Sokaren - 1973 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 7
Date: 1973
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Main Articles

The Divine Word According to Bhakti Tradition by Walther Eidlitz

This article explores the concept of the divine word (Veda) within the Bhakti tradition. Eidlitz explains that the Veda is considered a divine revelation, not of human origin, but an outflow from God. The eternal sound (nada) is the true Veda, also known as Shabda-Brahma or Vani, the voice of the Supreme. This divine voice is described as upholding all gods and permeating heaven and earth. The creation of the universe begins with Brahma receiving this tone, which transforms into the primordial sound AUM. Through AUM, Brahma creates worlds and beings from primal matter, with all existence being founded upon the word. The article touches upon the idea that the world's creator, Brahma, is a servant of the Supreme, and that the Veda's true meaning is revealed through 'sphota,' a sudden insight gained after dedicated practice.

Brahmacharya: The Path to Self-Realization

This section defines Brahmacharya as a vow of celibacy for life, striving for complete purity and self-realization. It emphasizes that Brahmacharya is not just about controlling reproductive organs but also all senses in thought, word, and deed. The article quotes Swami Sivananda, Patanjali, and Sri Ramakrishna on the immense power and benefits of chastity, stating that it grants energy, creativity, and the ability to achieve Brahman. It highlights that Brahmacharya is the key to eternal bliss and that the path to the highest peace begins with purity. The text also discusses the concept of 'ojas,' the mental energy derived from transformed sexual energy, and quotes Swami Vivekananda on the importance of celibacy for spiritual giants.

Religion in the People's Republic of China by Åke Haglund

This article examines the complex relationship between religion and the state in China, particularly after Mao Zedong's rise to power. Initially, religious groups feared suppression, but Prime Minister Chou En-lai assured them they could continue their practices under government regulations. However, the government aimed to reduce religious activity, culminating in the Cultural Revolution of 1966, which saw the destruction of Buddhist temples and monasteries. While religious life was severely impacted, some signs of activity reappeared by 1969. The article notes that while religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, public religious expression remains limited, with some places of worship serving foreign diplomats. It categorizes surviving Buddhist temples into those maintained by the government for their historical value, those repurposed as institutions, and those still functioning.

UFOs and Implosion Energy by Nils-Olof Jacobson

This interview with Olof Alexandersson discusses the energy crisis and introduces the concept of 'implosion energy' as discovered by Viktor Schauberger. Schauberger, a forester, observed nature's energy creation processes, particularly in water, and contrasted it with modern technology's 'explosion energy.' He developed machines based on implosion principles, some of which reportedly achieved flight. Alexandersson explains that Schauberger's 'death technology' contrasts with nature's constructive, centripetal 'implosion' or 'ektropy' principle. The article touches on the difficulty of replicating Schauberger's inventions due to their intuitive nature and the resistance from forces favoring 'death technology.' It also mentions Walter S. Schauberger's efforts to systematize his father's work.

Debate: Jesus' Teachings on Faith and Works

This section features a debate between Per Glanell and Pastor Gunnar Wertelius regarding the interpretation of Jesus' teachings. Glanell argues that Jesus preached a demanding doctrine of works, contrasting with the church's usual emphasis. Wertelius, however, contends that Glanell's criticism is excessive and based on misinterpretations. He defends the church's understanding of Jesus' teachings, particularly concerning faith and works, citing parables like the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. Wertelius argues that good works are an outflow of faith, not a means to earn salvation, and criticizes Glanell's perceived reliance on isolated biblical quotes and his dismissal of certain biblical texts. The debate also touches on the concept of divine reward and punishment in Jesus' teachings, with Glanell emphasizing a 'reward morality' and Wertelius attempting to frame it within a more nuanced theological context.

Christian Cultural Magazines Review

This section reviews several Swedish Christian cultural magazines, including 'Kristendom och samhälle,' 'Kristet forum,' 'Vår Lösen,' 'Religion och kultur,' 'Credo,' 'Svensk Teologisk Kvartalskrift,' 'Tro och liv,' and 'Ordet och tron.' The review assesses their content, editorial stance, and target audience, often highlighting their political leanings and theological perspectives. The author expresses a desire for a Christian magazine that addresses fundamental existential questions with intellectual rigor and accessibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of spirituality, divine revelation, and the pursuit of higher consciousness, as seen in the articles on Veda and Brahmacharya. It also engages with contemporary issues such as the state of religion in communist China and the potential of alternative energy sources (UFOs, implosion energy). The editorial stance appears to favor critical inquiry into religious doctrines and practices, as evidenced by the debate on Jesus' teachings and the review of Christian magazines. There's an underlying interest in esotericism, parapsychology, and alternative philosophies, suggesting a broad scope for exploring spiritual and philosophical ideas beyond conventional religious dogma.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 7
Volume: 10
Date: 1973

This issue of Sökaren magazine features several articles exploring spirituality, philosophy, and contemporary phenomena.

Hinduism and Christianity: Learning from Each Other

Annie Holmqvist's article, "Hinduer och Kristna Bör Kunna Lära Av Varandra" (Hindus and Christians Should Be Able to Learn from Each Other), examines the potential for dialogue and mutual enrichment between these two major religions. Holmqvist begins by addressing the common perception of Indian spirituality as world- and life-denying, citing the pursuit of Nirvana as an escape from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. However, she notes that even in ancient Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita, there is a deep devotion to God and a search for inner liberation. The article highlights the Bhagavad Gita's profound wisdom, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's personal reliance on it for solace during difficult times.

Holmqvist acknowledges that for a Westerner, Hindu scriptures might seem difficult to grasp, but emphasizes that for Eastern cultures, religion is often intertwined with mysticism, a concept of merging with the divine. She points out that while Hindu mysticism focuses on union with God, it doesn't inherently demand the same outward expression of love for fellow humans as Christianity does. This leads to questions about the ethical dimension of Hindu teachings from a Western perspective.

The article suggests that Hinduism possesses elements Christianity lacks, and vice versa. Holmqvist proposes that if Europeans could overcome their skepticism towards mysticism and ecstasy without abandoning ethics, and if Indians could integrate an ethical foundation into their mysticism, a religious harmony could emerge. Krishna is presented as the Hindu equivalent of Christ, both symbolizing love in the universe, albeit with different nuances.

A significant observation is the modern transformation in Indian thought, moving away from world- and life-denial towards a more affirmative stance, influenced by Western ideals. The demand for ethics within mysticism is growing, leading to practical expressions of love for one's neighbor, which is beginning to influence social policy in India. Rabindranath Tagore is cited as a key figure representing this new lifestyle, emphasizing that a culture should be judged by the human love it fosters rather than its power.

Holmqvist concludes by posing the question of whether Westerners can benefit from Indian religion's mysticism, ecstasy, and myths. She argues that India's philosophical and religious thought, though distinct from Western traditions, offers a subtle perspective that can enrich Western spiritual seeking. The article implies that while direct adoption might be difficult, understanding these concepts can be valuable.

The Null Hypothesis and Freedom

Rune E. A. Johansson's article, "Nollhypotes och Frihet" (Null Hypothesis and Freedom), addresses the existential crisis of meaning in modern industrial and consumer societies. He posits that the feeling of emptiness and meaninglessness is not exclusive to capitalist societies but is a broader phenomenon affecting youth globally.

Johansson references psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl, who found a significant percentage of his students (40% in Sweden, 81% in the USA) experiencing this existential frustration. Frankl attributes this to the "reductionism" prevalent in Western thought, particularly in American universities, which reduces complex human phenomena to simplistic explanations (e.g., love as mere sex, the mind as a chemical process).

The article suggests that the search for meaning often leads people to religion, where God is perceived as the ultimate reality and the source of happiness. Frankl argues that humans don't just seek happiness but a "ground, a motivation to be happy." This grounding, often found in faith, can lead to happiness as a byproduct.

Meaning and happiness can also be found in personal tasks, careers, dedicated volunteer work, and family life. However, the inevitability of aging and death is presented as a stark reality. Johansson quotes Bertrand Russell, who stated that freedom is only for those who do not demand personal benefits from life, and Epictetus, who said, "No one is free who is not master of himself."

The concept of the "null hypothesis" is introduced as the modern individual's only possible starting point: acknowledging the lack of objective meaning and the fundamental uncertainty of existence. From this foundation, individuals must achieve self-liberation, finding a sense of belonging and mastery over themselves and their surroundings. This involves clear thinking, emotional regulation, and harmonious functioning, ultimately leading to "inner freedom," which Johansson identifies as the psychological core of the religious concept of salvation.

Inner freedom requires psychological health, defined not as social adaptation but as a realistic acceptance of life's conditions. This involves self-knowledge, the systematic elimination of self-centered tendencies, and the avoidance of magical thinking or compulsive behavior. The path to inner freedom is arduous, often requiring extensive self-study and the acceptance of life's difficulties. Johansson highlights the importance of reducing needs to the essential and accepting oneself and others without judgment.

He contrasts this with superficial approaches to freedom, emphasizing that true freedom is a conscious development of a strictly personal life, acting with full awareness of causes and consequences, and building on understanding and acceptance rather than demands and emotions. The article suggests that techniques for achieving this, such as Buddhist meditation, have been developed over centuries.

Johansson critically examines Transcendental Meditation (TM), questioning the claim of its ancient secrecy and the use of mantras. He suggests that the effectiveness of TM might stem from self-hypnosis induced by mantra repetition, especially for those predisposed to transcendental experiences, rather than the specific mantras themselves. He calls for empirical studies to validate TM's claims, particularly regarding the use of specific names and their supposed inherent power.

Other Sections

Søtoftegård: A Meeting Place for Seekers

The magazine features a description of Søtoftegård, a folk high school in Denmark that offers short courses on life philosophy, spiritual direction, and human development. It emphasizes its role as a meeting place for various spiritual and intellectual currents, promoting open-minded analysis of philosophy, religion, and science. The school focuses on holistic human development, communication, creativity, and cosmology.

Imjärvi UFO Events

An update on UFO events in the Imjärvi region of Finland is provided, detailing continued encounters with humanoids by Aarno Heinonen. The article notes that these later events cast a shadow of doubt on the initial, seemingly credible, Imjärvi case from 1970. Skeptical comments from Anders Liljegren are mentioned, who points to a "negating effect" where later information makes an initial UFO case questionable. The report also mentions attempts to photograph a mysterious light, resulting in the film being burned to ash.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are included:

• "Många Slags Meditation" (Many Kinds of Meditation): Edited by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book compiles twelve contributions on various meditation techniques, from Christian retreat practices to Zen Buddhism and TM. The review praises its breadth and the inclusion of personal accounts, while also offering critical commentary on TM and the potential for ego inflation from meditation if not properly grounded.
• "Fröet. Gemenskap i tillväxt" (The Seed. Community in Growth): By Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book explores the phenomenon of large families and work collectives in Sweden. It presents case studies of various groups, including Emmaus Björkå (aid for the Third World), the Marcus group (alcohol rehabilitation), Jord och Kultur (biodynamic farming), Moder Jord & Söner (organic farming), Sankt Simons kommunitet (a Christian monastic-style community), and the Findhorn community in Scotland.

Contact and Advertisements

The issue includes a section for personal contacts, seeking individuals interested in parapsychology, philosophy, and UFOs for discussion. Advertisements for astrological services, esoteric literature, and other related products are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the search for meaning in life, the intersection of religion and spirituality (particularly Hinduism and Christianity), and the exploration of alternative consciousness states and phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging open-mindedness towards diverse spiritual and philosophical ideas while maintaining a skeptical and analytical approach, especially towards claims of unique or secret knowledge (as seen in the critique of TM). There is a clear emphasis on personal freedom, self-knowledge, and the development of inner resources as central to a meaningful existence.