Sokaren - 1973 No 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1973 and identified as NR10, focuses on the theme of nonviolence ('icke våld') as a significant idea for a troubled world. The cover features a portrait of Bo Wirmark, a peace researcher, and the main headline proclaims 'ICKE VÅLD en Stor Idé för en plågad värld'. The magazine also delves into UFO phenomena and parapsychology, presenting a scientific debate on these topics.

Nonviolence as an Alternative

The issue begins by highlighting the prevalence of violent conflicts globally and within nations, contrasting this with the efforts of individuals who advocate for peace and non-violent methods to achieve justice and freedom. It introduces several Swedish advocates of nonviolence, including Bo Wirmark, Roland von Malmborg, Agne Windmark, Göran Flodman, and Erling Johannesson.

Bo Wirmark, in an interview, expresses his conviction that non-violent, non-military forms of struggle are not only more effective than violence but also the only practical means for social development, even in military dictatorships. He emphasizes the importance of raising the awareness of oppressed populations and mentions the work of educators like Paulo Freire.

The article 'I STÄLLET FÖR MILITÄRT FÖRSVAR' discusses the idea, first proposed in the book 'I stället för atombomb' by Per Anders Fogelström and Roland Morell in 1958, that Sweden should defend itself with humanitarian rather than military means. The concept suggests using defense budgets to aid developing countries, thereby fostering goodwill and deterring aggression.

Roland von Malmborg questions whether the principle of nonviolence is still relevant given the rise of military liberation movements. He argues that nonviolence has never been truly tried and that armed struggle often corrupts individuals and leads to dictatorships. He suggests that instead of sending weapons, countries like Sweden should exert political and economic pressure and cease selling arms to oppressive regimes. He also advocates for a shift from military defense to a comprehensive disaster preparedness system, considering environmental threats.

Agne Windmark, inspired by Gandhi, discusses the principle of nonviolence and its universal application, extending it to the treatment of animals. He notes that while many in the West admire Gandhi, few are willing to follow his path, and that contemporary liberation movements in Latin America and Southeast Asia have opted for armed struggle.

Göran Flodman, representing the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society, states that while the organization advocates for non-violent forms of struggle, they do not condemn those in developing countries who resort to armed combat out of desperation. He discusses the concept of non-violent civil resistance as an alternative to military defense and the importance of international humanitarian aid.

Erling Johannesson explains the Buddhist perspective on nonviolence, rooted in the principle of not killing or harming any living being. He highlights the concept of karma and the Buddhist emphasis on compassion. He also touches upon the complex situation in Vietnam, noting that while many Vietnamese Buddhists are pacifists, the country has endured prolonged conflict.

UFOs and Scientific Debate

The magazine presents a report on a scientific debate about UFOs held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 1969. It features contributions from various professors, including astronomers, physicists, and psychologists. Some, like Thornton Page and James McDonald, are convinced of the scientific significance of UFOs and suggest they represent extraterrestrial spacecraft. Others, like Donald Menzel, remain skeptical, attributing sightings to misinterpretations and psychological factors. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist, is presented as a key figure in academic UFO research, acknowledging the existence of genuine UFO reports.

The report also touches upon the theories of John Keel and Jacques Vallée, who suggest that UFO phenomena and their occupants are manifestations of a mysterious force that has historically influenced human perception, similar to beliefs in spirits and fairies. They propose that UFOs are not necessarily extraterrestrial but rather a form of 'magic' or illusion.

Parapsychology and Psi Phenomena

Professor J.B. Rhine discusses the field of parapsychology, defining it as the study of psi phenomena, including extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK). He presents experimental evidence for PK effects on objects in motion, precognition, and clairvoyance, while noting that telepathy is more difficult to prove conclusively. Rhine emphasizes that these discoveries challenge materialistic and behavioristic views of human consciousness and suggest a more complex understanding of life and the universe.

The issue also features an account of experiences with Olle Jönsson, who reportedly exhibits telekinetic abilities, causing a table to move and dance. The author recounts personal observations of these phenomena, suggesting they are beyond conventional explanation.

Spiritual Traditions and Personal Growth

An article by Karl Christiansen critiques the common Western perception of India as a land of profound spirituality, arguing that the religiosity of the average Indian is often overestimated and intertwined with worldly concerns and superstitions. He contrasts this with the ideals of higher Hinduism, which emphasizes nonviolence and spiritual seeking.

Another section reviews Richard Bach's book 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', a parable about a seagull who seeks to transcend the limitations of his flock and achieve spiritual perfection through self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge. The story is presented as a metaphor for personal growth and the quest for higher ideals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are nonviolence, peace, and the pursuit of justice, presented as alternatives to conflict and violence. The magazine also explores the scientific and philosophical implications of UFO sightings and parapsychological phenomena, encouraging critical inquiry and an open mind. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for peaceful solutions, scientific investigation into unexplained phenomena, and a broader understanding of human consciousness and the universe. There is a clear emphasis on intellectual exploration and the challenging of established norms and beliefs.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 10
Volume: 10
Date: 1973
Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in Sweden in 1973, explores a range of topics including the future of religion, paranormal phenomena, unconventional scientific ideas, and political commentary.

Religionens Framtid – En Dogmfri Mystik

The lead article, "Religionens Framtid – En Dogmfri Mystik" (The Future of Religion – A Dogm-Free Mysticism), posits that traditional revealed religions will decline in the face of scientific advancement. However, it argues that religion itself will not vanish but will transform into a form of dogm-free mysticism. This new religiosity will be characterized by a sense of wonder and awe towards the universe and life, rather than adherence to old dogmas. The article suggests that individuals who continue to ponder deeper questions about existence will be the 'religious' of the future. It anticipates a shift in how religious concepts like the spirit, consciousness, and their role in creation are understood, potentially supported by parapsychological research.

Undret i Shivapur (The Miracle in Shivapur)

This section details an extraordinary experience by two Swedish students, Philip Hwang and Carl-Martin Allwood, in India. They recount their visit to Shivapur, a pilgrimage site where a Muslim holy man named Qmar Ali Darvesh is buried. According to local legend, seven people chanting his name can levitate a large stone. The students, along with local Muslims, successfully performed this feat, lifting a stone weighing approximately 60 kg. They describe the stone becoming weightless during the chant and heavy again once it ceased. The article notes that an American research group had previously investigated this phenomenon in the 1950s without finding a natural explanation.

Tänkare Bland Öltunnor, Sjukvagnar... (Thinkers Among Beer Barrels, Ambulances...)

This article by Bertil Nilsson highlights individuals who, despite lacking formal academic training, have pursued significant research and developed novel ideas. It features:

• Gösta Jonsson: A brewery owner who has been researching the idea that sound wave resonance can destroy cancer cells. He has received support from docent Bo Littbrand and significant grants for his work.
• Raymond Andréasson: A 43-year-old economist from Gothenburg who has engaged in extensive self-study in theology, philosophy, and physics. His work, including the book "Janusansiktet" (1967), explores unconventional ideas about physics and has led to public lectures. Andréasson's thinking is rooted in a strong faith, illustrated by an anecdote about Isaac Newton and the creation of the solar system. He proposes that space is the ultimate reality, synonymous with God, and that the speed of light is not constant but can vary.
• Birger Torstensson: Known for his "X-curve," a personal rhythm diagram developed in the 1950s, which claimed to predict periods of success. Torstensson's work gained attention but also faced resistance, notably from Professor Herbert Tingsten. He was in the process of emigrating and adapting his work for computer processing.
• Lars Korhonen: A master shoemaker who developed specially designed glasses to treat psychological disorders, including his own alcoholism. His theory involved how prism glasses affect blinking mechanisms, regulating hormone production and thus the body's acid-base balance, leading to psychological equilibrium. Korhonen passed away in July 1973, and his work was largely ignored by the scientific community.

Other Articles and Sections

• Rhine: This section discusses the question of life after death and the limitations of mediumship in providing definitive answers. It touches upon the concept of psi-phenomena and the idea that the source of these abilities lies within human nature, suggesting a potential for greater consciousness and ethical capacity.
• Bokrecensioner (Book Reviews):
• "UFO-gåtan" by Bjarne Håkansson is reviewed. The book is praised for its attempt to establish an international UFO report center and its discussion of witness psychology. However, the reviewer criticizes Håkansson for anonymizing sources when discussing controversial UFO encounters, thus hindering verification.
• "Tro och makt i Sovjet" (Faith and Power in the Soviet Union) by Alex Milits is reviewed. The book details the difficult situation of religious believers in the Soviet Union, highlighting the state's suppression of religion and the harsh consequences for those who practice their faith openly.
• Kontakt (Contact): This section includes classified ads and requests for correspondence from individuals interested in topics such as universal Freemasonry, UFO research, and personal connections.
• Postgiroinbetalningskort (Giro Payment Card): A payment card for subscriptions is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions unconventional thinking, parapsychology, and alternative spiritual and scientific perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on individual inquiry and a critical stance towards established scientific and political orthodoxies. The editorial stance favors social liberalism and democracy, viewing them as superior to communist systems. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating ideas that challenge mainstream thought, encouraging readers to question and explore beyond conventional boundaries. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether in the realm of spirituality, science, or societal structures.