Sokaren - 1977 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR4
Volume/Year: 1977
Cover Price: 6:00 incl. moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine from 1977 features a prominent article on the visit of Lama Kalu Rinpoche to Sweden, accompanied by striking photography of a Tibetan temple room. The magazine also includes in-depth discussions on Christian ethics, particularly a critical analysis of the concept of hell and Jesus's teachings, and explores the field of parapsychology with insights from mathematician John Taylor.

Lama Kalu Rinpoche Visits Sweden

The cover story highlights Lama Kalu Rinpoche's second visit to Sweden in February 1977. The article describes an exotic environment found in Stockholm's Mälarhöjden, where a villa has been converted into a Tibetan monastery. The image on the cover shows the temple room, decorated in traditional Tibetan style, with Lama Kalu Rinpoche seated in the place of honor. The altar is adorned for the Tibetan New Year, celebrated on February 19th.

An accompanying article, "Tibetansk vishetslärare besöker Sverige" (Tibetan Wisdom Teacher Visits Sweden), details Lama Kalu Rinpoche's background. He is a 73-year-old meditation teacher who spent many years in solitude in Tibetan caves. The article traces his upbringing in southeastern Tibet, his education in scriptures, philosophy, and meditation, and his subsequent rigorous three-year retreat, after which he became a Lama. Following his retreat, he served in monasteries and later lived in seclusion in mountain caves for twelve years.

Upon returning to civilization, Kalu Rinpoche became an abbot and taught philosophy and meditation. His expertise extended to medicine and architecture, where he planned and led the construction of monasteries and temples. He became known as a wise man, attracting many disciples. The article notes the significant changes in Tibet following the Chinese invasion in the late 1950s, which led many Tibetans, including Kalu Rinpoche, to flee to Nepal, India, Sikkim, and Bhutan. He eventually settled in Sonada, near Darjeeling, where he established a monastery that has gained considerable importance.

The article emphasizes the growing interest in Tibetan culture and philosophy in the West, facilitated by tourism and the emigration of Tibetans. Kalu Rinpoche, belonging to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its meditation practices, was invited to teach in Europe and the USA. This visit to Sweden in February 1977 was his second.

The text also touches upon the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, comparing them to universities with different specializations. The Kagyu school is highlighted for its focus on meditation and yoga.

Lama Kalu Rinpoche's teachings in Stockholm included lectures on meditation. He outlined four fundamental principles for practicing the Tibetan method:

1. The preciousness of the human body: This life is a valuable tool for spiritual development, offering a chance for self-improvement.
2. Impermanence: Everything is transient; life is unpredictable, and material possessions are left behind at death, leaving only wisdom gained.
3. The law of Karma: Actions have consequences, and one must strive for purity in thought, word, and deed.
4. The universality of suffering: Earthly existence is filled with suffering, and even the greatest joys are pale in comparison to the state of enlightened beings. The goal is to alleviate suffering.

The article also discusses the concept of ignorance, which leads to the illusion of a separate self, causing attraction and aversion. Meditation and the teachings of a qualified teacher are presented as ways to overcome this ignorance.

Critical Examination of Christian Ethics: Hell and Judgment

This section of the magazine presents a strong critique of certain aspects of Christian doctrine, particularly the concept of hell and eternal punishment. The author questions the traditional depiction of God and Jesus's teachings on judgment.

The Nature of God: The article contrasts the idealized image of a loving and just God with biblical portrayals that suggest a more wrathful and judgmental deity. It critiques the idea of God as a tribal deity, as seen in the Old Testament, and how this image has been modified but still retains harsh elements in Christian theology.

Jesus's Teachings on Judgment: Several passages from the Gospel of Matthew are cited (13:36-43, 47-50; 8:11-12; 25:31-46) to illustrate Jesus's pronouncements on the separation of the righteous and the wicked, with the latter facing eternal punishment in a "burning furnace" or "eternal fire." The article questions the compatibility of such teachings with the concept of a loving God.

The Concept of Hell (Gehenna): The article notes that the word "hell" is not directly present in the Bible, but rather the term "Gehenna" is used. It explains that Gehenna was a valley outside Jerusalem used for burning refuse, suggesting a symbolic rather than literal interpretation of the fiery punishment. The author argues that Jesus's references to Gehenna likely reflected contemporary Jewish beliefs about the underworld and divine punishment, rather than a precisely defined doctrine of hell.

The Law of Karma vs. Sin and Forgiveness: The article contrasts the Buddhist concept of Karma with Christian ideas of sin and forgiveness. It suggests that Buddhist teachings emphasize self-purification through effort, while Christian theology often relies on forgiveness. The author notes that Jesus's teachings, as presented in the synoptic gospels, are often demanding and focus on actions rather than solely on faith.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: This parable is presented as a key text for understanding the concept of the afterlife and punishment, but the article suggests it reflects prevailing beliefs of the time rather than a detailed theological exposition by Jesus.

Critique of Eternal Punishment: The author challenges the notion of eternal punishment, citing that the Hebrew and Greek words for "eternal" (olam and aion) can have varying meanings, including "a long time" or "for all one's days," rather than necessarily meaning endless duration. The article suggests that the idea of eternal torment is not explicitly stated in the Bible and that interpretations by figures like Ingemar Hedenius are not sufficiently supported by the text.

Jesus as a Preacher of His Time: The article posits that Jesus was a preacher of his era, reflecting the beliefs and anxieties of his time. It suggests that his teachings on judgment and punishment should be understood within their historical context and that applying them directly to modern times without critical evaluation can lead to problematic interpretations.

The "Loving God" Paradox: The article highlights a tension between the idealized image of a loving, merciful God and the harsh pronouncements attributed to Jesus regarding punishment and damnation. It questions how a benevolent God could decree such severe and eternal suffering.

Parapsychology and the Scientific Materialism of John Taylor

This section features an interview with John Taylor, a professor of mathematics at King's College London, who is known for his work in parapsychology. Taylor aims to explain paranormal phenomena within the framework of scientific materialism.

Taylor's Background and Interest: Taylor's interest in parapsychology stems from his childhood fascination with the nature of consciousness and its relationship to matter. His background in high-energy physics and his study of the brain and consciousness led him to explore the possibility of consciousness existing independently of the physical brain.

Research into the "Geller Effect": Taylor became particularly interested in paranormal phenomena after witnessing Uri Geller's abilities on a BBC television program in 1973. He describes Geller's apparent ability to bend spoons and guess the contents of sealed envelopes. Taylor's initial skepticism led him to conduct experiments to scientifically investigate these claims.

Experimental Evidence: Taylor recounts his experiments with Uri Geller, including bending a teaspoon that he held throughout the process. He details attempts to rule out trickery, such as the use of hidden magnets or chemicals, and describes using scientific instruments like a Geiger counter and a pressure-measuring device to record phenomena. He claims that his experiments provided evidence for paranormal bending of metal, where the force applied was insufficient for mechanical explanation.

Critique of Skeptics: Taylor addresses criticisms from skeptics like James Randi, arguing that his own experiments, particularly those where he personally held the objects, were designed to prevent common forms of deception. He suggests that Randi's criticisms are biased and that the scientific community needs to approach parapsychology with greater objectivity.

Matthew Manning: Taylor also briefly mentions his work with Matthew Manning, another individual associated with paranormal phenomena, stating that he has not observed direct physical effects but acknowledges the possibility of telepathy and clairvoyance.

The Future of Parapsychology: Taylor believes that parapsychology should advance through improved experimental techniques to study electromagnetic phenomena associated with paranormal events. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological environment that facilitates these abilities and hopes that paranormal phenomena can eventually be integrated into the established scientific worldview.

The Limits of Scientific Materialism: While Taylor initially adheres to scientific materialism, he acknowledges the possibility that it might prove insufficient to explain all paranormal phenomena, which would necessitate a broader understanding of the universe.

"Deep Religion" vs. "Surface Religion"

This section contrasts two approaches to religion: "surface religion," which adheres strictly to dogmas and doctrines, and "deep religion," which emphasizes personal experience, intuition, and a sense of unity.

Surface Religion: Characterized by adherence to established creeds, it can lead to intolerance, prejudice, and conflict. The article suggests that many people live in this superficial layer of religion.

Deep Religion: This approach goes beyond dogma, focusing on a mystical, intuitive experience of connection with the divine and all creation. It is described as non-dogmatic, seeking, and embracing universal love and compassion. It can be found across different religious traditions.

The Nature of God: The article provocatively suggests that humans create their concept of God based on their own ideals and desires, rather than God being a pre-existing entity that dictates human behavior. It posits that "God" is a reflection of our inner selves, and we choose whether this God is loving and forgiving or strict and judgmental.

The Role of Dogma: Dogmas, scriptures, and myths are seen as constructs of the human mind, expressions of our needs for security and meaning. While they can serve as a path to deep religion, in surface religion, they become divisive and exclusive.

Love as a Universal Principle: The article cites various spiritual and philosophical traditions (Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Greek philosophy) to demonstrate that the concept of love, compassion, and treating others as oneself is a universal ethical principle, not exclusive to Christianity.

Erich Fromm's View on Love: The article references Erich Fromm's idea that love is an art that must be learned and practiced, rather than a passive emotion that simply befalls individuals. This perspective suggests that developing love requires effort and conscious cultivation.

Aphorisms on Life and Death

A collection of short quotes and sayings on life and death from various figures, including Latin proverbs, Sören Kierkegaard, Edith Södergran, Mateo Aleman, Plato, Confucius, Meng-tse, and Olov Hartman.

The Universal Commandment of Love

This section examines the concept of the "Christian commandment of love," arguing that it is not unique to Christianity but is a universal moral insight found in many other religions and philosophies. The article presents quotes from figures like Muhammad, Buddha, Mahavir, Nanak, Lao-tse, Confucius, and Aristotle, all of whom espoused similar principles of compassion, kindness, and treating others with respect.

It highlights that while Jesus also taught these principles, the emphasis in the canonical gospels often appears to be on reward in heaven or punishment in hell, rather than on the inherent value of loving one's neighbor for its own sake. The article suggests that the apocryphal Gospel of the Hebrews might offer a more complete picture of Jesus's teachings on love and compassion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical and analytical approach to religious and spiritual topics. There is a strong emphasis on questioning established doctrines, particularly within Christianity, and exploring alternative perspectives. The editorial stance appears to favor rational inquiry, scientific investigation, and a universalist view of spirituality that transcends specific religious boundaries. The magazine encourages readers to critically examine their beliefs and to seek deeper understanding beyond superficial adherence to dogma. The exploration of parapsychology suggests an openness to phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, while still advocating for rigorous scientific investigation.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1977, features a prominent article on Nandor Fodor, a multifaceted figure in psychic research. The magazine itself is an independent publication dedicated to life philosophy issues, providing a platform for diverse viewpoints.

Nandor Fodor: The Man Who Psychoanalyzed Poltergeists

The main article, written by Bertil Falk, delves into the life and work of Nandor Fodor (1895-1964). Fodor, born in Hungary, pursued careers in law, journalism, and psychoanalysis before becoming a parapsychologist. His significant contributions include the 'Encyclopaedia of Psychic Science' (first published in 1934) and the book 'Mind over Space' (1962), which focused on teleportation.

Fodor's interest in psychic research was sparked by Hereward Carrington's book 'Modern Psychic Phenomena' in 1921. He developed a close friendship with Carrington and was influenced by psychoanalysis after interviewing Sandor Ferenczi. Despite Sigmund Freud's initial skepticism towards parapsychology, Fodor found a way to integrate psychoanalytic interpretations into his research.

A pivotal moment for Fodor was a séance in 1927 where he received a message from his deceased father through the medium William Cartheuser. Although his respect for Cartheuser later waned due to revelations about one of the 'voices', Fodor remained deeply impacted by this experience.

Fodor's journalistic career led him from New York to London, where he worked for Lord Ruthermere. During this period, he compiled his encyclopedia, leveraging his journalistic skills to gather and present information concisely.

While Fodor's encyclopedia is acknowledged as a significant work, the article posits that his unique contribution lies in his psychoanalytic interpretation of phenomena like the Bell Witch case and teleportation. He applied psychoanalytic methods to understand the underlying psychological factors driving these events, though he offered less explanation for the mechanisms themselves.

The article highlights Fodor's unique approach, particularly his psychoanalytic interpretation of the famous Bell Witch case. It also notes that his 1934 encyclopedia did not include the term 'teleportation' and overlooked some relevant cases discussed by Charles Fort.

Fodor's work on the Bell Witch case, detailed in 'Haunted People' (co-authored with Carrington), proposed a psychoanalytic explanation involving repressed desires and subconscious hatred towards the father, leading to the phenomena. This interpretation, though controversial, was a hallmark of his approach.

Fodor's career faced challenges, including internal conflicts within the psychoanalytic movement and skepticism from spiritualists. However, he received support from Sigmund Freud himself, who praised Fodor for investigating the underlying causes of phenomena rather than just their manifestation.

Matthew Manning in Stockholm

The magazine also features a section on Matthew Manning, a young Englishman known for his paranormal abilities, who visited Stockholm for parapsychological experiments. The article discusses his book 'The Link' and the results of experiments involving telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis, noting that while some results were statistically significant, others were inconclusive.

Nirvana: A Misunderstood Concept in the West

Another significant article explores the concept of Nirvana from Hindu and Buddhist perspectives. Prashant Lal, a Swedish resident of Indian origin, explains Nirvana as a state of complete soul rest and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. The article contrasts the Buddhist understanding with the Hindu concept of union with Brahman, and discusses different interpretations within Hinduism, such as the Vaishnava tradition's focus on active love for Krishna.

Walther Eidlitz, a European Hindu, is quoted discussing Nirvana as the ultimate goal for 'jnani' (followers of jnana-yoga) but as a lower stage for 'bhakta' (followers of bhakti-yoga). The article also includes excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita on Nirvana and its attainment.

Book Reviews and Critiques

The issue includes several book reviews and critical assessments:

• 'Hydran Humanitet' by Barbro Eklund: Reviewed critically for its stance against recreational hunting, suggesting that necessary hunting should be left to professionals.
• 'Bahá'u'lláh och den nya tidsåldern': A review of a book introducing the Bahá'í faith, noting its optimistic outlook and detailed prescriptions for societal life, but questioning its utopian claims.
• 'Gruppreinkarnation' by Arthur Guirdham: Critiqued for its speculative approach to reincarnation, particularly concerning the Cathars, and for blending factual research with personal anecdotes and fictional elements.
• 'Svarsmält Ockult Handbok': A review of a book on occultism based on 'The Golden Dawn' tradition, noting its dense and sometimes obscure content, but acknowledging its value in compiling information on esoteric orders.
• 'Djälvulstro istället för "ockulta vågen"!': A critique of Stig Hällzon's book, which condemns various spiritual and religious practices as satanic. The reviewer argues that such views stem from a naive and unscientific interpretation of the Bible and promote a fearful, judgmental view of God.

Other Content

The magazine also features a section on evaluating sources in parapsychological research, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and distinguishing between sensationalism and serious investigation. It also includes a brief mention of a Tibetan wisdom teacher visiting Sweden and a discussion on the nature of the Christian Bible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of spirituality, the nature of reality, and the human quest for meaning, often through the lens of parapsychology, Eastern religions, and psychoanalysis. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Värdering av källor' (Evaluation of Sources) and 'Granskning av kristendomen' (Critique of Christianity) sections, promotes critical thinking, skepticism towards sensationalism, and an open-minded approach to diverse belief systems, while also engaging in direct critique of certain religious doctrines and practices.