Sokaren - 1976 No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR9
Volume: 1976
Date: 1976
Publisher: ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI (Working Group for UFOlogy)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Price: 5:00 including tax

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on ufology and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles exploring spiritual paths, personal transformations, and unexplained events.

Swami Muktananda: Siddha Guru and Spontan Yoga

The cover story introduces Swami Muktananda, described as a Siddha Guru who transmits Siddha Yoga, also known as Spontan Yoga. This ancient esoteric tradition is said to be practiced by great saints and yogis. Muktananda is highlighted for his unique ability to awaken the inner Kundalini power in others simply by transmitting his own conscious energy. The article quotes text from a book, "Spontan Yoga," by Swami Muktananda, which has been translated into Swedish.

An accompanying article by Jörgen Rapp delves deeper into the concept of a Siddha Guru, explaining the different levels of spiritual teachers (diksha-, vedaka-, and bhodaka-guru). A Siddha Guru, or Bhodaka-guru, possesses the ability to grant self-realization, akin to lighting one candle from another. The term 'guru' itself is explained as meaning 'darkness' (gu) and 'light' (ru), signifying the removal of ignorance and the granting of spiritual enlightenment. The article touches upon the concept of Shakti (divine energy) and Shiva (pure consciousness) and explains that the Siddha Guru acts as a channel for this conscious energy through a process called 'shaktipat'. This can occur consciously through a glance, touch, word, or thought, or unconsciously when a seeker is in the guru's presence. The article also discusses Kundalini, the dormant spiritual energy located at the base of the spine, and how its awakening leads to spiritual development.

Richard Alpert's Transformation into Ram Dass

Another significant feature profiles Professor Richard Alpert, a highly educated and successful American Jew who became a professor at Harvard. The article details his early life, his experimentation with psychedelic drugs, and his eventual journey to India. There, he met Bhagwan Dass and subsequently Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaji), a guru who profoundly changed Alpert's perspective. After this encounter, Alpert was given the name Ram Dass, meaning 'servant of God.' The article traces his path of self-development, his time in ashrams, and his eventual role as a popular spiritual teacher who could translate Eastern philosophies into a language accessible to Westerners. It also touches upon his experiences after Maharaji's passing and his encounters with other spiritual figures like Joya Santana.

UFOs and the Work of Ivan T. Sanderson

The magazine includes an article by Bertil Falk about Ivan T. Sanderson, a Scottish biologist who worked for British counter-espionage during World War II. Sanderson's experiences led him to investigate unexplained phenomena, including UFOs. The article recounts his observation of a green sphere in the Caribbean and a similar phenomenon off the coast of Nicaragua. It mentions his later work in New York and his interest in the intersection of biology and parapsychology, including his theory that some UFO phenomena might have biological origins. Sanderson's efforts to collect and organize information on unexplained events led him to co-found SITU (Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained).

Uri Geller and the Skepticism of James Randi

A critical examination of psychic Uri Geller is presented, contrasting his claims with the views of illusionist James Randi. Randi, in his book "The Magic of Uri Geller," argues that Geller is a skilled illusionist rather than a psychic. The article discusses Randi's attempts to debunk Geller's abilities, his criticisms of the research conducted at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) on Geller, and his belief that Geller's phenomena can be explained by tricks and misdirection. The piece highlights Randi's own demonstrations of similar feats and his skepticism towards paranormal claims.

Mysticism and Modern Physics

An article by Sven Rosén explores the surprising parallels between mystical experiences and the theories of modern physics. Drawing on the work of Lawrence LeShan, the author suggests that concepts in quantum physics, such as the interconnectedness of all things, the illusory nature of time, and the observer's role in shaping reality, resonate with the core tenets of mysticism. The article posits that both physicists and mystics, despite their different approaches, may be describing the same underlying reality.

ECKANKAR: The Path to Total Awareness

The magazine features an interview with Sri Darwin Gross, the current ECK Master of ECKANKAR. He explains the movement's teachings on spiritual worlds, the journey of the soul, and the concept of 'total awareness.' Gross describes the different planes of existence and the process of spiritual development, emphasizing that ECKANKAR offers a direct path to God-realization. He also touches upon the ECK force, which sustains the universe, and the importance of using knowledge for the benefit of all.

Other Content

The issue also includes letters from readers, such as Klaus J. Ylinen and Olov Hagström, sharing their personal experiences with ECKANKAR. Dea Ramstedt expresses her search for answers to fundamental life questions. The magazine also features advertisements for books and related organizations, including 'Vattumannen' bookstore and 'Buddhasasanaförlaget'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are spiritual exploration, the nature of consciousness, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet critical stance, presenting various spiritual teachings and paranormal claims while also including skeptical viewpoints and scientific analyses. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western understanding, as well as in exploring the frontiers of human consciousness and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional scientific explanation. The editorial stance seems to encourage seekers to explore different paths while maintaining a discerning mind.

Sökaren Magazine, Issue 9, 1976

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy and alternative topics, presents a critical examination of paranormal phenomena, particularly the claims surrounding Uri Geller and psychic surgery, while also exploring various Eastern religions and their Western interpretations.

Uri Geller: Skepticism vs. Belief

The lead article, "För mycket tro, för litet skepsis?" (Too Much Belief, Too Little Skepticism?), by Sven Magnusson, addresses the magazine's editorial stance on paranormal topics. Magnusson acknowledges that while the magazine has featured critical articles, the positive accounts of phenomena like Uri Geller's abilities and psychic surgery tend to inspire more writing, likening it to the saying that disbelief builds no chapels.

James Randi, a prominent illusionist and skeptic, is featured extensively. His critique of Uri Geller's performances at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) is detailed, with Randi claiming Geller used simple tricks, such as a magnet in his mouth, to influence a compass and bend spoons. Randi also recounts his own 'tricks' designed to expose perceived deception, including an instance where he appeared to divine a chosen word from a book and a television performance where he claims to have fooled a columnist.

Despite Randi's skepticism, the article "Randi mot Uri Geller" (Randi vs. Uri Geller) suggests that Geller's own autobiography, "My Story," presents a different picture of himself as an honest individual, contrasting with Randi's portrayal of Geller as a trickster. The text notes that Geller's stage performances are often described as slow and unsuccessful, which, from a psychological perspective, might suggest genuine effort rather than deliberate illusion.

Psychic Surgery: A Controversial Phenomenon

The magazine includes a detailed account of a psychic surgery experience, excerpted from Lyall Watson's book "På liv och död" (On Life and Death). The author describes witnessing a procedure where a mass of tissue and blood was allegedly removed from a patient's abdomen without any visible external wounds. The account details the process of manipulation, the appearance of blood and tissue, and the eventual removal of a tumor-like mass. While the author acknowledges the strangeness of the event, he also notes that the removed tissue was later examined and found to be partially composed of fibrous material.

Another article, "WATSONS BLANDNING" (Watson's Mixture), reviews Lyall Watson's book, finding it somewhat disorganized but acknowledging its interesting sections on psychic surgery, healing, and reincarnation. The reviewer notes that while Watson describes psychic surgery as paranormal, he also points out discrepancies in the blood samples and the origin of the removed tissues, suggesting they might not be human.

Eastern Religions in the West: Authenticity and Adaptation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the nature of Eastern religions in a Western context. The article "Autentisk österländsk tro eller europeiserad/amerikaniserad?" (Authentic Eastern Belief or Europeanized/Americanized?) interviews practitioners of Buddhism, Hare Krishna, and yoga.

Gunnar Gällmo, a Buddhist, argues that Buddhism, like Christianity and Islam, is a world religion with historical roots in the East but now spread globally, and the terms 'Eastern' or 'Western' religion are only applicable to localized teachings.

Ajit das, a Hare Krishna follower, states he seeks absolute knowledge and adheres to bhakti (devotional service to God), explaining that this tradition is ancient and not a Western interpretation.

Swami Janakananda, a Danish yoga and meditation teacher, emphasizes that yoga and meditation are ancient sciences with roots beyond India, predating many current cultures, philosophies, and religions. He highlights the Tantric tradition and its continuation through personal instruction.

Walther Eidlitz, who teaches Hinduism in Sweden, criticizes Western textbooks for misrepresenting Eastern religions, often by imposing Christian terminology.

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

The magazine examines Transcendental Meditation (TM), noting its Hindu origins but asserting that it is presented as a psychotherapeutic technique rather than a religion. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is mentioned for rebranding TM as the "Science of Creative Intelligence." Representatives of TM claim the technique is devoid of religious elements and is a universal practice, drawing parallels to Judo, which originated in Japan but is not exclusively a Japanese practice.

UFOs and Paranormal Research

"Studiecirklar om flygande tefat" (Study Circles on Flying Saucers) discusses the growing interest in UFOs in Sweden and the efforts of UFO-Sverige to promote objective study. The article highlights the challenge of finding unbiased literature on the topic and mentions Sven Magnusson's book "Flygande tefat... vad säger vetenskapen?" (Flying Saucers... What Does Science Say?) as a balanced resource for study circles.

Other Topics

Vivisection

A review of the book "Djur, människor, moral" (Animals, Humans, Morality) by Godlovitch Harris criticizes the practice of vivisection, arguing that most animal experiments are not conducted to save human lives but for less noble purposes, such as testing cosmetics. The review questions the justification for animal testing and advocates for vegetarianism and alternative research methods.

Life Quality

Per Ragnar's "Reflexioner" (Reflections) column discusses the concept of "livskvalitet" (life quality), noting its increasing visibility as a response to the industrialized world. Ragnar shares his definition, which includes a good home, stimulating work, good health, and meaningful relationships, and touches upon research categorizing factors of life quality.

Eckankar

An article on Eckankar describes it as a spiritual path that has provided the author with identity, a meaningful life, and a grand goal. The author emphasizes the concept of the Soul as an "ECK-Atom of God" and the path to becoming a "SUGMAD-GUDs Medarbetare" (Co-worker of SUGMAD-GOD).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a balanced approach, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism alongside an openness to explore paranormal and alternative phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Sven Magnusson, is to present information and allow readers to form their own conclusions, rather than pushing a specific agenda. There is a clear effort to provide diverse perspectives, including critiques of claims that might otherwise be accepted uncritically. The magazine also highlights the challenges of presenting these topics objectively in a society that may be more inclined towards belief than skepticism.