Sokaren - 1976 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR2
Volume: 1976
Date: 1976
Publisher: ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI
Price: 5:00 incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into a variety of topics, including Tibetan Buddhism, UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and personal development. The cover story highlights the Tibetan Buddhist Center in Mälarhöjden, Sweden, featuring an interview with Lama Lodrö. The magazine also includes a report on psychic surgery in the Philippines, an interview with UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass, and an article about a course on Inner Personal Development (IPU).

Tibetan Buddhist Center in Mälarhöjden

The magazine features an in-depth look at the Karma Shedrup Darge Ling Buddhist Center located in Mälarhöjden, Sweden. Lama Lodrö, a Tibetan lama who fled communism, is interviewed. He explains that the altar symbolizes Buddha and that Buddhists perceive Buddha's presence there, bowing in reverence. Lama Lodrö discusses the Buddhist concept of suffering, the cycle of rebirth (samsara) into six realms (animals, humans, hungry ghosts, hell beings, fighting gods, and formless gods), and the path to inner peace, nirvana. He clarifies that nirvana is a state of mind, not a heavenly realm, achieved through purification and meditation. Lama Lodrö addresses the 'five poisons' of the mind—illusion, hate, desire, envy, and pride—and how they lead to negative karma. He emphasizes the importance of the 'ten good deeds' as the opposite of the 'ten bad deeds,' promoting compassion, generosity, truthfulness, and mindfulness. Meditation, both with and without form, is presented as the way to achieve nirvana. Lama Lodrö states that while achieving nirvana in this lifetime is difficult, it is possible through faith in Buddha's dharma and consistent meditation. He clarifies that Buddhism is a religion, not a philosophy, and that while they don't believe in a creator God, they revere Buddha as their god and meditate on his holy name. Karma, the law of cause and effect, is seen as the force that shapes individuals' lives and circumstances. The article also touches upon the center's activities, including 'puja' (worship) ceremonies, which involve chanting, meditation, and the sharing of merit for the benefit of all sentient beings. The symbolic meaning of colors in the temple—white for Buddha's knowledge, red for speech wisdom, blue for mind wisdom, and green for action—is also explained. The center is visited by high lamas, including Kalu Rinpoche, Lama Lodrö's teacher.

Psychic Surgery in the Philippines

Lennart Lidfors reports on his experiences with psychic surgery in the Philippines. He describes attending sessions where healers, using only their hands and simple instruments like forceps, perform 'operations' and 'injections' on patients. These procedures are often accompanied by dramatic displays, including the apparent extraction of foreign objects or diseased tissue. Lidfors notes that while some healers use religious texts like the Bible to 'fill' imaginary syringes, others rely on spiritual energy. He observes that the 'operations' can be painful and leave no visible marks, or sometimes cause minor bleeding. Lidfors also mentions witnessing 'psychic injections' administered without physical contact, and that some healers claim to be able to diagnose and treat ailments remotely. He discusses the concept of 'healers' versus 'helare' (a Swedish term) and distinguishes between 'spiritual injections' and 'spiritual operations' as understood in the Philippines, where the spiritual aspect is considered a tangible reality. The article touches upon the possibility of these phenomena being parapsychological, mentioning other paranormal abilities like telepathy and clairvoyance. Lidfors also briefly discusses the practice of 'mangkukulam' (witches) and demon possession, and how these are addressed by some healers. He notes that many healers, especially those catering to tourists, may resort to trickery, but he himself has not encountered outright fraud. He also mentions testing individuals with a Swedish-developed instrument to detect psychic abilities.

UFOs and Philip J. Klass

Philip J. Klass, a skeptic and author of "UFOs Explained," is interviewed. Klass argues that most UFO sightings have prosaic, earthly explanations. He debunks several famous UFO cases, including the 1973 helicopter sighting and the 1972 Pascagoula incident, attributing them to misidentifications of meteors, weather balloons, military aircraft, or even hoaxes. Klass criticizes Professor J. Allen Hynek for being too quick to label cases as 'unexplained' and for not conducting rigorous investigations. He believes that the 'UFO hysteria' is fueled by media attention and the human desire to believe in extraterrestrial visitors. Klass suggests that the vast distances between stars make interstellar travel highly improbable and that even if intelligent life exists elsewhere, communication would be extremely difficult due to time lags. He recounts his own experiences of witnessing two 'UFOs' that were later identified as a landing airplane and a jet-stream.

Inner Personal Development (IPU)

Carl-Erik Jacobsson reports on a weekend course in "Inre Personlig Utveckling" (IPU) held in Gothenburg. The course, led by Gerd Ellholm and Maria Rost, aims to help individuals develop their inner potential and achieve personal growth. Jacobsson describes the course as a positive and enthusiastic experience, emphasizing its focus on the healthy and positive aspects of human nature. The curriculum includes a brief overview of general psychology, presented as a highly developed life philosophy. Participants learn about different levels of consciousness, the concept of 'life goals' (Livsmål) which encompass health, love, harmony, and communication, and how to overcome personal barriers and anxieties. The course utilizes symbolic imagery and guided relaxation techniques to facilitate self-processing without the need for participants to share their deepest feelings with others. The goal is to empower individuals to become their own therapists, program their daily routines for success, and analyze their achievements. The article explains the concept of love on three levels: Eros (physical love), Philos (fellowship and giving/receiving), and Agape (unconditional, selfless love). It highlights that communication relies heavily on non-verbal cues, with emotional radiation playing a significant role. The course also touches upon the connection between physical health and psychological well-being, suggesting that most physical ailments have psychological origins. IPU integrates concepts from Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Jung's individuation process, and self-hypnosis to foster self-development and a positive future outlook. The methodology aims to release repressed conflicts and anxieties that hinder personal growth. The article concludes by noting that IPU also incorporates a philosophical or spiritual dimension, preparing individuals for a higher 'self' or 'overmind,' which is central to many meditation movements.

Krishna: A Former Monk's Perspective

The magazine features an interview with Krishna, a 27-year-old Indian yoga teacher and former monk who has immigrated to Sweden. Krishna recounts his journey through various religious movements in India, including those of Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and Swami Muktananda. He describes his time as a semi-monk, living a disciplined life, but ultimately left monasticism because he felt disillusioned with the religious mindset. Krishna now views religion as superstition, driven by disharmony, disappointment, fear, and a desire for personal gain (money, status, recognition). He criticizes the mentalities of religious followers who seek solutions to deep-seated personal problems through religion. Krishna's current life philosophy centers on joy and avoiding unhappiness. He does not identify as Hindu, Buddhist, atheist, or agnostic, stating that he simply tries to understand what is in front of him. He believes that many religious texts contain inaccuracies and that personal interests can distort historical facts. Krishna asserts that while compassion is a good quality, it should not be solely linked to religion, as religions often create divisions among people. He views religious figures like Krishna, Buddha, and Christ as characters in fascinating fictional stories, similar to novels. He explains that his decision to leave monastic life was driven by his desire to marry and have a family, but his lack of vocational training made it difficult to find employment. He notes that many monks struggle with their sexuality and feel trapped by their vows. Krishna advocates for enjoying the present life and seeking medical help for illnesses rather than relying on religion, which he likens to a sedative like morphine or opium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren magazine demonstrates a clear editorial stance that is open to exploring phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding, while also maintaining a critical perspective. The magazine provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, from the spiritual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and the controversial practices of psychic surgery to the skeptical analysis of UFO phenomena and the exploration of personal growth techniques. There is a recurring theme of questioning established norms and seeking deeper truths, whether through religious practice, parapsychological investigation, or self-discovery. The magazine encourages readers to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives, as exemplified by the interview with Philip J. Klass, who challenges the prevailing UFO narrative. The inclusion of personal accounts, such as Krishna's critique of organized religion and the report on the IPU course, suggests an interest in individual journeys of understanding and transformation. The overall tone is one of inquiry and a willingness to engage with subjects that lie on the fringes of mainstream thought.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1976 (Volume 13)
Date: 1976
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Parapsykologi och spiritism: vetenskap och tro

This issue of Sökaren magazine explores the intersection of parapsychology, spiritism, and scientific inquiry, alongside other esoteric and paranormal topics. The cover prominently features the theme of "Parapsychology and Spiritism: Science and Faith," highlighting the need to distinguish between scientific investigation and religious interpretation of paranormal phenomena.

Parapsychology vs. Spiritism: Science and Faith

The lead article, "Parapsykologi och spiritism: vetenskap och tro" (Parapsychology and Spiritism: Science and Faith) by SM, addresses the common misconception that parapsychology is synonymous with spiritism. It clarifies that parapsychology is a scientific discipline studying phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis, while spiritism offers a religious interpretation. The author emphasizes that most parapsychologists do not accept the spiritist explanation for these phenomena, stressing the importance of differentiating between scientific curiosity ('knowing') and faith ('believing'). The article calls for greater public awareness and more informative articles on parapsychology in mainstream media.

Rhine's Research and the Overcoming of Death

The issue touches upon the work of J.B. Rhine, a pioneer in parapsychological research. It mentions his early work with mediums like Eileen Garrett, which led him to believe that phenomena attributed to spirits could often be explained by extrasensory perception (ESP) in the living. Rhine reportedly shifted his focus away from survival research after finding that mediumistic information could be explained by ESP, and that no definitive experimental proof for survival after death had emerged.

Ingo Swann's Cosmic Journeys

Ingo Swann, a renowned psychic, is highlighted for his experiments in 'remote viewing' or astral projection, where he reportedly projected his consciousness to Mercury and Jupiter. His descriptions of these celestial bodies are noted as being "incredibly accurate," aligning with scientific data later provided by probes like Mariner 10 and Pioneer 10. Dr. Edgar Mitchell, a former astronaut and parapsychologist, vouches for the accuracy of Swann's descriptions, which included details like Mercury's thin atmosphere and magnetic field.

The Loch Ness Monster: A Continuing Mystery

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster. Sven Rosén's article, "Vem är du, Nessie?" (Who are you, Nessie?), examines the enduring mystery of the creature. It recounts historical sightings, dating back to St. Columba in 565 AD, and details the surge in modern sightings following the construction of a road along the loch in 1933. Witness testimonies, including those of Torquil MacLeod and Mrs. Kay Shakespeare, describe a large, long-necked creature with paddle-like limbs. The article discusses various expeditions equipped with sonar, underwater cameras, and even attempts to lure the creature. It highlights the photographic and sonar evidence gathered by Dr. Robert Rines and his team in the 1970s, including images of a creature described as reddish, about 7 meters long with a long neck and unusual head protrusions. While some scientists, like those at the New England Aquarium and Smithsonian Institution, find the evidence suggestive of an unknown species, others, such as zoologists at the London Natural History Museum, deem the photographic evidence insufficient for definitive identification.

Swedish UFO Library and Research

The "Svenskt UFO-bibliotek" (Swedish UFO Library) section introduces the initiative by Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (A.F.U.) to create a comprehensive archive and resource for UFO research in Sweden. The group aims to serve as a service and information hub for serious UFO investigators, collecting literature, journals, and press clippings. They encourage the public to contribute their UFO-related materials.

Other Articles and Reviews

Book Reviews: * "Rudolf Steiners livsväg" (Rudolf Steiner's Life Path): A review of Johannes Hemleben's biography of Rudolf Steiner, discussing Steiner's philosophical development, his connection to Goethe, and the rise of anthroposophy. The review notes the difficulty of Steiner's thought for modern readers but acknowledges its potential relevance in an era of scientific limitations. * "Franciskus i vår tid" (Francis in Our Time): A review of Lechard Johannesson's book on St. Francis of Assisi, highlighting his ideals of poverty, spiritual gifts, and joy as relevant to contemporary society. The review suggests that Francis's message of community and love offers a potential path forward. * "De återfödda katarerna" (The Reborn Cathars): Arthur Guirdham's book is reviewed, detailing a case study of a woman who claimed to have past-life memories as a Cathar in 13th-century France. The book is presented as a compelling narrative rather than definitive proof of reincarnation, exploring themes of synchronicity and the nature of memory. * "Dansa min själ" (Dance My Soul): A review of a poetry collection by Eva Jagrell-Åkesson, illustrated by Carlos Anahuati-Agi. The poems are described as offering comfort, spirituality, and a positive outlook on life, particularly resonating with those involved in meditation and yoga. * "Buddhistisk meditation" (Buddhist Meditation): A review of Francis Story's book on Buddhist meditation, part of the Bodhi Leaves series. The review explains the distinction between Buddhist meditation and practices in other religions, emphasizing its goal of transcending the ego and achieving nirvana. It also highlights the inclusion of key Buddhist texts. * "Vid fjärran världars stränder" (On the Shores of Distant Worlds): A review of Andrew Tomas's book, which explores speculative topics like the origins of life, extraterrestrial visits, and ancient underground libraries. The reviewer contrasts Tomas's approach with that of Erich von Däniken, noting Tomas's more poetic and source-attentive style.

Personal Columns and Advertisements:

The issue also includes personal ads seeking contact for various interests, including meditation, spiritual development, and shared living. Advertisements promote books on occultism, ESP, and spiritualism, as well as courses in meditation and yoga. There is also an advertisement for GICOFF-Information, a publication focused on UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded exploration of paranormal and esoteric subjects, encouraging critical thinking while presenting diverse viewpoints. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing scientific investigation (parapsychology) from faith-based interpretations (spiritism). The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to inform readers about phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, while maintaining a degree of skepticism and encouraging further research. The magazine serves as a platform for individuals interested in topics ranging from UFOs and cryptozoology to personal spiritual development and alternative philosophies.