Sokaren - 1976 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR10
Year: 1976
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 5:00 SEK (including VAT)

This issue of Sökaren delves into spiritual movements, parapsychological research, and new self-improvement techniques.

Ananda Marga: A Spiritual and Social Movement

The lead article introduces Ananda Marga, an Indian spiritual and social movement founded in 1955. The movement aims for self-liberation through yoga and meditation, and service to humanity. It stands in opposition to the current Indian regime and societal order, criticizing corruption and advocating for inner spiritual change and greater societal justice based on the principle of human equality. Ananda Marga also works for humanity through charitable activities like feeding the poor and establishing hospitals and orphanages. The movement opposes capitalism and the caste system, advocating for morally upright leaders.

However, Ananda Marga has been banned in India, with several leaders, including its founder Shri Shri Anandamurti (P. R. Sarkar), imprisoned. The Indian government claims Ananda Marga is a political organization of a fascist nature aiming to overthrow democracy, possibly through violence. The movement denies these accusations, including the charge of inciting murder against Anandamurti.

Anandamurti has been imprisoned since December 1971 and has been on a hunger strike for over three and a half years in protest against his treatment and the movement's persecution. He alleges attempts to poison him in prison and denial of proper medical care. His demands include the restoration of previous prison conditions, the dropping of false charges, and a legal investigation into the alleged poisoning.

In Sweden, a member named Sten Rodenborg gained attention in September by threatening to self-immolate if the Swedish government did not take action regarding Anandamurti's situation. This threat was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media, and private individuals. The Minister of Foreign Affairs responded, stating readiness to have the UN Commission on Human Rights address the issue. Olof Palme also assured that the Swedish government was investigating possibilities to act through the UN.

Sten Rodenborg, a 20-year-old member, shared his story. He was drawn to meditation, yoga, and mysticism from a young age, exploring Eastern religions and Christian mystics. He found common ground between various high religions, emphasizing the idea of unity with God, citing Jesus' words and Meister Eckhart's philosophy. Rodenborg learned about Ananda Marga through a lecture by Dada Mahesha and was inspired to join after further contact, finding their meditation method to be direct and focused on refining the mind by meditating on the subtlest aspects of the self.

Ananda Marga in Sweden has previously attempted to draw public attention through a hunger strike demonstration in Stockholm, collecting 12,000 signatures. Despite efforts to contact authorities and spread information, media and government response was minimal, leading to Rodenborg's drastic protest.

Professor Hans Bender: A Pioneer in Parapsychology

This section features an interview with Professor Hans Bender, a world-renowned parapsychologist from Freiburg, Germany. Bender discusses his early interest in psychical research, stemming from experiences in England at age 17 and later influenced by Pierre Janet. He pursued studies in psychology and medicine, eventually specializing in parapsychology.

Bender founded the Institute for Border Areas of Psychology and Psychohygiene in Freiburg in 1946, which became a center for research into phenomena like clairvoyance, telepathy, and poltergeists. He highlights the institute's unique collection of parapsychological works and its ongoing research, including studies on gifted psychics and spontaneous phenomena.

• Key research areas discussed include:
• Poltergeist phenomena: Bender's institute has documented 45 cases, often linked to a 'poltergeist focus' person, typically a child near puberty, where the phenomena are seen as an outlet for inner tension.
• Psychical surgery: Bender expresses skepticism about psychic surgery in the Philippines, viewing it as potentially trickery, and suggests that any observed improvements might be psychosomatic.
• Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP): He discusses his work with Friedrich Jürgenson, acknowledging the challenges in eliminating potential sources of error like accidental comments, radio interference, and subjective interpretation of noise.
• Precognition: Bender mentions experiments with a Dutch sensitive, Gerard Croiset, and an actress, Christine Mylius, whose dreams have been documented and correlated with later life events.
• Matthew Manning: Bender acknowledges the phenomena reported by Matthew Manning but questions why periods of poltergeist activity were not utilized for proper investigation.

Bender advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to parapsychology, involving psychology, theology, and natural sciences. He also notes the importance of studying phenomena in primitive cultures.

Biofeedback: Listening to Yourself

This article introduces biofeedback, a new technology that helps individuals train their bodies and minds. Biofeedback instruments measure physiological responses such as muscle tension, skin temperature, and brainwave activity (alpha and beta waves).

The technology provides immediate feedback through visual or auditory signals, allowing users to learn to consciously control these processes. Biofeedback is presented as beneficial for a range of conditions, including stress-related ailments like high blood pressure, migraines, and insomnia, as well as for rehabilitation after injuries like strokes.

Unlike traditional methods, biofeedback offers a more precise way to gauge progress, leading to faster results. The article highlights the work of Tava Juri Vaba, who established Sweden's first Biofeedback institute in Gothenburg, emphasizing the collaborative approach with doctors and the goal of self-help rather than miraculous cures.

The Lonely Journey: Mysticism Through the Ages

This piece explores the history of mysticism, from the Middle Ages to the present day. It discusses how mystics were once viewed with awe and fear, often seen as having direct contact with the divine. The influence of Martin Luther is noted for shifting the focus from mystical experience to a more somber, guilt-ridden religiosity, leading to a decline in the church's support for mystics.

The article touches upon figures like Anna Jöns Dotter, a Swedish healer who interpreted her experiences through the lens of 'animal magnetism' and electricity, reflecting the scientific understanding of her time. It also discusses the rise of mediums in the late 19th century, where mystical experiences were reinterpreted as communication with spirits.

The author notes the challenges faced by modern mystics, who may be misunderstood or misdiagnosed with psychological disorders. The article also touches upon the role of confession and spiritual guidance, suggesting that while some Catholic priests have been supportive, the broader church may have neglected the spiritual needs of those undergoing profound mystical experiences.

Joula: The Joy and Sun Community

This section investigates a new religious community in Sweden called 'Joula - Glädjens och Solens Samfund' (Joula - The Joy and Sun Community). The community is inspired by the teachings of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky, focusing on the development of human 'centers' (intellectual, emotional, instinctive, moving) and the concept of multiple 'selves'.

The article describes an initiation ceremony for the 'First Nordic Church' of Joula, involving music, chanting, and symbolic rituals. The community emphasizes self-discovery, letting go of the ego, and manifesting a higher will. The teachings suggest that humans are like 'machines' who are 'asleep' and need to awaken to their true selves. The article notes the use of English in their gatherings and their focus on 'esoteric knowledge'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the human quest for meaning, spiritual growth, and self-understanding. It highlights alternative paths to fulfillment, whether through organized spiritual movements like Ananda Marga, the rigorous study of parapsychology, or the application of new technologies like biofeedback. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging readers to explore these topics further. There is a recurring interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms, from psychic abilities to spiritual experiences.

This issue of "Sökaren", dated 1976 and in its 13th year, focuses on the intersection of illusionism and parapsychology, exploring the challenges of distinguishing between genuine paranormal phenomena and skillful trickery. The magazine presents a detailed account of an experiment conducted at a parapsychology congress in Utrecht, Holland, where Swedish illusionist Ulf Mörling, under the guidance of Professor Martin Johnson, demonstrated tricks that convinced many attendees he was a medium.

Illusionist Baffles Parapsychologists

The central article, "Illusionist förbluffar parapsykologer" (Illusionist baffles parapsychologists), details Mörling's performance and the reactions of the parapsychologists. Professor Martin Johnson invited Mörling to showcase how a skilled magician could deceive even trained observers. Despite Mörling and Johnson's insistence that the phenomena were tricks, many parapsychologists speculated about psychic abilities. A key trick involved Mörling replicating a drawing made by Johnson, which had been sealed in envelopes. The article delves into the various explanations proposed by attendees and researchers, including the possibility of collusion, mental suggestion, or even a form of 'thought reading' by Mörling. The difficulty in definitively proving or disproving such claims is highlighted, underscoring the subjective nature of perception and belief in parapsychology.

Ulf Mörling himself shares his perspective, expressing concern that so many professional parapsychologists were easily deceived. He also offers insights into the methods of other psychic performers, such as Uri Geller, suggesting that Geller's feats are likely due to skillful illusionism rather than genuine psychic powers. Mörling recounts instances where he believes Geller has employed trickery, like switching watches or using prepared spoons.

Book Reviews and Philosophical Discussions

The issue also features several book reviews and discussions on related topics:

• Poul Bjerre's Psychosynthesis: A review of an anthology of articles and lectures by Poul Bjerre, a psychologist known for his work on psychosynthesis. The review highlights Bjerre's emphasis on the psyche's self-healing abilities and his unique approach to treating paranoid delusions. The book is praised for its historical perspective and rich case descriptions.
• Ingrid Fredin on Bjerre: Another contribution discusses Ingrid Fredin's book, "Poul Bjerres livssyn - Mänsklig helhet" (Poul Bjerre's worldview - Human wholeness). Fredin, a friend of Bjerre, presents his philosophy through personal reflections, aphorisms, and quotes.
• Human Ecology and Ethics: An article titled "Humanekologi" (Human Ecology) discusses humanity's relationship with nature and the ethical implications of our consumption patterns. It questions whether intelligence justifies the exploitation of animals and advocates for a more compassionate approach to all living beings.
• Dénis Lindbohm's "Jagets Eld" (The Soul's Fire): This book review examines Lindbohm's claims of past-life memories, including his experiences as a young girl named Esta. The review notes the book's challenging and thought-provoking nature, posing questions about reincarnation and the nature of the self.
• Birgit Lange's "Vår Tids Mirakler" (Miracles of Our Time): This review discusses Lange's exploration of paranormal phenomena, including out-of-body experiences and automatic writing, and her engagement with the concept of reincarnation, referencing the work of Professor Ian Stevenson.
• Maslow's Research Psychology: A section of Jan Bärmark's doctoral thesis on Abraham Maslow is presented, focusing on the distinction between 'security-seeking' and 'growth-motivated' researchers. It suggests that a researcher's personal needs and motivations significantly influence their work and the direction of scientific inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

"Sökaren" consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, the scientific and the seemingly paranormal. The magazine maintains a critical yet open-minded stance, encouraging readers to question phenomena and consider various explanations. The editorial emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints on spiritual, psychological, and philosophical matters. The issue also highlights the magazine's commitment to continuing its publication, appealing for reader support to maintain its circulation and content quality.