Sokaren - 1975 No 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1975 and identified as NR1, is a Swedish publication focusing on spiritual, philosophical, and parapsychological topics. The cover prominently features the title 'SÖKAREN NR1' and a striking black and white photograph, with the main headline announcing 'SEVA NILAYAM - tjänandets hem' (Seva Nilayam - home of service).

Seva Nilayam: A Home of Service

Authored by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this article introduces Seva Nilayam, located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Founded twelve years prior to the article's publication by Dora Scarlett, an English woman, Seva Nilayam began as a project on undeveloped land. It has since grown into a vital center for thousands of people, offering a medical clinic staffed by an Indian doctor, nurses, and assistants, which serves hundreds of patients daily. The facility also boasts a thriving garden, fruit trees, livestock, and housing for staff and up to five resident patients. The clinic's well water is potable without boiling, a rarity in India. The article highlights the clinic's high patient volume, which has increased significantly since its inception, and the challenges faced by the poor in accessing healthcare due to the distance and cost of reaching the nearest fully equipped hospital in Madurai. Seva Nilayam also addresses the needs of lepers, having registered 1700 patients and established a dedicated clinic and five branches. Beyond medical care, the organization assists impoverished families by facilitating education for children and providing care for orphans and disabled individuals. Patients are encouraged to contribute to a donation box, though no one is denied treatment if they cannot afford to give. The article emphasizes the personal and compassionate approach of Seva Nilayam's staff, who strive to understand each patient's circumstances to provide the best possible care.

Dora Scarlett, now in her 60s, recounts her journey to India and the founding of Seva Nilayam, initially with a small group and minimal resources. She explains that the organization is independent and not affiliated with any church or organization. Funding comes from a network of supporters in Europe and Canada, with increasing support from Indian individuals and businesses. Scarlett expresses a strong belief in the work and the continued provision of financial aid and willing hands to meet the growing needs.

She also discusses the deep influence of religion on daily life in the villages, the psychosomatic nature of many illnesses, and the challenges of helping people who believe in sorcery. Scarlett offers advice for European aid, stressing the importance of understanding local conditions and supporting small, community-grown projects rather than large, externally managed ones. She advocates for a bottom-up approach that allows local people to take ownership.

The Age of the Holy Spirit

Birgit Lange's article, 'DEN HELIGE ANDES TIDSÅLDER' (The Age of the Holy Spirit), reviews Philip Toynbee's 1973 tract 'Towards the Holy Spirit'. Toynbee argues that traditional Christian theology has been destroyed, primarily due to humanity's growing inability to accept the concept of an omnipotent, omniscient, and loving God in the face of suffering and evil. He posits that a heightened moral sensitivity to cruelty makes it impossible to justify such suffering, even for a noble end. Toynbee critiques the doctrine of the Trinity and suggests that the Holy Spirit, as a force that permeates and influences the world without having created it, might be the only viable concept of divinity remaining. The article also touches upon the ideas of Simone Weil, whom Toynbee holds in high regard.

The Holy Ones' Health

Authored by Karl Christiansen, this section explores the relationship between holiness and health, drawing from both Western and Eastern traditions. It references C.G. Jung's observation that most patients over 35 have religious issues as their primary problem, suggesting that a genuine religious attitude is psychologically healthy. The article contrasts the suffering-oriented mysticism of Christianity, symbolized by the cross, with the Eastern traditions of yoga, symbolized by the lotus flower. It highlights Swami Sivananda, a prominent yogi and physician, who emphasized the importance of good physical health as a prerequisite for spiritual development. Sivananda, despite his teachings on vitality, suffered from various ailments in his later years. The article also mentions other spiritual figures like Sri Aurobindo, Mira, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Ramana Maharshi, noting their lifespans and health challenges, questioning the notion of spiritual attainment leading to physical immortality or perfect health.

Dr. Jule Eisenbud vs. "The Fantastic Randi"

This extensive article by Curtis Fuller details the public dispute between parapsychologist Dr. Jule Eisenbud and magician James Randi concerning the alleged psychic photography of Ted Serios. The controversy began with an article in 'Popular Photography' that suggested Serios' abilities were fraudulent. Eisenbud, a proponent of Serios' abilities, challenged Randi to replicate Serios' phenomena under controlled conditions. Randi initially accepted the challenge but then backtracked, proposing alternative conditions and engaging in a public debate through letters and media appearances. The article presents Eisenbud's perspective, highlighting his attempts to engage Randi in scientific testing and Randi's repeated avoidance of a direct confrontation on Eisenbud's terms. It also touches upon the role of media in shaping public perception and the difficulties faced by parapsychological research in gaining credibility amidst skepticism and accusations of fraud. The article includes correspondence between Eisenbud and Randi, as well as references to articles in 'New York Magazine' and 'Time' that further propagated the narrative of Serios being a fraud.

Konstantin Raudive Dies

This section reports the death of Konstantin Raudive, a researcher known for his work on 'unknown voices' recorded on magnetic tape. It mentions his research, his book 'Unhörbares wird hörbar' (The Unheard Becomes Audible), and his conviction that he had made contact with a spiritual dimension. Raudive passed away at the age of 65 in West Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of spirituality, science, and the human condition. There is a strong interest in parapsychology, spiritualism, and alternative healing methods, balanced with critical examination and debate. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into these subjects, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential for deception. The articles on Seva Nilayam and the discussions on spiritual figures highlight a concern for social welfare and the search for meaning. The debate between Eisenbud and Randi underscores the ongoing tension between proponents of psychic phenomena and skeptical investigators. The magazine seems to encourage readers to engage with these profound questions, offering diverse perspectives from researchers, authors, and spiritual practitioners.

This issue of Sökaren, Volume 12, Issue 1, dated 1975, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy, spirituality, and parapsychology. It presents a platform for diverse viewpoints and critical discussion.

Cover Story: Kristen Humanism

The cover prominently features the theme of "Kristen Humanism" (Christian Humanism). The article discusses the yearbook published by the "Förbundet för kristen humanism och samhällssyn" (KHS). This organization aims to provide a Christian perspective on current cultural and societal issues, fostering dialogue and presenting various viewpoints. The yearbook contains articles and extensive book reviews, covering topics from theology and philosophy to literature and social sciences. The KHS is described as an ecumenical and non-partisan forum.

Uri Geller's Clairvoyance Experiments

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the parapsychological experiments conducted with Uri Geller by researchers Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff at Stanford Research Institute. The article details the rigorous methodology employed to rule out fraud, including experiments involving telepathy (replicating drawings) and psychokinesis (dice prediction). The findings, published in the scientific journal *Nature*, are presented as strong evidence for phenomena beyond normal perception, though the researchers use cautious scientific language.

The article notes the resistance from some scientists to accepting these findings, attributing it to a strong materialistic worldview and mental blockages. It highlights the difficulty many have in abandoning deeply held beliefs.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews, offering insights into various subjects:

• "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Flying Saucers) by Eugen Semitjov: This review critically examines Semitjov's book on UFOs. While acknowledging his journalistic approach, the reviewer points out perceived biases and generalizations about "ufologists." The review discusses Semitjov's skepticism towards the flying saucer hypothesis and his exploration of alternative explanations, referencing cases like the Hill incident and Gösta Carlson's alleged encounter. The reviewer also critiques Semitjov's portrayal of the Condon report and his handling of other UFO researchers' work.

• "Däniken på plats" (Däniken on the Spot) by Gerhard Gadow: This review discusses Gadow's critical examination of Erich von Däniken's theories. Gadow's book reportedly debunks Däniken's claims by highlighting distortions and misinterpretations of historical and archaeological evidence, such as the Palenque sarcophagus and the Piri Reis map.

• "Vän med allt som lever" (Friend with All That Lives) by J. Allen Boone: This book review focuses on Boone's reflections on his relationship with the famous film dog Strongheart. The book explores themes of animal consciousness, interspecies friendship, and the interconnectedness of all life, leading Boone to a broader understanding of existence beyond human-centric views.

• "Trivsam stund bland spök-professorns gengångare!" (A Pleasant Time Among the Ghostly Haunters of the Ghost Professor!): This review discusses John Nihlén's collection of ghost stories, "Vampyren." The reviewer praises Nihlén's ability to bring ghost stories to life and notes that the book often incorporates cultural and historical context.

• "Verklighetens storhet" (The Greatness of Reality) by Lyall Watson: The review of Watson's book, which explores consciousness, sleep, and parapsychology from a biological perspective, highlights its comprehensive nature and engaging discussion of complex topics. The reviewer commends Watson's ability to explain scientific concepts but notes some instances of uncritical acceptance of parapsychological findings and hasty conclusions.

• "Till minnet av C. D. Broad" (In Memory of C. D. Broad) by Birgit Lange: This review discusses Lange's book about her friendship with the philosopher C. D. Broad. The book explores Broad's interest in parapsychology and his philosophical work, particularly his engagement with Swedish philosophers like Axel Hägerström. The review highlights Broad's linguistic abilities and his contributions to parapsychological research.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections on:

• Urgammal visdom för en ny tid (Ancient Wisdom for a New Era): This section features advertisements for books on theosophy, reincarnation, and yoga.

• Kontakt (Contact): Personal ads seeking connections and companionship.

• Bookstore Advertisements: Listings for books on various esoteric and spiritual topics, including UFO literature, astrology, and healing.

• SM: Manipulerad (Manipulated): An article discussing how individuals can be manipulated by one-sided books, newspapers, and magazines, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and awareness of bias.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are the exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is a clear emphasis on critical inquiry, as highlighted in the article "SM: Manipulerad" and the reviewer's cautious approach to new claims. The magazine appears to advocate for open-mindedness and a willingness to consider alternative perspectives, while still maintaining a degree of skepticism and demanding evidence. The editorial stance encourages readers to engage with the material critically and form their own informed opinions.