Sokaren - 1976 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 3
Date: 1976
Publisher: ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on worldviews, spirituality, and parapsychology, presents a diverse range of topics and organizations. The cover prominently features 'INCAL', an information center for alternative lifestyles and new research, with a photograph of three board members. The magazine also includes articles on ufology, yoga, and various spiritual movements.

InCAL: Information Center for Alternative Worldviews

The magazine dedicates significant space to InCAL, described as an 'Information Center for Alternative Worldviews and New Research.' InCAL aims to coordinate information from approximately 30 member groups, including periodicals and bookstores, fostering a platform for dialogue and public awareness. The center emphasizes impartiality, respect, and tolerance among its members, whose activities range from scientific to religious and philosophical pursuits. These groups are often characterized as 'alternative' to established movements, offering new perspectives on life and research. InCAL provides prospectuses and informational materials about its member groups and publishes its own newsletter, 'InCAL-bladet.' Membership is open to all who seek positive new thinking, with a condition of non-violence and non-oppression.

Exploring Diverse Spiritual Paths

The issue profiles numerous organizations and movements, offering insights into their philosophies and activities. These include:

• Ananda Marga: A movement for social change and personal development through meditation.
• Arbetsgruppen för UFO-logi (AFU): A group for UFO research, offering book lending, research, and information.
• Divine Light Mission: An international peace and meditation movement.
• Graal-De Sökande Människornas Tidskrift: A journal exploring essential questions of life.
• Herrens Nya Kyrka: A church based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
• IPU-Institutet: Focused on personal development and experiential research.
• Krishnamurti Center: Promoting the teachings of J. Krishnamurti.
• Liberal Katolska Kyrkan (LKK): An international Christian church.
• Martinus Kosmologi: Presenting a logical worldview based on reincarnation.
• Planetary Citizens: A UN-affiliated group working towards global civilization.
• Rosenkorsets Gemenskap: Promoting a new consciousness through a specific way of life.
• Sanskrit-Gruppen: Offering Sanskrit courses and discussions on Indian worldviews.
• Sri Chin Moy: A meditation leader promoting peace.
• Stiftelsen Liljequist-Institutet: Focused on preventive medicine and geobiology.
• Stockholms Spiritualistiska Förening: Exploring the continuation of life after physical death and communication with the spirit world.
• Sufi-Rörelsen: A global wisdom movement.
• Teosofiska Samfundet Adyar: Promoting ancient wisdom for a new era.
• Vattumannen: A bookstore and information center for the New Age.
• Yoga Centrum: Offering yoga training.
• Tongil-Familjen/Unification Church: A movement teaching 'Divine Principles.'
• Bla-ton-Yoga: A movement encompassing yoga, meditation, and cosmology.

UFO Phenomena and Research

The magazine features several articles related to UFOs. One article, 'TEFAT bakom järnridan' (UFOs Behind the Iron Curtain), discusses the prevalence of UFO interest and research in Eastern Bloc countries, citing a book by Ion Hobana and Julien Weverbergh. It highlights the official skepticism in the Soviet Union while noting public interest and some scientific discussions. Another section details the Tunguska event of 1908, exploring various theories about its cause, including a cosmic object or even a spacecraft.

A piece titled 'UFO på skolschemat' (UFO on the School Schedule) by Thorvald Berthelsen describes the introduction of UFO studies as an elective subject in a school in Köping, Sweden. Despite initial resistance, the course gained student interest and led to a more critical and serious approach to the topic.

Furthermore, an article on Kirlian photography describes experiments with dying leaves, suggesting potential applications in biological research.

Personal Journeys and Reflections

The issue includes a poignant article, 'Boken om mitt barn' (The Book About My Child), by Elisabeth Wivner-Blom, reflecting on her experiences raising a severely brain-damaged child. She discusses the emotional challenges, the shortcomings of the care system, and the profound impact of her daughter's life and death on her worldview. This article is accompanied by excerpts from her book, 'Evalena.'

Another personal account is provided by Eugenia Basilewsky, a yoga teacher, in the article 'Yoga är bra för kropp och själ' (Yoga is Good for Body and Soul). She shares her journey into yoga, including profound meditative experiences, out-of-body experiences, and the transformative power of yoga for physical and spiritual well-being. She also discusses her training and teaching of yoga.

Book Reviews and Jury Verdicts

A section titled 'SÖKAREN-JURY bedömer parapsykologi-böcker' (Sökaren Jury Reviews Parapsychology Books) presents the results of a jury's evaluation of 36 parapsychology books published in the 1970s. Arthur Koestler's 'Slumpens rötter' (The Roots of Chance) received the highest average score. The jury's ratings and comments provide a guide to significant works in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the search for meaning, alternative perspectives on life, and the exploration of the unknown. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth, spiritual development, and the questioning of established norms and scientific paradigms. The magazine appears to champion open-mindedness and a critical yet receptive approach to phenomena that lie beyond conventional understanding, particularly in the realms of parapsychology, ufology, and esoteric traditions. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging individual exploration and providing a platform for diverse voices and unconventional ideas, while also critically examining claims, as seen in the exposé of Lobsang Rampa.

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy and paranormal topics, features a significant section dedicated to "UTLÄNDSK BOKVANDRING MED ROLAND ADLERBERTH" (Foreign Book Journey with Roland Adlerberth). The magazine, published in 1976, covers a diverse range of subjects, including UFO phenomena, ancient civilizations, mysticism, psychic abilities, and spiritual movements.

Foreign Book Reviews with Roland Adlerberth

Roland Adlerberth reviews several foreign books, offering insights into their content and the authors' perspectives.

• "Vergessene Welten" (Econ) by Robert Charroux: Adlerberth notes Charroux's engaging style and his approach as a questioner rather than a definitive truth-teller, encouraging skepticism. The book covers ancient mysteries, the Bermuda Triangle, lost civilizations like Atlantis and Mu, alien visits, and "Vatican secrets."
• "Forgotten Worlds" by Robert Charroux: Mentioned as the American paperback edition of Charroux's work.
• "Jesus Christ Heir to Astronauts" by Gerhard R. Steinhäuser: This book offers a unique interpretation of ancient sites like Tiahuanaco and Egyptian temples, suggesting they were landing sites for advanced extraterrestrial visitors who used portal technology.
• "Hidden Worlds" by M. H. J. Th. van der Veers and P. Moermans: This Dutch work is described as cautious and credible, proposing that ancient high cultures existed but did not necessarily involve space travelers. They suggest a lost high culture that influenced early known civilizations, possibly related to Atlantis, though its geological location remains uncertain.
• UFO Books: Adlerberth reviews two UFO books:
• "UFO's From Behind the Iron Curtain" by Ion Hobana and Julien Weverbergh: This book is praised for its accessibility and covers UFO phenomena from an Eastern European perspective, including Yugoslavian monastery frescoes, Russian cosmonaut observations, and famous Russian UFO cases. It concludes with a country-by-country list of UFO observations in the East.
• "UFOs Over the Southern Hemisphere" by Michael Hervey: While considered a valuable resource for its extensive collection of UFO observations from Australia and New Zealand, it is described as dry due to its exhaustive listing of cases.

Other Featured Articles and Reviews

• "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird: This book is welcomed for its comprehensive overview of theories and experiments regarding plant consciousness and communication, referencing figures like Cleve Backster and the Kirlians.
• Biographies of Psychics: The issue reviews biographies of psychics:
• "Ellen G. White - Prophet of Destiny" by Rene Noorbergen: Focuses on the American seer Ellen G. White, known for her prophecies, including the San Francisco earthquake. The review notes her foresight on issues like tobacco and environmental problems, though it criticizes the book's overly admiring and religious tone.
• "The Psychic World of Peter Hurkos" by Norma Lee Browning: This book details the psychic detective abilities of Peter Hurkos, highlighting his involvement in various criminal investigations. The review notes Browning's fast-paced, thriller-like style.
• "Okkultisten" by Bruno Frei: A critical examination of the Austrian magician Erik Jan Hanussen, whom Frei dismisses as a fraud. The review acknowledges Frei's strong anti-Hanussen stance but suggests other sources offer a more nuanced view.
• "Rapa Nui - Easter Island" by Fred Picker: A photographic book showcasing Easter Island, with a focus on its stone figures and petroglyphs.
• "Handbook of Psychic Discoveries" by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder: This book is highlighted as a practical guide to modern parapsychological research in both East and West, offering DIY experiments and resources.

Spiritual and Philosophical Topics

• Letter to the Editor from Ajit das: This lengthy letter addresses an article about the Hare Krishna movement, defending its teachings and Srila Prabhupada's role. It clarifies the concept of "parampara" (disciplic succession), the dual nature of God (impersonal and personal), and the practical application of Vedic knowledge in the current age (Kali-yuga). Ajit das argues that the movement transcends religious boundaries and emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti).
• "Yoga for Dig" by Howard Kent: A review of a new yoga book that includes a chapter on "Yoga and Car Driving," suggesting ways to incorporate yoga principles into daily activities like driving to reduce stress and improve reaction times.
• "En sällsam sökare" (A Strange Seeker) by Hans Granlid: This book is reviewed as a reflection on the need for community and spiritual seeking in modern society. Granlid advocates for new forms of communal living, inspired by Christian socialism and Eastern philosophies, emphasizing love, equality, and spiritual development.
• "Religionens fem språk" (The Five Languages of Religion) by Martin Lönnebo: This book explores different expressions of religion, focusing on Christian mysticism and comparing it with other spiritual traditions.
• "Grafologi" (Graphology) by Gustaf Lundgren: A review of a book on graphology, which analyzes handwriting to understand personality. The reviewer finds Lundgren's approach balanced and informative, though questions the scientific rigor of some claims, particularly those related to graphology in employment selection.

Other Sections

• Book Reviews: Several other books are briefly reviewed, including works on Tibetan Buddhism, parapsychology, and UFOs.
• Contact Ads: A section for personal contact advertisements, covering various interests like spiritual seeking, relationships, and alternative lifestyles.
• Sökarens Bokklubb (Sökaren's Book Club): Offers special prices on books for subscribers, featuring "Uri Geller: The Mystery" by Andrija Puharich.
• Måndagsgruppen (Monday Group): Announces upcoming lectures on topics such as death perceptions, human development, logic, the mystery of Golgotha, psychological orientation, anthroposophic medicine, and Atlantis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, the paranormal, and alternative philosophies, providing a platform for diverse viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to question and explore beyond conventional understanding. The inclusion of book reviews, personal letters, and discussions on various spiritual practices indicates a commitment to fostering a community of seekers interested in the deeper aspects of life and consciousness.