Sokaren - 1974 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren, NR9 from 1974, is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted concept of "Vad är godhet?" (What is goodness?). The cover prominently features this question and an image of Gandhi with a leper, highlighting compassion as a central aspect of goodness.

Articles and Discussions on Goodness

The issue presents a broad spectrum of perspectives on goodness, drawing from philosophy, religion, and ethics.

Philosophical and Religious Perspectives

An introductory article poses fundamental questions about human nature, virtue, and the existence of good and evil in the world. It suggests that while altruism and egoism coexist within individuals, a balanced approach is natural. The article posits that dividing people into purely good or evil categories is impossible, as human character is complex. It quotes a verse suggesting that neither the good nor the bad are as extreme as they perceive themselves to be.

Buddha's teachings are referenced, emphasizing that goodness is not merely about pleasant feelings but involves difficult work, self-overcoming, sacrifice, and generosity. The concept of love is presented as a key to goodness, echoing Jesus' commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself. The idea of service is highlighted, with Jesus' teaching that the greatest among you should be the servant of others.

Compassion is identified as a central concept, with quotes from Lao-tse and Buddha emphasizing its importance for all living beings. The article notes that while poetic expressions of love and kindness are appreciated, true goodness lies in difficult actions and sacrifices.

Jarl Hemberg, chairman of The League for Christian Humanism and Social Vision, expresses a cautious view on defining "goodness," noting that while many people strive for it, few may fully embody it. He suggests that society needs practical, action-oriented individuals rather than merely "pious" ones, though he acknowledges the importance of piety if one believes in God. He is skeptical of "really good people," suggesting that true goodness is often found in ordinary individuals who may have flaws.

Gunnar Hillerdal, a docent in theological ethics, views goodness as a gift that comes to us, not something we create. He references his teacher, Gustaf Wingren, who believed that goodness, joy, and everyday kindness are innate and constantly renewed, stemming from a creative source. Hillerdal suggests that evil is not solely a human creation, implying a complex interplay of factors. He defines goodness as experienced through relationships, particularly in spontaneous acts of kindness and selflessness, rather than through rigid systems or rules.

Amita Nisatta, a Swedish Buddhist nun, introduces Buddha's Metta Sutta (The Discourse on Loving-Kindness) as a cornerstone of Buddhist ethics. She explains that Metta is an all-encompassing love for all living beings, free from hate and ill will. She emphasizes that true goodness arises from understanding the interconnectedness of all life and acting with compassion and generosity. She also touches upon the concept of "fromhet" (piety or righteousness) as living in accordance with one's insights.

Social and Political Ethics

Christer Leopold, chairman of the Swedish-Chinese Friendship Association, discusses the "serve the people" principle in China. He explains it as an ideal of working for others without personal gain, emphasizing that the results of one's work must benefit the people. Leopold contrasts this with Western individualism, suggesting that while individualism can foster initiative, collective effort in China leads to greater innovation and a stronger sense of shared purpose. He believes that people in China are generally happier due to this collective goal and reduced societal conflict, despite material limitations.

Amnesty International

The magazine features an interview with Bo Lindblom, the new chairman of Amnesty International in Sweden. He explains Amnesty's work in advocating for political prisoners, helping their families, and campaigning against torture and the death penalty. Lindblom notes that while it's difficult to directly attribute prisoner releases to Amnesty's efforts, many individuals they support are indeed freed. He highlights the severity of human rights abuses in countries like South Vietnam and Indonesia, and discusses the challenges of working with regimes like Chile's. He also touches upon the situation in communist countries, noting fewer political prisoners in Eastern Europe compared to the past, but acknowledging ongoing issues in Czechoslovakia and the difficulty of operating in the Soviet Union. Lindblom expresses concern about the increasing and more sophisticated use of torture globally. He distinguishes Amnesty's approach from political activism, stating that they work for prisoners of all political leanings.

Parapsychology

The issue includes several articles on parapsychology:

• "Parapsykologi som vetenskap" (Parapsychology as Science) by Rolf Ejvegård critically examines the concept of reproducible experiments in parapsychology. Ejvegård argues that the demand for reproducibility, often cited as a major flaw in parapsychology, is actually a hindrance. He suggests that parapsychological phenomena may be inherently difficult to reproduce consistently and that the pressure to achieve this leads to issues like fraud.
• "Rhine om fusk" (Rhine on Fraud) discusses J. B. Rhine's views on deception in parapsychology. Rhine acknowledges that fraud has occurred but believes it is becoming rarer due to better scientific controls, increased collaboration among researchers, and improved apparatus. Ejvegård critiques Rhine's reasoning, particularly his explanation of fraud as stemming from "weak minds" or "weak characters."
• "Rhines efterträdare fuskade" (Rhine's Successor Commited Fraud) details the case of Walter J. Levy Jr., a promising parapsychologist who was dismissed for fabricating results. The article explores Levy's motivations, which he attributed to pressure to produce positive findings.
• "Psi hos djur" (Psi in Animals) by Sven Rosén investigates the existence of psi phenomena in animals. It reviews early experiments by Vladimir Durov and Vladimir Bechterev involving telepathic communication with dogs. The article also discusses experiments by Karlis Osis with cats, suggesting evidence for telepathy and clairvoyance. It further examines French experiments by Pierre Duval and Evelyn Montredon on precognition in mice, which reported statistically significant results.
• "LÄST OCH KLIPPT" (Read and Clipped) features various short articles and book reviews. This section includes discussions on animal welfare in research, the environmental impact of meat consumption, and the potential health risks of modern diets. It also touches upon the concept of "specialists" as a threat to democracy and promotes a course on practical psychology.

Other Sections

• "DE HELIGA – vet de mer än vi andra?" (The Holy – do they know more than we others?) by Karl Christiansen examines prophecies and predictions made by religious figures like Jesus, Buddha, Sri Aurobindo, and Mira Richard. It questions the accuracy of their predictions and explores the concept of divine inspiration versus human fallibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently grapples with the nature of truth, morality, and human potential. There is a recurring theme of questioning established norms and seeking deeper understanding, whether in ethics, religion, or scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging critical reflection on complex issues. The magazine seems to advocate for compassion, ethical action, and a nuanced understanding of human behavior, while also engaging with controversial topics like parapsychology and political activism.

Sökaren, Issue 9, 1974

This issue of the Swedish magazine "Sökaren" (The Seeker), volume 11, number 9, dated September 1974, presents a diverse range of topics centered around life philosophy, spirituality, health, and societal issues. The cover prominently features the headline "SJÄLVMORD" (Suicide), indicating a significant focus on this subject within the issue. The magazine is published by Sökaren and is described as an independent journal for life philosophy where differing opinions can be expressed.

Articles and Features

Cover Story: Suicide (SJÄLVMORD)

The issue opens with a stark examination of suicide in Sweden, noting over 17,000 suicides in the past decade, with approximately 2,000 in 1971 alone. The author, Karl Christiansen, posits that this suffering is not solely due to societal systems like capitalism or socialism, but rather a deeper issue of societal attitudes and a lack of genuine care for one another. He contrasts this with the perceived sense of collective purpose in China. Christiansen argues for a societal shift towards prioritizing collective well-being, solidarity, and mutual interest, suggesting that schools should actively teach concepts like neighborly love, care, tolerance, and tenderness, viewing this as more crucial than rote learning of historical facts.

Aphorisms on Man and Religion

A collection of aphorisms from various thinkers, compiled by Ivar Wallensteen, explores themes of faith, human will, the nature of God, and the relationship between life and religion. Contributors include Johannes Jörgensen, Blaise Pascal, Martin Buber, Dag Hammarskjöld, A. G. Walton, Nathan Söderblom, Mäster Eckehart, Hermann Hesse, and Eivind Berggrav.

Per Ragnar: Reflections

Per Ragnar shares his personal journey towards vegetarianism, which he has maintained for ten to twelve years. He explains that his initial motivation stemmed from a childhood aversion to animal cruelty. Over time, this evolved into a broader ethical stance influenced by figures like Waerland, Windmark, and Gandhi, encompassing a principle of non-violence ('icke-våld') that applies to all aspects of life. Ragnar also highlights the health benefits of vegetarianism, particularly in combating lifestyle diseases like atherosclerosis, and emphasizes its growing importance in the context of global population growth and resource scarcity. He argues that by the year 2000, a vegetarian diet will be a necessity for most of the world's population, advocating for a shift towards plant-based protein sources like soy.

Replik om Sai Baba

This section presents a critical perspective on the Indian spiritual figure Sai Baba, based on an article by Dagne Crane, originally published in the American magazine 'Psychic'. The author recounts a personal experience seeking Sai Baba's help for her godson, who was paralyzed. Despite Sai Baba's promise of a cure within two weeks, the godson did not recover. The author expresses skepticism about Sai Baba's claims, suggesting a tendency among some spiritual leaders to tell people what they want to hear, even if it's not true, leading to disappointment. The author concludes that while Sai Baba may possess paranormal abilities, his methods can be misleading.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• Förbjuden medicin (Forbidden Medicine) by Volodja Semitjov: This book examines the struggles of doctors and patients in Sweden who use antroposophic medicine, facing opposition from authorities like Socialstyrelsen. It highlights cases where conventional medicine failed, but antroposophic treatments showed positive results, leading to legal challenges.
• Bort från gifterna! (Away from the Poisons!) by Meta Strandberg: A review of a book on organic gardening, praised for its practical advice and comprehensive coverage of vegetables, herbs, and berries. The reviewer, Nils Kalén, notes the book's emphasis on natural methods and its usefulness for both hobbyists and professionals.
• Naturen och vi (Nature and Us) by Bengt Hubendick: This book is described as an accessible explanation of humanity's biological situation and the ecological challenges facing society. It serves as a warning against ignoring biological realities and advocates for responsible decision-making regarding future living conditions.
• Psykologi och meditation (Psychology and Meditation) by Björn Sjövall: A review of Sjövall's work, which focuses on achieving psychological wholeness through confronting daily problems and finding a creative engagement with life. The book is presented as a practical guide to meditation and self-training, applicable to various life situations, and emphasizes the concept of 'höjdpsykologi' (height psychology) over 'djuppsykologi' (depth psychology).
• Resan till ljuset (The Journey to Light) by Sture Johansson: A review of a book describing an astral journey. The reviewer, Olle Hjern, notes its potential to open readers to new realities but also cautions that its unconventional nature might alienate some.
• Vi lever inte bara en gång (We Live Not Only Once) by K. O. Schmidt: This book explores the concept of reincarnation, presenting various accounts of people who believe they have lived previous lives. The reviewer, Nils-Olof Jacobson, finds the book to be a sympathetic introduction to the topic but points out the lack of verifiable evidence and incomplete source citations.
• Rundbloms upplevelser (Rundblom's Experiences): A review of the autobiography of Domprost Oscar Rundblom, which covers his travels and reflections. The reviewer notes his positive stance on social movements but finds his engagement to be superficial and his reflections on religion to be simple.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections for contact advertisements ("KONTAKT"), spiritual literature advertisements, and a brief mention of UFOs and parapsychology. Advertisements for various books, courses, and services related to spirituality, health, and occultism are present throughout the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" revolve around the search for meaning, spiritual development, and a critical examination of societal structures and their impact on individual well-being. There is a strong emphasis on alternative perspectives, including vegetarianism, natural therapies, antroposophic medicine, and parapsychology. The magazine appears to advocate for a more holistic and compassionate approach to life, encouraging readers to question conventional norms and explore deeper philosophical and spiritual questions. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, allowing for diverse viewpoints to be presented, as indicated by its self-description as a journal where "skilda meningar kan föras fram" (differing opinions can be expressed).