Sokaren - 1976 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR8
Date: 1976
Price: 5:00 inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1976, offers a diverse exploration of spiritual quests, parapsychology, and alternative belief systems. The cover story, "RUNDVANDRING HOS TROSSAMFUND" (A Round Trip to Spiritual Communities), by Margareta Sundgren-Danell, introduces readers to various religious movements. The magazine features an interview with meditation leader Sri Chinmoy, discussions on William James and parapsychology, and insights from humanist Alf Ahlberg.

Sri Chinmoy: The Path of the Heart

The issue includes an extensive interview with Sri Chinmoy, who visited Sweden in June. He discusses his concept of God as humanity's perfectly enlightened existence and the ultimate goal of becoming one with God. Sri Chinmoy differentiates between human consciousness, which he describes as limited and imperfect, and divine consciousness. He advocates for a meditative path focused on inner peace and stillness, urging students to quiet the mind and focus on the heart. He explains that the 'path of the heart' is faster than the 'path of the mind' for reaching God, emphasizing love as God's essential nature. Sri Chinmoy also touches upon the concept of 'nirvikalpa samadhi' as a state of infinite bliss and unity with the transcendent consciousness.

Visits to Spiritual Communities

Margareta Sundgren-Danell reports on her visits to several spiritual groups:

• The Quakers (Vännernas Samfund): Described as a silent, contemplative community, the author experienced a unique form of worship without a priest or liturgy, emphasizing inner light and guidance.
• Tongil-Familjen / Unification Church: Founded by Sun Myung Moon, this group aims to revitalize Christianity through emphasis on neighborly love and self-giving. They believe in one earthly life for spiritual development and the importance of marriage for establishing God's kingdom.
• Liberal Catholic Church: The author attended a service in a small church, noting the simple yet profound atmosphere and the priest's sermon on the divine spark within every being.
• Hare Krishna Movement: The article describes an encounter with the movement, including their chanting, vegetarian meals, and philosophical texts like the Srimad Bhagavatam. The author expresses reservations about some interpretations, particularly regarding the concept of 'state morality' derived from their scriptures.
• Ananda Marga: This movement focuses on self-development through daily meditation and adherence to rules set by their founder, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. The emphasis is on achieving an integrated personality and spiritual liberation.
• Divine Light Mission: The author attended a gathering where followers shared testimonies about the transformative power of 'Knowledge' imparted by Guru Maharaj Ji. The atmosphere was filled with music and devotion.

John Keel and Parapsychology

An article by Håkan Blomqvist reviews John A. Keel's book "The Mothman Prophecies." Keel's theories on UFOs are presented, suggesting they are not extraterrestrial but 'ultraterrestrial' phenomena, possibly caused by 'elemental beings.' He views UFOs as a 'Trojan horse' and a modern myth. The article also touches upon Keel's research into the Mothman sightings in West Virginia and the Silver Bridge collapse, linking these events to a broader pattern of unexplained phenomena.

William James and Parapsychology

Rolf Ejvegård discusses the interest of philosopher and psychologist William James in parapsychology. James's extensive research led him to conclude that while the field is fraught with potential for error and deception, it warrants continued investigation. He proposed two theories to explain paranormal phenomena: the evolutionary theory, suggesting these are remnants of a chaotic past, and the panpsychic theory, which posits a universal consciousness connecting individuals.

Alf Ahlberg Answers Questions

In a Q&A section, humanist Alf Ahlberg shares his views on Jesus, God, and the future of Christianity. He affirms Jesus's historical existence but questions traditional Christological doctrines. Ahlberg views God's omnipotence as the 'omnipotence of suffering and struggling love' and emphasizes the importance of faith and the 'homo religiosus' aspect of humanity. He also discusses the rise of 'new religiosity' in the West as a response to spiritual emptiness.

Personal Reflections

• Per Ragnar reflects on the value of silence and the transformative power of nature, drawing parallels to his summer experiences on the island of Fårö.
• Olle Wedholm shares his life journey, marked by three significant 'shocks' that shaped his worldview. He discusses his involvement in various movements, including Sufism and Theosophy, and his belief that 'death' is an illusion.
• Sven Magnusson writes about personality development, defining it as a process of becoming more and better through enriched consciousness and insight. He stresses the importance of conscious effort in shaping one's personality and finding a meaningful life purpose.

Book Reviews

• Roland Adlerberth reviews "The Complete Books of Charles Fort," highlighting Fort's meticulous collection of anomalous phenomena and his skeptical approach. He also mentions works by Robert Charroux and Brad Steiger, exploring themes of mystery and the 'reality game.'
• Peter Krassa's book on ancient astronauts and myths is also briefly noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of spiritual seeking, the nature of consciousness, and the investigation of phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in diverse religious and philosophical traditions, from established religions to newer movements and parapsychological research. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to engage in their own search for truth and meaning. The editorial stance seems to favor personal exploration and inner development, as evidenced by the articles on meditation, personality development, and the 'path of the heart.' The magazine encourages a questioning attitude towards established norms and a willingness to explore the unknown.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 8
Volume: 13
Date: 1976
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Headline: RELIGIÖS FRIHET ett privilegium för vår tid

This issue of "Sökaren" magazine, dated 1976, is dedicated to the theme of religious freedom as a privilege of our time. It explores a wide range of topics including UFO phenomena, parapsychology, ancient civilizations, mysticism, and spiritualism.

Book Reviews and Articles

The magazine features several book reviews. "Major Arkana nr. 7-10" by an unnamed author discusses ancient Indian Vimanas and Chinese myths, suggesting connections to space travel. Krassa's work is mentioned for its exploration of shamanism and ancient spacefaring cultures. Eric Norman's "Den hule jord" (The Hollow Earth) is reviewed for its theories on subterranean civilizations. Cyrus H. Gordon's "Before Columbus" is examined for its evidence of ancient travelers between continents, citing statues with non-Indian features and the legend of Quetzalcoatl. The Piri Reis map and ancient inscriptions are presented as evidence of early voyages, including Phoenician and Jewish expeditions to America.

Michael Harrison's book "The Roots of Witchcraft" is discussed, exploring ancient religions and witchcraft practices. The magazine also touches upon the popular subject of Tarot cards, noting the lack of Swedish literature on their history and use, and reviewing a Danish guide by K. Frank Jensen.

Parapsychology and Meditation

Articles delve into parapsychology, with Alf Ahlberg discussing its potential to change worldviews and human nature, acknowledging its current challenges as a young science. The practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) is highlighted, with an article by Karl-Mikael Säfsten describing its positive effects on students and classroom atmosphere, leading to improved learning outcomes and interpersonal relationships.

UFOs and Esotericism

UFO sightings and related phenomena are discussed, with a mention of Ray Palmer's claim of a satellite photo showing a hole at the North Pole. The magazine also includes advertisements for various esoteric services, including horoscopes, spiritual development, and occult literature.

Religious Freedom and Spirituality

The concept of religious freedom is a central theme, with an editorial from "Communio, Liberalkatolskakyrkobladet" emphasizing the importance of individual spiritual inquiry and personal conviction over imposed doctrines. The magazine contrasts the historical suppression of religious diversity in Sweden with the current openness to various faiths and philosophies, including Buddhism and Hinduism. It suggests that the Christian faith, while significant, should not claim to be the sole truth.

Personal Accounts and Services

Personal accounts, such as Sven Magnusson's experience with Sri Chinmoy's teachings, are included, highlighting the search for spiritual guidance. Advertisements offer services like horoscope readings, spiritual counseling, and books on various mystical and esoteric subjects. The "Sökaren" magazine itself is presented as an independent publication for life philosophy issues, open to diverse opinions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of alternative spirituality, the search for meaning, and the questioning of established norms. It champions individual inquiry and critical thinking, particularly in the realms of religion and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and supportive of exploring unconventional ideas, while maintaining a critical perspective and encouraging personal investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the evolving nature of human understanding and the importance of spiritual and intellectual freedom in contemporary society.