Sokaren - 1977 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR3
Volume: 1977
Date: 1977
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: KLUBB KAMELEN I GAMLA STAN

This issue of Sökaren (NR3, 1977) delves into a variety of spiritual, philosophical, and esoteric topics, reflecting a broad interest in 'seeking' and self-discovery.

Klubb Kamelen: A Hub for Seekers

The lead article focuses on Klubb Kamelen, located in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, founded by Eddie Grahn. The club celebrated its 10th anniversary and moved into larger premises. Grahn, described as a 'club king,' has a long history of organizing various clubs. Klubb Kamelen hosts a diverse range of events, including lectures on topics such as Carlos Castaneda, parapsychology, tantric astrology, and UFOs, as well as performances involving music, dance, and storytelling. The article highlights Grahn's broad interests, encompassing religion, philosophy, politics, culture, and science, and his vision of creating a meeting point for people interested in diverse spiritual and intellectual pursuits. The new premises are described as having an 'Eastern' ambiance, with plans for a café area.

Vedic Thought and Ananda Association

Prashant Lal, an Indian living in Stockholm, is featured in an article discussing Vedic thought. He explains the concept of karma and the interconnectedness of Hinduism and Buddhism, which he sees as branches of the same Vedic tradition. Lal is involved in founding the 'Ananda association for Hindu-Buddhist thought,' aiming to promote these insights in the West. He criticizes the exclusivity of some religions, particularly Christianity, for its perceived intolerance and dogmatism, contrasting it with the more inclusive nature of Vedic traditions. Lal emphasizes the importance of yoga, meditation, karma, and nirvana as core principles. He also discusses the challenges of translating Sanskrit terms and the potential for misunderstanding when comparing different religious concepts.

Buddhist Meditation in Sri Lanka

David Ståhl recounts his experience of staying at the Vipassana Bhavana Center in Kanduboda, Sri Lanka, for over five weeks in 1973. He describes the rigorous daily routine, which includes early morning meditation sessions, communal meals, and personal interviews with teachers. The center offers a free stay, supported by donations from laypeople. Ståhl details the practice of Vipassana meditation, which involves mindful awareness of bodily sensations, thoughts, and the breath. He highlights the ten precepts of abstinence, including refraining from killing, stealing, lying, and intoxicants, as well as avoiding sensual indulgence and the handling of money. The article explains how meditation can lead to a deeper understanding of the impermanent nature of existence and the alleviation of suffering.

Lutheranism and Mysticism

An article by Sten Rodhe explores the historical tension between Lutheran Christianity and mysticism. It examines the work of Bengt R. Hoffman's book 'Luther and the Mystics,' which argues that while Lutheran theology has often been critical of mystical experiences, there are significant commonalities between Martin Luther's own spiritual insights and those of medieval mystics like Johannes Tauler. The article discusses how interpretations of Luther have sometimes emphasized his rejection of subjective religious experiences in favor of objective doctrine, while others highlight his own mystical leanings, such as his concept of the 'inner man' and the indwelling of God. The piece touches upon the 'pneumatic' aspects of Luther's theology and the debate surrounding his views on the invisible world of angels and demons.

Near-Death Experiences: Life After Death?

Birgit Lange contributes an article discussing the growing interest in the study of death, referencing Raymond A. Moody Jr.'s book 'Life after Life.' The article summarizes Moody's research on individuals who have had near-death experiences (NDEs). It outlines common elements reported by these individuals, including a sense of peace, traveling through a dark tunnel, encountering a 'Being of Light' (often interpreted as Christ by Christians), a life review, and a feeling of profound love and understanding. The article notes that these experiences often lead to a transformed perspective on life and death, reducing the fear of dying. It also touches upon the philosophical implications of these experiences regarding the possibility of life after death.

Master Eckhart: A Christian Mystic

An article by Antoon Geels introduces Master Eckhart, a 13th-14th century Dominican theologian and mystic. Geels describes Eckhart's radical theological ideas, such as 'God is a pure nothing' and 'God is a non-existence beyond all existence,' which have led to him being labeled a heretic. The article explains Eckhart's concept of the 'Godhead' (Deitas) as an ineffable, formless essence, distinct from the personal God (Deus). It highlights Eckhart's belief in a 'divine spark' within the human soul that allows for union with God, a concept that led to accusations of heresy due to its perceived similarity to pantheism. The piece mentions Eckhart's influence on later mystics like Tauler and Heinrich Seuse, and his impact on Swedish writers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the search for meaning beyond conventional societal norms. There is a clear interest in Eastern religions, meditation practices, and alternative perspectives on life, death, and consciousness. The magazine appears to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints, from the practical discussions at Klubb Kamelen to the in-depth theological and philosophical explorations of Vedic thought, Buddhist meditation, and Christian mysticism. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore different paths to understanding and self-realization.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker) magazine, dated 1977, delves into the complex world of paranormal phenomena, spirituality, and diverse belief systems. The cover prominently features an interview with Dr. John Beloff, a psychologist and prominent figure in parapsychology, under the headline "Paranormal phenomena exist but are difficult to prove."

Interview with John Beloff

The interview with John Beloff, a psychologist and teacher at the University of Edinburgh, and former president of the Society for Psychical Research, explores his personal motivations and experiences in parapsychology. Beloff explains that his interest stemmed from encountering phenomena that couldn't be explained by conventional science, despite his upbringing dismissing such topics. He acknowledges the common perception that his experiments rarely yield positive results, which he attributes to a general difficulty in achieving repeatable outcomes in parapsychology. He suggests that the experimenter might unconsciously influence the results, making successful outcomes rare. Beloff discusses his eclectic approach to research, mentioning experiments on radioactive decay and ESP, and notes that while his own results were inconclusive, others later found success with similar methods. He affirms the reality of phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis but emphasizes that true scientific proof requires replicability by any skeptical scientist. He praises researchers like Helmut Schmidt and Charles Honorton, and acknowledges Ian Stevenson's work on reincarnation. Regarding Uri Geller, Beloff sees him as having revitalized parapsychology, though he also believes Geller may employ illusionist techniques. He critiques James Randi's book on Geller, arguing that Randi's methods of debunking are insufficient to explain all of Geller's purported feats.

Other Articles and Reviews

Per Ragnar: Reflections
Per Ragnar shares his experiences discussing love and spirituality during his nationwide tour. He reflects on the impact of his poetry collection "Kärlekar" (Loves) and his public speaking engagements, noting the common confusion between the supernatural and parapsychology.

"Is it nice to die?"
This section presents a personal account of a near-death experience, describing a profound encounter with a bright, warm light and a sense of overwhelming love and peace.

Eck Vidya
An explanation of Eck Vidya, described as the study of cosmic cycles (Bhava Chakra) that influence life and history. It is presented as an ancient spiritual science related to Eckankar, focusing on reincarnation, karma, astrology, and other esoteric subjects.

• Book Reviews
• Several book reviews are featured:
• "The Secret Life of Plants" by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird is reviewed, discussing its exploration of plant consciousness and unconventional scientific theories.
• "Rymdens budbärare" (Messengers of Space) by Robert Charroux is critiqued for its speculative theories about ancient astronauts and dinosaurs.
• "Den destruktiva människan" (The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness) by Erich Fromm is analyzed, focusing on its psychological examination of destructive personalities like Hitler.
• "Sutta Nipata på svenska" (Sutta Nipata in Swedish) is reviewed, noting its translation of Buddhist ballads and didactic poems, with some critique of the translation choices.
• "Kan buddhismen tala svenska?" (Can Buddhism Speak Swedish?) discusses the challenges of translating Buddhist texts into Swedish, highlighting a new translation of Buddha's teachings.
• "Likfyndet vid Lillsjön" (The Corpse Find at Lillsjön) by Per Ragnar is praised for its poetic exploration of life, consciousness, and interconnectedness.
• "De var själva med" (They Were With Us) is a book series for schools that is heavily criticized for its biased portrayal of non-Christian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, while presenting Christianity favorably.
• "Berndt Gustafsson: Forskare och visionär" (Berndt Gustafsson: Researcher and Visionary) is a memorial tribute to the late religious sociologist, highlighting his faith and his work.

The Ten Commandments
A reinterpretation of the Ten Commandments by Sven Magnusson, updated for the 20th century, focusing on compassion, truthfulness, respect for life, and environmental consciousness.

Måndagsgruppen
Information about the Måndagsgruppen, a Stockholm-based forum for mysticism, religion, and science, and an appeal for financial support to continue its activities.

Other Sections

• Letters to the Editor: Includes a letter from a reader in Norway discussing vegetarianism in Buddhist cultures and a personal ad seeking a partner.
• Advertisements: Features ads for books on yoga, meditation, astrology, and parapsychology, as well as services like horoscopes and relaxation cassettes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" positions itself as an independent publication for exploring life philosophies, open to diverse viewpoints and critical analysis. It consistently features articles on parapsychology, spirituality, Eastern religions, and esoteric subjects, alongside book reviews and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore different perspectives while maintaining a critical eye, as evidenced by the critique of biased religious portrayals and the nuanced discussion of paranormal research. The publication seems to aim at providing a platform for alternative thought and spiritual exploration, bridging the gap between conventional science and less understood phenomena.

This document is a magazine issue, primarily in Swedish, promoting books by L. Ron Hubbard related to Dianetics and Scientology. The cover headline, "Lär dig hur det mänskliga sinnet fungerar och bli mer dig själv" (Learn how the human mind works and become more yourself), sets the tone for the issue's focus on self-improvement and understanding the mind.

Featured Books and Concepts

Dianetics: Den moderna vetenskapen om mental hälsa

The main article on the left page introduces Dianetics as a science that helps individuals understand the hidden parts of their mind that can negatively affect their outlook and actions. It promises to help users recognize and handle these negative influences, leading to genuine self-improvement. The book "Dianetik: Den moderna vetenskapen om mental hälsa" (Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health) is presented as a comprehensive introductory textbook, a bestseller available in Swedish translation, which has helped millions achieve character improvement.

Dianetik: Utvecklandet av en vetenskap

On the right page, the book "Dianetik: Utvecklandet av en vetenskap" (Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science) is highlighted. It explains how L. Ron Hubbard developed Dianetics as the first fully functioning science of the mind. The text poses a question about why human potential is not fully realized if the mind's calculation capacity exceeds modern computers. It suggests this book reveals the source of all disturbances in the human psyche and how to eliminate them, encouraging readers to discover their true abilities.

Arbetets problem

Another featured book, "Arbetets problem" (Work Problems), by L. Ron Hubbard, is presented as a guide on how Scientology can be used to improve one's standing in life, particularly concerning work. It suggests that if one is unhappy at work, life can become miserable. The book aims to help individuals achieve their desired work or profession by overcoming personal obstacles.

Scientologi: Tankens grunder

The second page promotes "Scientologi: Tankens grunder" (Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought). This book is described as the foundational text for beginners in Scientology, a rapidly growing religious movement. It aims to help readers gain respect from others by acquiring practical knowledge about life, improving communication, personal well-being, and character. The book is presented as a way to increase self-esteem as one learns more about life.

Ordering and Contact Information

The issue provides contact details for the "Scientologykyrkan i Sverige, Stockholmsförsamlingen" (Scientology Church in Sweden, Stockholm Congregation) with an address and phone number. It also includes information about pricing, noting that prices increase by five percent monthly. For those unable to obtain the books locally, direct orders can be placed with the publisher, Scientology Publications Organization in Copenhagen, Denmark. The publisher is registered as AOSHDK Publications Department A/S. Copyright is attributed to L. Ron Hubbard in 1975, and reprinting is forbidden. Scientology is defined as an applied religious philosophy, with Scientology® and Dianetics® being registered names.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are self-improvement, mental health, understanding the human mind, and the application of Dianetics and Scientology to solve personal and professional problems. The editorial stance is clearly promotional, advocating for L. Ron Hubbard's works as effective tools for personal transformation and well-being. The language used is persuasive, emphasizing the practical, functional, and transformative aspects of these disciplines.