophy claims to offer a scientific description of the qualitative and spiritual, based on Steiner's supersensory experiences. He also suggests that individuals can develop new sensory faculties to perceive the spiritual world, provided they train these capacities.

Anthroposophy is not a religion, though there is an Anthroposophically oriented Christian church called Kristet Samfund. Most Anthroposophists are Christian, but one can be an Anthroposophist without being a conventional Christian. Steiner viewed Christ as a balancing, guiding force for humanity, representing human potential and true nobility.

Steiner also spoke of reincarnation, where the ego is reborn in human form. Our present lives shape future existences. The time between incarnations is approximately a millennium, allowing for significant changes in the human environment and new experiential opportunities for the soul.

Holmberg clarifies that Anthroposophy is a teaching about the spiritual world, the soul world, and physical matter, extending beyond the scope of conventional natural science. He explains the connection between spirit and matter through the human being: spiritual beings (egos) incarnate into physical matter via the soul and body. Matter is seen as the final stage of a condensation process where a spiritual being takes on a soul and body.

Regarding the spiritual world, Steiner described it as containing various beings and forces. He used colors metaphorically to describe spiritual qualities, drawing parallels to human sensory experiences. His descriptions of the spiritual world align with elements found in world religions and mythology.

Anthroposophists do not seek contact with the spiritual world through mediums, as spiritualists do. Instead, they focus on developing higher spiritual faculties through training, believing this leads to inner experiences of the spiritual realm. Holmberg personally finds Anthroposophy provides a broad perspective on life and humanity, offering psychological stability and health-giving forces.

Waldorf Pedagogy

Waldorf pedagogy, a cultural phenomenon rooted in Rudolf Steiner's thought, is represented in Sweden by Kristofferskolan in Stockholm. This school, with full pedagogical freedom, emphasizes the holistic development of personality, valuing feeling, will, and intellect equally. The goal is 'human formation' through comprehensive education.

Artistic work plays a significant role, especially in lower grades, integrated into all subjects. Learning is primarily oral, with teachers adapting their methods to student questions. The aim is to engage students emotionally, making learning vibrant and facilitating knowledge acquisition. Students' own workbooks, compiled with teacher assistance, serve as their primary learning materials.

Kristofferskolan is exam-free, using descriptive assessments instead of grades to create a 'giftedness profile' for each student, focusing on individual development rather than competition. The school offers religious education according to the Swedish state church, Christian Community, or a non-denominational Christian approach that aims to foster religious values without binding students to a specific confession. It also provides knowledge about non-Christian faiths and respects them.

The educational philosophy is based on the Anthroposophical view of the human being as a developing entity. Arne Klingborg, chairman of the Anthroposophical Society, explains that human development occurs in distinct phases: the physical body's development (birth to six/seven years), the awakening of memory and imagination (six/seven to thirteen/fourteen years), the development of the soul and intellect (thirteen/fourteen to twenty/twenty-one years), and the emergence of the ego (twenty/twenty-one years onwards). Each phase requires specific pedagogical approaches.

Waldorf schools aim to provide knowledge in a way that nourishes the growing human being, responding to their spiritual-soul situation. The curriculum is structured to align with these developmental stages, using artistic elements in early years, focusing on understanding in later years, and connecting knowledge to human relationships and societal responsibility in high school.

Biodynamic Farming

Rudolf Steiner's principles for a new agricultural method, biodynamic farming, are presented as a timely alternative to chemical agriculture. This method involves working with nature's forces and avoiding artificial fertilizers and pesticides. The article argues that modern humans' over-reliance on technology has harmed living systems, leading to depleted soil, reduced crop vitality, and health issues for consumers.

Kjell Arman, a consultant, describes biodynamic farming as based on a holistic view of life, nature, and agriculture. He emphasizes its role as a cultural impulse, asserting that human culture and spiritual development are linked to the quality of food produced. Examples of biodynamic practices include using horsetail extract to combat fungal diseases and spraying fruit trees with skimmed milk to prevent scab. Wood ash is used to prevent powdery mildew on berries.

Psychokinesis in Spontaneous Cases and Experimental Seances

Professor Hans Bender of the Institute for Border Areas of Psychology and Psychohygiene in Freiburg, Germany, is featured for his research into parapsychological phenomena. The article discusses cases of 'poltergeist' activity, characterized by unexplained object movements, sounds, and materializations. Bender's research, spanning 20 years and 23 cases, is compared to similar studies, including those by French researcher Emile Tizané.

One case involves Heiner S., a young man who exhibited psychokinetic phenomena (PK) in a department store and later in a psychiatric clinic. Experiments showed that screws loosened from walls and objects fell from shelves when he was present. The phenomena ceased when he was removed from the environment.

Other cases described include objects appearing in the air, stones falling from ceilings, and items moving inexplicably. The article notes that these phenomena often occur in connection with young individuals experiencing emotional stress.

Friedrich Zöllner's theories about a fourth spatial dimension are mentioned as a potential explanation for phenomena like knot-tying in sealed cords and apportations (objects appearing from nowhere). The article also touches upon Gamow's 'tunnel effect' in physics and the concept of matter and energy transformation, drawing parallels to some parapsychological observations.

Agnostics and Atheists Interviewed

This section presents interviews with several prominent Swedish agnostics and atheists, offering diverse perspectives on religion, belief, and societal issues.

Clas Engström (Agnostic)

Author Clas Engström identifies as an agnostic, stating that one cannot know the unknowable and therefore cannot adhere to religious creeds. He finds Christian claims about Jesus to be meaningless and improbable. Engström criticizes the state church system in Sweden, arguing it hinders religiosity and that religious freedom should extend to non-religious worldviews. He believes society should support religious activities as part of culture but advocates for the separation of church and state. He suggests that religious education in schools should be objective, teaching about various religions and philosophies rather than promoting a specific faith.

Stellan Arvidson (Atheist)

Fil. dr. Stellan Arvidson, a well-known Swedish atheist, questions the personification of existence as God, finding the idea of an omnipotent and omniscient God to render human striving and development meaningless. He argues that nature's apparent design is a result of evolution and natural selection, not intelligent creation. Arvidson dismisses Christian claims about Jesus as superstition derived from older Mediterranean religions. He believes that religious adherence is often a matter of tradition and environment rather than independent reflection. He views religion as harmful, hindering human maturity and autonomy.

Sam Lidman (Atheist)

Sam Lidman, an education secretary and son of a preacher, describes his upbringing in a Pentecostal environment and his eventual loss of faith. He recounts his fear of God and his disillusionment following World War II, which led him to reject the concept of an all-powerful, merciful God. Lidman states he does not believe in the Christian God and is not interested in adopting any other religious framework. He finds the idea of hell to be a terrifying aspect of his childhood faith. He views religious proselytizing as irritating and unnecessary, advocating for individual freedom of belief. Lidman finds solace in no longer fearing hell and expresses a preference for living life fully and kindly.

Per Anders Fogelström (Agnostic)

Author and peace advocate Per Anders Fogelström identifies as an agnostic, finding religious questions uninteresting. He believes that the complexity of life forms is a product of natural processes over vast periods, not a divine creation. Fogelström sees the Christian concept of God as impossible to reconcile with reality and views religious beliefs as a product of environment rather than reasoned conviction. He finds religion to be harmful, hindering human development and autonomy.

C-A Wachtmeister (Agnostic)

Fil. mag. Claes-Adam Wachtmeister, editor of 'Ateistens handbok' (The Atheist's Handbook), denies the existence of God. He finds the concept of a metaphysical God to be unprovable and unnecessary, citing Occam's Razor. Wachtmeister dismisses historical claims of divine intervention as improbable and finds the teleological argument for God unconvincing. He views Christian narratives about Jesus as ancient Eastern myths lacking historical basis. He does not believe in an afterlife and advocates for a form of 'fighting atheism' to counter religious dogma and superstition, though not through proselytizing. He believes the state church system is detrimental and should be abolished.

Meditating Artists

This section introduces a group of Swedish artists who practice transcendental meditation according to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's method. These artists, including Bertil Arkrans, Bengt Collmar, Bengt Karlsson, Curt Källman, and Catharina Köhler, believe that meditation enhances creativity and allows them to express life and beauty in their art. Curt Källman shares his experience of how meditation reduced his inner tensions and allowed him greater freedom to express himself, leading to more positive and life-affirming art.

Buddhism in Sweden

This article traces the interest in Buddhism in Sweden from the 1920s onwards. It mentions lectures by Rabindranath Tagore and K. L. Reichelt, and Kata Dalström's embrace of Buddhist principles. The article highlights the growing interest in Buddhism after World War II, noting its rational and humanistic approach, and the establishment of Buddhist organizations like the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB). It details the founding of 'Buddhismens vänner' (Friends of Buddhism) and the ordination of the first Swedish Buddhist nun, Amita Nisatta, and monk, Anagarika Sugata. The article also discusses the establishment of the Swedish Buddhist Society (SBS) and its publications, emphasizing Buddhism's appeal to young people seeking an alternative to materialism and dogmatic religion.

Dhaniya Sutta

This section presents a translation and commentary on the Dhaniya Sutta from the Buddhist Pali Canon. The sutta illustrates the Buddha's detachment from worldly desires and suffering, his attainment of liberation, and his freedom from the cycle of rebirth. The commentary explains the symbolic meaning of the Buddha's words, contrasting them with the shepherd Dhaniya's literal interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores spiritual and philosophical alternatives to conventional religious beliefs, with a strong focus on Anthroposophy and its related movements. It also critically examines established religious institutions like the state church and presents diverse secular viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various belief systems and philosophical inquiries, while also critically evaluating them. The inclusion of interviews with atheists and agnostics suggests an editorial interest in presenting a range of perspectives on faith and existence. The recurring theme is the search for meaning and understanding in life, whether through spiritual science, philosophical reasoning, or personal experience.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 5
Volume: 10
Date: 1973

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focusing on spiritual, religious, and paranormal topics, presents a diverse range of articles and interviews. It features insights into the life and thoughts of musician Gunde Johansson, reports on UFO and humanoid encounters, and explores various philosophical and religious viewpoints.

Gunde Johansson: A Glimpse of a Spiritual Seeker

The magazine opens with a profile of Gunde Johansson, a popular songwriter and singer-player known for his musical interpretations of poems by Dan Andersson and Nils Ferlin. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Johansson is revealed to be a deep thinker, currently studying religious history at Stockholm University. The interview touches upon his views on love as a unifying force, drawing parallels with socialist ideals. He reflects on the inherent darkness within humanity, as expressed by Andersson and Ferlin, and the role of protest songs in addressing this. Johansson clarifies that he does not belong to any religious denomination but finds significance in Christ's positive outlook on humanity and belief in goodness. He discusses his interest in Dan Andersson, which led him to explore Indian religions, mysticism, and parapsychological phenomena. Johansson notes that while ancient Indian sages observed parapsychological phenomena during meditation, they often refrained from publicizing them, unlike some who became fakirs. He does not have personal experiences with séances but acknowledges the possibility of contact with spirits, questioning the purpose and potential dangers of such pursuits. He also touches upon superstition, arguing that science itself has been superstitious by dismissing phenomena rather than investigating them. Johansson expresses a nuanced view on 'God,' rejecting atheism and the idea of chance as the universe's creator, suggesting a larger, unknown reality. He sees great religious figures and poets as catalysts for human development, fostering belief in goodness and the concept of love. He emphasizes the need for a shift in human consciousness and the importance of maintaining human connection, citing the loneliness experienced by the elderly in care homes.

Om Vådan av att Skriva Böcker och Bli Känd (On the Danger of Writing Books and Becoming Known)

This section features an interview with Nils-Olof Jacobson, a psychiatrist, who discusses the misinterpretations surrounding his book 'Liv efter döden?' (Life After Death?). He clarifies that he did not claim to have weighed the soul but rather described an experiment by Duncan MacDougall around 1907. Jacobson recounts how media reports, particularly from Sweden and Germany, inaccurately claimed he had scientifically proven the existence of the soul by weighing it. This led to numerous inquiries and correspondence, including many letters from French women, apparently due to a photograph accompanying an article. He also mentions a similar misreporting in Mexico and the US, where a woman translated his book and a local newspaper ran a story about his 'soul weighing' experiment, much to the editor's regret when the rumor was debunked.

Varia: Humanoid Visits in Imjärvi

This article details alleged humanoid encounters experienced by Aarno Heinonen in Imjärvi, Finland, between 1970 and 1972. Heinonen reports 23 such incidents, including communications from a female humanoid who claimed to be from 'the other side of the Milky Way.' She described three types of humanoids visiting Imjärvi: small ones, those around 140 cm tall, and a taller race. Heinonen recounts two specific meetings with a female humanoid in a yellow jumpsuit, who communicated with him and showed him a silver, disc-shaped craft approximately 5-7 meters in diameter. Another incident describes Heinonen and Esko Viljo witnessing a 140 cm tall humanoid in a grey suit emerge from behind a stove, followed by a bright light filling the room.

Minnet en Svag Punkt i UFO-Rapporter (Memory: A Weak Point in UFO Reports)

This piece discusses the challenges in UFO research, particularly the reliance on eyewitness testimonies. It highlights that memory is fallible and can be distorted through repeated recall and retelling, often becoming more dramatic than the original event. The article suggests that witnesses can be influenced by other accounts, media reports, and discussions with others. It posits that UFO researchers have often accepted witness accounts without sufficiently questioning their accuracy, especially concerning crucial details. The author notes that UFO phenomena are largely a 'human phenomenon' in terms of research material, stemming from people's experiences and their subsequent narration.

Danska Tidskrifter (Danish Magazines)

A list of nine Danish magazines covering similar topics to Sökaren is provided, including 'Universum,' 'Psykisk Forum,' 'Psykisk Information,' 'Occulta,' 'Lysbringeren,' 'UFO-Nyt,' 'UFO Aspekt,' 'Dansk UFO Tidsskrift,' and 'UFO-Kontakt.'

Book Reviews

'Parapsykologi' by G.N.M. Tyrrell: This review discusses the reissued book, originally titled 'The Personality of Man,' which explores parapsychology, mysticism, and spiritualism. The reviewer praises Tyrrell's scientific approach and his examination of phenomena like inspiration, visions, and the experiences of mystics. The book is noted for its detailed terminology and its discussion of cases like 'Patience Worth.'

'Tanke-livets frigörelse' (The Liberation of Thought) by Alf Ahlberg: This review highlights Ahlberg's 1934 book, now available in paperback, which emphasizes the importance of free thinking, intellectual honesty, and critical examination of facts. The reviewer quotes extensively from the book, stressing the dangers of uncritical acceptance of ideas and the necessity of scientific thinking.

Other Articles and Features

'Fiktiv studie' (Fictional Study): A narrative piece describing a man named Fredriksson who appears to be lost in his own inner world, talking to himself and exhibiting unusual behavior in public spaces.

'Brev' (Letters): Readers' contributions discussing psychic experiences, memory in UFO reports, and the nature of spiritualist literature.

'Från Noaks Ark' (From Noah's Ark): An account of animal communication and healing, focusing on the taming of a ram and the recovery of a rooster named Bartholomeus through 'healing' and mental contact.

'Religiöst Sökande' (Religious Seeker): An editorial piece advising truth-seekers to approach religion with an open mind, study various traditions, and use their intellect to question dogma. It emphasizes that love is a universal human capacity, not exclusive to any single religion.

'Om Vådan av att Skriva Böcker' (On the Danger of Writing Books): A short piece by Nils-Olof Jacobson, likely a continuation of the earlier interview, discussing the challenges and misinterpretations faced by authors in the paranormal field.

'Antroposofi - en medvetenhet om de andliga krafterna' (Anthroposophy - An Awareness of Spiritual Forces): A brief mention of a topic covered in the issue.

'Psykokinesi i spontanfall och experimentalseanser' (Psychokinesis in Spontaneous Cases and Experimental Séances): A listed article by Birger Qvarnström.

'Agnostiker och ateister intervjuas' (Agnostics and Atheists Interviewed): A listed article.

'Mediterande konstnärer' (Meditating Artists): A listed article.

'Buddhism i Sverige' (Buddhism in Sweden) by Thomas K:son Hultberg: A listed article.

'Dhaniya Sutta': A listed article.

'Några glimtar av Gunde Johansson' (Some Glimpses of Gunde Johansson): A listed article, likely the main profile piece.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, religion, mysticism, and the paranormal, including UFO phenomena and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore diverse beliefs and experiences with a critical yet open mind. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of intellectual honesty, the dangers of dogma, and the potential for personal growth through spiritual seeking. The magazine also highlights the challenges and potential pitfalls of publicizing such topics, as seen in the interview with Nils-Olof Jacobson.