Sokaren - 1974 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 4
Volume/Year: 1974
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 3:75 incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren delves into spirituality, Eastern philosophies, and parapsychological phenomena, featuring articles on life in an Indian ashram, scientific investigations into unseen forces, and the controversial figure of Uri Geller.

Shree Gurudev Ashram: Life in an Indian Ashram

Jörgen Rapp, writing from the Shree Gurudev Ashram, describes the ashram's location in the countryside near Bombay, surrounded by hills and a river, with nearby villages of mud huts. The ashram itself comprises various buildings including a temple hall, dormitories, guest rooms, a dining hall, and meditation rooms. The main building is described as resembling a fairytale castle. Approximately 150 people, half of whom are Westerners in their 20s and 30s, reside there, many having come after Swami Muktananda Paramahansa's (Baba's) tour in the West in 1970. While stays are generally free, most residents pay a nominal daily fee of 1:80 SEK, with others staying gratis if they possess genuine spiritual thirst.

The daily routine begins at 3:00 AM with meditation, followed by a communal meditation session at 5:30 AM, which includes singing in Sanskrit and Hindi, notably the Guru Gita. Breakfast is served at 7:00 AM, followed by visitors meeting Baba. Work in the ashram, primarily in the gardens, takes place in the morning and afternoon. Lunch is vegetarian. Twice a week, Baba answers questions from residents and visitors. The day concludes with evening meditation and singing, ending around 8:00 PM.

The article explains 'Siddha Yoga,' a practice initiated by Baba through touch, glance, or thought, which awakens the 'kundalini' energy and enhances spiritual consciousness. This process, known as 'shaktipat diksha,' is described as an ancient yogic technique.

Can Etheric Forces Be Photographed?

Nils-Olof Jacobson reports on experiments by Dennis Milner and Edward Smart at the University of Birmingham, England, who have achieved sensational results using a variant of Kirlian photography. Their method involves exposing photographic plates separated by a thin cardboard spacer in total darkness or red light. The resulting images, particularly those from a 2mm air gap with a 15-kilovolt pulse, show distinct patterns on each plate, with one plate displaying intricate light patterns and the other showing a mirror image of chaotic formations.

Milner and Smart interpret these images as visualizations of 'etheric forces,' drawing upon the theories of Rudolf Steiner and others. They propose four fundamental types of ether: heat-ether (chaotic, spherical), light-ether (causing gas-like states), chemical-ether (causing liquid states), and life-ether (causing solid states). The researchers suggest that their photographs capture the action of these invisible forces, with the patterns in image 3 representing light-ether and the spheres in image 4 representing heat-ether.

Further experiments with smaller gaps (0.6mm) produced different patterns, described as frost-like or resembling fern leaves on one plate and a dense mat of heat-spheres on the other. The article also discusses the potential for photographing the 'etheric body' of plants, citing an example of a privet leaf showing a dark band interpreted as its etheric aura.

Milner and Smart's work is presented as a significant contribution to understanding the 'formative forces' behind natural phenomena, potentially opening a new field for experimental research.

'Så har jag hört' by Axel Fredenholm

Per Ragnar shares his personal journey of discovering Axel Fredenholm's book, 'Så har jag hört' ('Thus I Have Heard'). As a young man exploring philosophy and poetry, Ragnar stumbled upon the book in an antique shop. The book, described as small and worn with blue covers, introduced him to concepts such as reincarnation, karma, logos, and interconnectedness.

Ragnar recounts his initial skepticism and eventual deep engagement with Fredenholm's ideas, finding them to be a profound guide. He also describes an encounter with the antique shop owner, who seemed to gift him the book, an event that later seemed significant in his spiritual development.

The article highlights Fredenholm's philosophy, which emphasizes spiritual growth, self-awareness, and the search for truth. The book's concluding message speaks of a journey towards 'Solvägens berg' (the mountain of the sun's path) and the guidance of a greater teacher, which Ragnar interprets as a premonition of meeting Martinus.

The Uri Geller Phenomenon: Skepticism and Belief

This section examines the controversial abilities of Uri Geller, focusing on reactions from scientists and the public. Professor Ingemar Hedenius expresses skepticism, stating that Geller's phenomena are improbable given our current understanding of reality, and questions the scientific rigor of investigations.

Nils-Olof Jacobson, a parapsychologist, acknowledges the improbability of such phenomena but suggests that our knowledge of nature is incomplete. He believes that Geller's abilities, if genuine, could eventually be explained by natural laws, thus ceasing to be 'supernatural.' He also notes that Geller is not unique, as similar claims have been made throughout history.

Professor Gudmund Smith, a psychologist, remains cautious, suggesting that many reported incidents, such as bent spoons or clocks starting, could have natural explanations or be due to tricks. He emphasizes the need for controlled experiments to verify such claims.

Despite the skepticism, the article presents accounts from individuals who claim to have witnessed Geller's abilities firsthand, including Birgitta Bergman, who describes Geller bending a candelabra and causing a clock hand to detach. The article also touches upon the concept of 'dematerialization,' where objects reportedly appear spontaneously.

Professor Hellmut Fischmeister of Chalmers University notes the presence of indium on a spoon bent by Geller, suggesting it could be used to make metal brittle, but acknowledges this is not definitive proof of trickery. He also expresses reservations about the lack of controlled experiments conducted by Geller.

The section concludes by noting that while parapsychology faces skepticism, it may offer a new understanding of human nature and the universe, potentially leading to a renewed perception of reality.

Religions: Many Faces

This section presents brief overviews of various spiritual and religious traditions:

• Theosophy: Quoting N. Sri Ram, it emphasizes universal love, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the importance of inner stillness to perceive truth directly.
• Bahá'í Faith: Citing Bahá'u'lláh and Abdu'l-Bahá, it highlights the concept of a new world order based on the unity of religions, science, and humanity, advocating for peace and justice.
• The Mosaic Tradition: Featuring sayings from Hillel, it stresses the importance of continuous learning, humility, and the ethical use of knowledge, warning against pride and self-interest.
• Wisdom from the 'Other Side': A message attributed to 'The Great Spirit' conveyed through a medium, it speaks of humanity's spiritual disconnect and the need to re-align with divine laws.
• Spiritualism: Briefly mentioned, it posits the continuation of life after death and the possibility of communication with the spirit world, emphasizing personal responsibility.

Why So Interested in Parapsychology? Birger Qvarnström?

Birger Qvarnström, author of the first comprehensive Swedish overview of parapsychology, 'Parapsykologi,' discusses his motivations and experiences. He critiques the tendency of scientific literature to offer mere descriptions rather than explanations for phenomena. Influenced by philosophers like Schopenhauer and Carl du Prel, Qvarnström developed an early respect for 'magnetizers' and the occult.

He recounts two significant personal experiences: a profound feeling of existential dread and liberation in his early twenties, which he later identified as an archetypal situation described by C.G. Jung, and an out-of-body experience in a cinema. Qvarnström acknowledges the improbability of parapsychological phenomena but argues that the entire world is, in a sense, improbable. He views parapsychology as a field that can contribute to a new understanding of human nature and the universe.

He expresses cautious optimism about the potential of parapsychology to uncover hidden truths and encourages open-mindedness, while also noting the need for rigorous scientific investigation.

Ensamhet – Gemenskap (Solitude – Fellowship)

Sigvard Sjögren, quoting Vilhelm Ekelund, explores the concept of solitude not as a negative state of being alone, but as a spiritual resource for inner growth and discovery. He contrasts 'prison walls' with 'monastery walls,' suggesting that solitude can be a chosen path for introspection or a forced confinement.

The article emphasizes the importance of 'being for oneself' and 'being oneself,' advocating for the integration of solitude into daily life. It suggests that true fellowship arises from a deep inner connection, where external companionship becomes secondary.

Sjögren also touches upon the idea of a 'light world' that draws individuals towards solitude, and the active, contemplative nature required to navigate it. The text contrasts the superficial 'worldliness' with the profound 'inner world,' where true peace and understanding are found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of spirituality, science, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in Eastern philosophies, particularly yoga and meditation, as pathways to inner peace and self-discovery. The magazine also engages with parapsychological phenomena, presenting both proponents and skeptics, and highlighting the ongoing debate about the nature of reality and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore diverse perspectives on life, spirituality, and the mysteries of the universe, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach to extraordinary claims.

This issue of Sökaren, number 4 from 1974, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy and spiritual matters. It features an interview with theologian Kaj Baagø, discussions on parapsychology, UFO phenomena, and book reviews.

Interview with Kaj Baagø: Theologian Leaves the Church

The central piece is an interview with Dr. theol. Kaj Baagø, who has left the Danish Church. Baagø expresses dissatisfaction with the church's organization, services, and dogmas, finding them to be without meaning in the modern world. He believes that ethical demands within human nature are the true "truth." While he has lost faith in the Christian creeds and dogmas, he is still drawn to the figure of Jesus and his words. Baagø criticizes many priests for not believing what they preach, stating that liturgical texts and dogmas have lost their meaning since the Copernican revolution and in the context of the real world. He suggests that modern media like film, particularly Ingmar Bergman's work, can express Jesus' message more effectively than sermons. He views Christianity as one religion among many, a product of historical synthesis, and questions the necessity of the church institution itself.

Parapsychology and Skepticism

The magazine includes a section discussing parapsychology, where an unnamed individual highlights the importance of serious journals like the English and American society publications and the French Revue Métapsychique. Emil Mattiesen and Rudolf Tischner are mentioned as undervalued authors in the field. The article addresses skepticism, particularly criticizing Professor C. E. M. Hansel's book "ESP a scientific evaluation," which is described as a pamphlet with a "perfidious undertone" that attempts to debunk parapsychological results through accusations of fraud. Professor H. J. Eysenck is quoted stating that unless there's a massive conspiracy, the evidence suggests some individuals possess unknown abilities.

UFO Phenomena

The issue touches upon UFO phenomena, with a mention of the Swedish magazine "UFO-INFORMATION." A review of Staffan Stigsjöö's book "Tefatsfolket ser oss" (The UFO People See Us) is featured. The reviewer praises the book for its comprehensive overview of UFOs worldwide and for correcting the often-negative portrayal of the Condon Committee's report, highlighting that the report acknowledged rational and intelligent behavior from UFOs and admitted to unexplained cases. The book also discusses von Däniken's theories and Swedish UFO cases, including encounters with humanoids.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Möte med Jesus Kristus" (Meeting Jesus Christ) by Gunnar Hilldal and Berndt Gustafsson: This book compiles testimonies of people who claim to have seen or heard Jesus in modern times, aiming to spread knowledge about such experiences and aid in religious-psychological research.
• "Det levande vattnet" (The Living Water) by Olof Alexandersson: This book explores the theories of Viktor Schauberger, focusing on his ideas about implosion technology and the nature of water. It highlights Schauberger's early environmentalist thinking and criticizes modern environmental efforts as superficial.
• "Jordskred?" (Landslide?) by Birgit Lange: A book about out-of-body experiences, automatic writing, and reincarnation.
• "Svanqvist Miniatures" by Alfred Svanqvist: A collection of short accounts and portraits of mediums, including figures like D. D. Home and Harry Price, exploring spiritualist phenomena.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Stance

Reader letters include a critique from "Per Ragnar" suggesting that Sökaren could benefit from a more modern layout and clearer separation of advertisements, particularly for items like horoscopes, to maintain its serious character. The editorial response defends the current layout, viewing the advertisements as a reflection of the diverse life philosophy landscape. Another reader, "Broder Sven," thanks the magazine for an interview regarding the "Nordiska Samfundet" and animal experiments, while also engaging in a debate about the organization's approach to influencing society and engaging with opponents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to life philosophy, spirituality, and unexplained phenomena, encouraging serious discussion and diverse viewpoints. It aims to present information on a wide range of topics, from theology and parapsychology to UFOs and alternative science, while maintaining a thoughtful and analytical tone, even when discussing controversial subjects. The editorial stance is to take these subjects seriously, despite some cultural tendencies to dismiss them as mere curiosities or "clownish" entertainment.