Sokaren - 1975 No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR9
Year: 1975

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine, covers a diverse range of topics including spirituality, philosophy, parapsychology, and social commentary. The content reflects a growing interest in Eastern philosophies, alternative lifestyles, and critical examination of established beliefs.

Ananda Marga: A Spiritual Movement Under Persecution

The magazine features a significant article on the Ananda Marga movement, a spiritual and social organization founded in India by Shrii Shrii Anandamurti. Acharya Dhrtibodhananda Avadhuta, a monk and follower of Ananda Marga, shares his experiences as a political refugee in Sweden after being imprisoned in India. He explains that Ananda Marga aims to serve humanity through constructive work, mental and physical development, and emphasizes yoga and meditation for self-realization. The movement claims to be persecuted in India because its anti-corruption stance threatens corrupt officials. Thousands of members are allegedly imprisoned, and Anandamurti himself has been on a hunger strike for his demands.

The article details Avadhuta's own imprisonment in India for 16 months without charge, his poor treatment, and the threats he faced. He recounts being offered release if he left Ananda Marga, which he refused. He eventually fled India in 1973 due to ongoing persecution.

Ananda Marga is described as a movement that rejects the caste system and promotes universal brotherhood. Its practices include yoga and meditation, focusing on realizing the self as part of the universal consciousness. The movement also engages in social service, running hospitals, orphanages, and schools.

Experimenting with the Paranormal: Spoon Bending

Under the headline "EXPERIMENT UTAN VÄRDE?" (Experiment Without Value?), Ove Kant reports on an experiment conducted at Bath University, involving six young individuals who claimed to be able to bend objects. The experiment, led by Dr. Brian Pamplin and Mr. Harry Collins and published in Nature, involved observing the children in controlled conditions. The report details how the children were asked to bend spoons and steel rods. While some children initially succeeded, the researchers observed and photographed instances of cheating, such as using feet or two hands to bend the objects. The article concludes that the experiment did not provide evidence of genuine psychokinetic abilities, suggesting that the observed phenomena were achieved through normal physical means.

Personal Spiritual Journeys and Philosophy

Björn Sahlin's "HELHETEN SOM LIVSMÅL" (Wholeness as a Life Goal)

Björn Sahlin reflects on his lifelong search for meaning and spiritual fulfillment. He describes his early childhood ponderings about existence, his teenage struggles with conventional life, and a period of illness that led him to question his life's purpose. Sahlin recounts his initial exploration of meditation and philosophy, influenced by thinkers like Martin Buber and Paul Tillich. He details his disillusionment with traditional religious studies and his eventual detachment from a materialistic outlook.

Sahlin emphasizes the importance of a holistic worldview and spiritual experience over material success. He describes a period of simplification and a shift towards vegetarianism, inspired by Francis Lappé's "Diet for a Small Planet." This voluntary simplification, he explains, led to a sense of freedom and a re-evaluation of work and life. He posits that true spiritual awakening not as a sudden event but as a gradual process of 'enlightenment' ('upplysning') and 'still rapture' ('stilla hänryckning'), which brings clarity and a new perspective on life's challenges.

He argues that true happiness is not a gift but something achieved through inner growth and wholeness. Sahlin criticizes the materialistic pursuit of happiness and the tendency to blame external factors for unhappiness. He believes that the key to happiness lies in developing inner qualities and recognizing oneself as part of a larger whole, drawing parallels to nature's healing capacity.

Wm. F. Kofoed's "TABU" (Taboo)

Wm. F. Kofoed discusses the taboo surrounding the topic of death in American society, as identified by a survey of the American Psychological Association. He explores the fear of the unknown, pain, and oblivion associated with death. Kofoed references philosophical perspectives, including Schopenhauer's idea of the indestructibility of the 'thing-in-itself' and William James' concept of the 'present moment's sufficiency.' He also touches upon the intuitive conviction of an enduring self, even among those who consider themselves materialists.

Kofoed examines the historical reasons for secrecy surrounding knowledge, particularly in the context of religious traditions, and how economic interests might have influenced the role of gurus. He contrasts this with the idea of self-teaching through meditation, citing Ramana Maharshi's teachings and the Buddhist tradition of Satipatthana, where direct instruction is not always necessary.

He also discusses the concept of 'mind over matter,' referencing Uri Geller and the work of Erwin Schrödinger, who proposed that consciousness is a unified entity. Kofoed suggests that the fear of death is rooted in our attachment to time and objective existence, and that a deeper understanding of existence might reveal that death is not an end but a transition.

"LYCKA" (Happiness)

This article explores the nature of happiness, defining it as a rare, often misunderstood state dependent on maturity, knowledge, and the ability to engage with the world. It suggests that children are rarely truly happy due to their helplessness in an adult world, and that true happiness often emerges after the age of 35 when personality stabilizes. The article contrasts superficial happiness, often used to protect privacy, with a deeper, more profound sense of well-being that arises from inner harmony and self-acceptance.

It highlights that happiness is not a gift but an achievement, requiring inner creation and self-respect. The author quotes Erich Fromm, who states that happiness is a sign of success in the art of living, and William McDougall, who links happiness to a well-developed and integrated personality. The article also touches upon the surprising correlation between happiness and physical health, noting that happy individuals tend to be healthier and recover faster.

"Prajna, intuitionens ljus" (Prajna, the Light of Intuition)

This piece explains 'prajna' as an inner light or intuition, distinct from intellect, that is guided by an ethical worldview. It is cultivated through meditation and humility, and best developed through the influence of a spiritually developed person. The article contrasts prajna with intellectual principles, emphasizing its ethical nature. It discusses how prajna plays a central role in yoga training, where teachers would guide students to discover truths through their own intuition rather than providing direct answers. The challenges of interpreting and applying prajna in the modern world are also addressed, noting how intellectual biases and societal pressures can distort its guidance.

Debates and Commentary

"DEN HÅRDE OCH HÄFTIGE JESUS" (The Hard and Fierce Jesus)

Gunnar Hillerdal engages with Lars Gyllensten's interpretation of Jesus as having 'hard' and 'fierce' traits. Hillerdal acknowledges that the image of a meek and gentle Jesus is often found in popular literature but argues that the Bible itself presents a more complex figure. He cites Dag Hammarskjöld's description of Jesus as a 'hard young man' and references interpretations that portray Jesus as a revolutionary figure. Hillerdal also discusses the idea of 'mind over matter' in relation to parapsychological phenomena and the nature of consciousness.

He critically examines Gyllensten's examples of Jesus' 'hardness,' such as the cursing of the fig tree and the prediction of division. Hillerdal questions whether hardness and fierceness are inherently negative, suggesting they can also represent strength of will, self-discipline, and passionate engagement against what is perceived as wrong.

Socialstyrelsens enkät (Socialstyrelsen's Survey)

A report on a survey by Socialstyrelsen (the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare) investigates a potential link between sensitivity training, religious/spiritual activities, meditation, and the need for psychiatric care. The survey indicates that such activities play a very minor role as a cause of mental illness, with only a small percentage of psychiatric admissions showing a probable connection. The report notes that group-oriented training methods, including sensitivity training, account for the majority of these cases, but also acknowledges that these activities can have positive mental health benefits.

"Mind over matter"

This section discusses the concept of 'mind over matter,' challenging the notion that thought cannot influence material reality. It highlights how the mind constantly influences the body and suggests that phenomena like Uri Geller's spoon bending might be extreme examples of this principle. The article touches upon the philosophical question of how mental states can affect physical matter, referencing the idea that the material world might be a manifestation of consciousness.

Other Articles and Features

"Det sanna framåtskridandet är av andlig art" (True Progress is of a Spiritual Nature)

This article, attributed to Professor D. S. Sarma from India, explains the Hindu perspective on progress. It posits that true progress is spiritual, involving the gradual development of moral and spiritual qualities towards God, who is seen as the embodiment of perfection. The article emphasizes that one's spiritual qualities, such as goodness, truth, and compassion, are more important than social status or material wealth. It suggests that life's circumstances, including suffering, are means for spiritual growth, and that the ultimate goal is to become divine-like and live in God.

Book Reviews and Announcements

The issue includes reviews of books related to UFOs (Sven Magnusson's "FLYGANDE TEFAT"... VAD SÄGER VETENSKAPEN?), and announcements for healing services and spiritual literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and alternative perspectives on life. There is a clear interest in Eastern philosophies and practices like yoga and meditation, often contrasted with Western societal norms and beliefs. The issue also reflects a critical stance towards established institutions and a willingness to question conventional wisdom, particularly concerning religion, psychology, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated 1975, volume 12, issue 9, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy and esoteric topics. The cover prominently features Paul Brunton, described as a modern philosopher and mystic, with an article by Anna C. Bornstein.

Paul Brunton: A Modern Philosopher and Mystic

Anna C. Bornstein's article introduces Paul Brunton as a groundbreaking figure in modern mysticism and philosophy, known for reinterpreting ancient Eastern wisdom. Brunton's work is presented as a synthesis of his personal quest, intellectual study, and guidance from Asian masters. His writings are characterized as not just intellectual but deeply rooted in his life experience. Bornstein describes Brunton as a serene and profound individual, embodying the high philosophical insight he conveys.

The article outlines Brunton's path, divided into mystical and philosophical stages. The mystical path involves introspection, yoga, concentration, and meditation to reach the inner, divine self. A key practice mentioned is the self-inquiry question, "Who am I?", to trace the sense of self back to its transcendental source. This practice, though seemingly simple, is central to mystical practice. It requires distinguishing the self from thoughts and emotions, recognizing them as transient phenomena.

Brunton's approach to meditation involves turning attention inward, initially by focusing on thoughts and questions like "Who am I?" This journey leads through the deeper, subconscious layers of the psyche, which can be turbulent. The chosen thought or question acts as a vessel to navigate these storms, akin to the collective unconscious described in Jungian psychology.

The benefits of this practice include enhanced concentration and self-discipline, leading to a more intense life experience. However, it also involves confronting and releasing the compulsive patterns of thought and emotion that have previously controlled the individual. This process is described as "burning the karmic seeds" in yogic terms.

Brunton's books, some available in Swedish translation, are detailed. "Till Indien" recounts his first encounter with India and the master Ramana Maharshi. "Den hemliga vägen" is an accessible introduction to mystical practice. "Den inre verkligheten" explores the integration of worldly duties with contemplative life and offers an interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. "The Quest of the Overself" is noted for its clear descriptions of inner mystical experiences, free from dogma.

Contact with the divine self is described as an ecstatic experience, sometimes involving visions of light. However, these states are temporary. The challenge remains to integrate this experience with the dualistic reality of the world. Brunton's later works, such as "The Hidden Teaching beyond Yoga" and "The Wisdom of the Overself," focus on the philosophical path, or "philosophical discernment yoga," which involves understanding the world's essence as spiritual and divine.

Other Articles and Sections

Per Ragnar: Reflexions

This section addresses the question of belief in an omnipotent God. Per Ragnar presents the views of the Danish sage Martinus, who posits that the universe is God's organism and all beings are its life organs. God is seen as the sole, unique existing being, without external counterparts, and thus immortal. The divine spirit, or "Pure Consciousness," is everywhere, and there is no ultimate duality.

Telepati (Telepathy)

This article discusses telepathy as an experimentally proven fact, citing professors C. D. Broad and H. H. Price. They argue that telepathy challenges the materialistic view of the mind-body connection and has significant philosophical implications. Professor Alister Hardy believes that if telepathy is scientifically validated, it will revolutionize our understanding of life, comparable to the impact of evolutionary theory in the 19th century. A survey by "New Scientist" magazine indicates a growing acceptance of ESP (extrasensory perception) among its readers.

BREV (Letters)

This section includes a letter from Jan Bärmark responding to a critique of Bernhard Hegardt's book "Meditation i öster- och västerland." Bärmark defends Hegardt's work, emphasizing that meditation is not just a technique but is intrinsically linked to a worldview and philosophy. He highlights Hegardt's exploration of the relationship between religion, worldview, and science, and the role of ethics in meditation.

Vem Sade Vad? (Who Said What?)

An interactive quiz by Olle Wedholm presents 25 quotes and asks readers to identify the speaker or confirm its origin. The answers are provided on page 26.

Book Reviews

• Moderniseringsprocessen och islam i Afghanistan (The Modernization Process and Islam in Afghanistan) by Jan Samuelsson: Reviewed by Tomas Löfström, this doctoral dissertation examines the role of Islam in Afghanistan amidst modernization. It highlights the diversity within Islam in Afghanistan, including the distinct practices of Ismailis and the influence of local mullas.
• Demonologi och ockultism (Demonology and Occultism) by Kent Philpott: Reviewed by Sven Rosén, this book by a Christian priest argues against various occult practices like yoga and meditation, viewing them as demonic. Rosén critiques Philpott's narrow definition of occultism and his rejection of practices that could be integrated into a Christian framework.
• Zen och bågskjutning (Zen and Archery) by Eugen Herrigel: Reviewed by Sten Rodhe, this book describes Herrigel's experience learning Zen archery in Japan. It emphasizes the meditative aspects of the practice, the integration of mind and body, and the attainment of a state of effortless action.
• To Rule the Night by James B. Irwin: Reviewed by Sten Rodhe, this is the autobiography of an astronaut who experienced a religious awakening on the moon. The book is noted for its simple faith and personal account of the moon landing.
• Faraonernas förbannelse (The Pharaohs' Curse) by Philipp Vandenberg: Reviewed by Sven Rosén, this book explores the alleged curses associated with ancient Egyptian tombs, suggesting that the "curses" might be explained by poisons, bacteria, or nerve gases used by the ancient Egyptians.

Other Sections

• Få Deres Horoskop (Get Your Horoscope): An advertisement offering personalized horoscopes.
• Buddhistic Literature: Advertisements for Buddhist texts.
• Kontakt (Contact): A section for readers to find pen pals with shared interests, including those interested in Ouspensky/Gurdjieff, Walter Ljungquist's books, or seeking meaningful relationships.
• Dianetik: An advertisement for L. Ron Hubbard's book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health."
• Sanskrit: Information about a Sanskrit course.
• SM: EN LITEN GUMMA (SM: A Little Old Woman): An editorial by "SM" (likely Sven Magnusson) addressing potential criticism of the magazine's content, particularly its challenging of traditional beliefs. The editor defends the magazine's commitment to truth-seeking and critical inquiry, acknowledging that it may not appeal to everyone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, Eastern philosophies, and alternative viewpoints on life, consciousness, and the universe. It encourages critical thinking and questioning of established beliefs. The editorial stance, as expressed in "SM: EN LITEN GUMMA," is one of commitment to truth-seeking, even if it means challenging conventional notions and potentially unsettling readers. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse opinions and to stimulate deeper reflection on life's fundamental questions.