Sokaren - 1976 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR4
Volume: 1976
Date: 1976
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 5:00 incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren delves into various spiritual, philosophical, and parapsychological topics, featuring articles on Sufism, psychobio-physics, and a historical case study of a medium.

Sufi-rörelsen (The Sufi Movement)

The cover story, "Sufi-rörelsen," introduces the Sufi movement, emphasizing that for a Sufi, love and wisdom of life are essential, while dogmas and articles of faith are of little importance. Anna-Greta Ångström, the leader of the Sufi movement in Sweden, is interviewed. She explains that Sufism originated in the East and was founded by Pir-O-Murshid Inayat Khan. The movement recognizes all major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and grants its followers great spiritual freedom, lacking rigid dogmas and instead striving for inner human development.

Inayat Khan, born in Baroda, India, in 1882, came from a musically gifted family. He was inspired by Persian poets like Rumi and Hafiz and was urged by his teacher, Saiyad Mohammed Madani, to spread Sufi ideas in the West. He moved to America in 1910 and later to Europe, establishing a Sufi summer school in France. The article clarifies that while Sufism existed long before Islam, it was highly appreciated within Islam. Sufism is described as more of a philosophy than a religion, allowing adherents to embrace the essence of any religion without accepting its orthodoxy. It is based on inner experience, art, and music, accepting diverse religious forms as expressions of "the one religion."

Anna-Greta Ångström explains that Sufis see different religions as different notes on an instrument, with the divine message needing new forms for each era. The Sufi message is a reminder of the treasures found in the scriptures of various religions. Regarding the origin of religions, she states they were established by humans, but the holy scriptures bear witness to divine inspiration, with religions expressing divine truths in their own ways.

On the concept of God, Ångström describes God as omnipresent, hidden, dwelling in every human soul and in all living things. God is omnipotent yet dependent on creation, sharing in its joys and sorrows. Humans have free will, which shapes the world. When a person discovers God within, their life improves, bringing joy to God. God is seen as a Force and Love, capable of melting hearts, and can be encountered in individuals who have realized the divine spark within them, such as Christ and Buddha.

Meditation is considered sacred, with even half an hour daily yielding lasting benefits. The practice often involves listening to music in meditative silence (Sama-silence) and quiet meditation before and after, aimed at developing good qualities and purification. The core tenet of Sufism is love, which fosters harmony and beauty, bringing people together and teaching selflessness. The ten Sufi thoughts include the existence of one God, a guiding Spirit for all souls, nature as the holy scripture, the law of reciprocity, brotherhood of humanity, love as a moral principle rooted in self-sacrifice, beauty as an elevating force, truth as self-knowledge, and the Way as the annihilation of the false self to achieve immortality.

En förandligad materialism (A Transformed Materialism)

Björn Sahlin's article explores the shift from a Platonic-Christian idealism that devalued the material world to a modern materialism that emphasizes the present life. Sahlin argues that this shift is necessary to overcome the dualistic opposition between spirit and matter. He critiques the historical Christian view that saw the material world as fallen and sinful, leading to asceticism and a focus on an afterlife. This created a spiritual crisis and a conflict between natural needs and religious demands.

In contrast, contemporary materialism focuses on immediate enjoyment, sexual pleasure, and the body. Sahlin notes that this movement has brought positive changes, such as recognizing individual human needs and rights, prioritizing the well-being of the sick and hungry over conversion. He suggests that this new materialism is a form of idealism focused on improving the current life. He believes that the Reformation forced a greater engagement with the earthly realm, integrating spirituality into practical life, as exemplified by Martin Luther's view that even simple work could be a form of worship.

Philosophers like Immanuel Kant, by limiting knowledge to sensory experience, made metaphysical speculation about the spiritual world meaningless, further directing focus towards earthly matters. Sahlin posits that the current deep materialism is a necessary stage for learning and that spirituality should be integrated into matter, not exist above it. He emphasizes that while matter can be inert and controlling, it is also the medium through which love, compassion, and service are expressed. He argues that true spirituality functions within the material world, breaking down negative structures and improving human relationships and the environment.

Sahlin concludes that humanity's unique ability to create and transform matter, like an artist working with stone, is its task. This involves enriching the earth, creating life-affirming architecture, and developing technology that supports life rather than depleting it. This work must be concrete and pervasive.

Föreningen för Psykobiofysik (The Association for Psychobio-physics)

This section introduces the Association for Psychobio-physics, an organization dedicated to supporting scientific research in the field of psychobio-physics. It clarifies that the association is not an occult movement but a group of research-oriented individuals aiming to foster a critical understanding of these phenomena from a scientific standpoint.

Psychobio-physics is described as a new, not yet fully established concept related to parapsychology, psychotronics, and bio-energetics. The association was formed in 1972 by Lennart Lidfors and Jan Fjellander, leading to the establishment of the Stockholm Research Center for Psychobio-physics in 1974 to study phenomena like the Backster effect and Kirlian photography. The association supports research financially and aims to stimulate scientific interest in psychobio-physics.

It covers a broad range of interests, including telepathy, precognition, communication with plants, energy fields around matter (Kirlian photography), geobiology, and biofeedback. The association does not conduct research itself but supports it through membership fees, with 20% allocated to research. They also organize study circles for simple experiments like Backster tests and Kirlian photography.

The association's goal is to promote understanding of humans and their world, combat superstition, and encourage scientific recognition of this research field. They aim to stimulate scientific research, foster public interest, and collect and disseminate information. The article highlights the media's often biased coverage of phenomena like Uri Geller's, preferring sensationalism over scientific reports. The association publishes the journal "Medium" and a member newsletter to disseminate information.

Gåtan Kathleen Goligher (The Enigma of Kathleen Goligher)

Sven Rosén's article delves into the historical case of Kathleen Goligher, an Irish medium active in the early 20th century. The article examines the research conducted by Dr. William Crawford, a physicist who studied the Goligher circle's séances for five years (1915-1920). The phenomena observed included table levitation, various sounds, and materializations.

Crawford's research suggested that the observed phenomena followed natural laws, which he attempted to integrate into the framework of mechanics. He proposed the existence of "psychic arms" made of ectoplasm emanating from the medium, which could manipulate objects. His experiments involved measuring the weight of the medium and the levitating objects, indicating a transfer of mass. He also described tactile sensations of these "psychic arms" as cold, clammy, and reptilian.

The article notes that the phenomena became more stable and materialized over time, leading to attempts to photograph them. However, later investigations by E.E. Fournier d'Albe cast doubt on the authenticity of the Goligher phenomena. Fournier d'Albe observed instances of trickery, including Goligher levitating a table with her feet and suspected collusion among family members. He concluded that Crawford had been too trusting.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Goligher's case, with critics suggesting fraud and others acknowledging the complexity and potential for genuine phenomena. The motivations behind any potential deception are explored, including idealism, a desire for fame, or simply a playful approach to creating a consistent, albeit fraudulent, system of phenomena.

Poetry and Other Sections

The issue also includes poetry by Inger Edelfeldt, with two poems titled "Vem är din herre" (Who is your master) and "Tidsbild" (Time picture), exploring themes of spirituality, inner guidance, and the passage of time. There are also sections on current literature, a brief note on Catholicism and spiritism, and a call for kindness titled "IMPERATIV" by Sven Magnusson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of spirituality, the nature of reality, and the intersection of science and the unexplained. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet critical stance, presenting diverse viewpoints and research findings without necessarily endorsing any single one. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between the material and the spiritual, as seen in the articles on Sufism and "transformed materialism." The inclusion of parapsychological research suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges and investigates phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding, while also emphasizing the need for critical analysis and scientific methodology, as exemplified by the discussion of the psychobio-physics association and the Goligher case.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 4
Volume: 13
Date: 1976
Publisher: Sjuhäradsbygdens Tryckeri AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Schopenhauer and the Occult Phenomena by Alf Ahlberg

This extensive article by Alf Ahlberg explores Arthur Schopenhauer's engagement with what are now termed 'occult phenomena' (parapsychology). Ahlberg positions Schopenhauer as a philosopher whose influence extended beyond academia to artists and writers like Wagner, Nietzsche, Tolstoy, Mann, and Strindberg. Despite his philosophical depth and scientific outlook, Schopenhauer was a firm believer in phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and apparitions, considering their denial to be ignorance rather than skepticism.

Schopenhauer's interest in these phenomena was not superficial; he delved into the relevant literature and was convinced of their reality. His views are presented against the backdrop of his broader philosophy, which is deeply influenced by Immanuel Kant. Ahlberg explains Kant's concept of space, time, and causality as 'forms of intuition' – subjective lenses through which we perceive reality, creating a 'phenomenal world' distinct from 'the thing-in-itself'. Schopenhauer, calling himself Kant's true successor, accepted this framework but proposed a path to understanding the true essence of reality.

This path, for Schopenhauer, lies in our inner experience of the world as 'will' – a fundamental drive, desire, or striving. He argued that in our phenomenal world, we appear as distinct individuals due to the forms of space, time, and causality (principium individuationis). However, at a deeper level, all beings are manifestations of a single, unified world-will. This concept forms the basis of his ethics, explaining empathy as a recognition of this shared essence and suffering.

The Occult Phenomena Explained

Ahlberg connects Schopenhauer's philosophy to occult phenomena by suggesting that if time, space, and causality are mere perceptual filters, then individuals who can transcend these filters might perceive reality as it truly is – a timeless, spaceless 'eternal now'. This state, akin to the Hindu concept of 'Maya's veil' or Platonic ideas of dreams, allows for experiences beyond ordinary comprehension.

Schopenhauer posited that in certain states of consciousness, 'Maya's veil' can momentarily lift, granting a glimpse of reality unfiltered by our usual cognitive structures. This can manifest as precognitive dreams or visions, where the will's influence transcends physical distance. He uses the example of a dying person's intense longing affecting a loved one miles away, resulting in the latter experiencing a vision or thought of the former. This influence is not causal but metaphysical.

Schopenhauer's essay 'Versuch über Geistersehen und was damit zusammenhängt' (An Essay on Ghost-Seeing and Related Matters), published in 1851, is highlighted as his most detailed exploration of these ideas. Ahlberg notes that Schopenhauer himself considered his explanations hypothetical.

Swami Anandanand and Yoga

The magazine also features an article on Swami Anandanand, a Raja Yogi residing in Jaipur, India. He is described as a proponent of a more traditional, less commercialized form of yoga. Anandanand, who is 75 years old, leads a yoga institute where research is conducted on yoga's therapeutic effects, particularly for asthma, diabetes, and digestive disorders, with significant success rates reported. He also lectures at the University of Jaipur.

The article touches upon the various paths of yoga (jnana, bhakti, hatha, karma, raja, laya, kundalini) and emphasizes 'ahimsa' (non-violence) as the first step towards spiritual progress. The ultimate goal, 'samadhi', is described as the merging of the individual self with the Supreme Self, a state of boundless joy.

Poetry and Spiritual Reflections

Several short pieces reflect on poetry and spirituality. Axel Liffner's skepticism about the world's future is contrasted with Bo Setterlind's more optimistic, religiously grounded poetry. Göran Sonnevi's poetic suite 'Det omöjliga' is mentioned for its exploration of political and existential themes. Rolf Aggestam's collection 'Glimmer' and Gunnar Harding's 'Ballader' are also cited for their spiritual and philosophical depth, with a particular focus on William Blake's verses.

Björn Nilsson's poetry is presented with lines about light and spiritual awakening. The section "Katolicism och spiritism" discusses practical demonstrations of spiritualism, including mediumship, hypnosis, and phenomena like table-levitation, noting that these experiments often lead to participants overcoming their spiritualist inclinations.

Other Articles and Reviews

• Drömforskning (Dream Research): Johannes Fabricius' book 'Drömmar och drömtydning' is reviewed, covering historical perspectives on dreams from ancient Egypt to modern psychoanalysis (Freud, Jung, Adler) and sleep research.
• Ny Krishnamurtibok (New Krishnamurti Book): J. Krishnamurti's 'Bortom våldet' (Beyond Violence) is discussed. The review highlights Krishnamurti's focus on inner transformation as the key to societal change, his emphasis on attentive observation, and his rejection of theories and dogma.
• Bokrecensioner (Book Reviews): Several books are reviewed, including Ivan Illich's 'Den farliga sjukvården' (The Dangerous Health Care System), which critiques the medical establishment and advocates for individual health responsibility. 'Arsbok för kristen humanism 1975' (Yearbook for Christian Humanism 1975) is also reviewed, featuring articles on ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and social justice issues.
• Sökarens Bokklubb (Seeker's Book Club): Arthur Koestler's 'Slumpens rötter' (The Roots of Coincidence) is featured, discussing parapsychological phenomena and the intersection of modern physics and parapsychology.
• Tillräckliga skäl (Sufficient Reasons): This editorial section discusses the importance of seeking sufficient, rational reasons for one's beliefs, questioning blind faith in religious texts or figures. It emphasizes critical inquiry and personal experience over unquestioning acceptance of authority.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, philosophy, and the nature of reality, often bridging Eastern and Western thought. There is a clear emphasis on critical inquiry, personal experience, and the search for meaning beyond material concerns. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging readers to explore diverse perspectives while maintaining a rational approach to belief. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting related literature and spiritual practices.