Sokaren - 1977 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR5
Date: 1977
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into various topics, with a strong focus on paranormal phenomena, scientific investigation, lifestyle, and religion.

Professor John B. Hasted's Visit to Sweden

The cover story highlights the visit of Professor John B. Hasted, an experimental physicist from London University, to Sweden. Hasted, who has confirmed Uri Geller's phenomena, was invited by the Association for Psychobio-physics. He led a seminar at Stockholm University titled "Paranormal Phenomena Investigated by Physical Means," arranged by Stig Ollmar. A similar seminar was held in Linköping. The article features a photograph of Hasted showing slides to Inga Zachau, Göran Brusewitz, and the association's chairman, Tony Eckardt, during a press conference.

Hasted's Research into Paranormal Phenomena

In an interview, Professor Hasted explains his transition into paranormal research in 1973, driven by dissatisfaction with modern physics' inability to fully explain phenomena. He believes that paranormal phenomena could be significant for physics. Hasted has published in "Nature" and the "Journal of the Society for Psychical Research." He is convinced that matter can deform paranormally, a conclusion he reached through his experiments, stating, "I cannot have been mistaken." He notes that while some subjects have attempted to cheat, Uri Geller has not. Hasted has observed metal objects bending, sometimes even when the subject and experimenter were not in the room. He also describes phenomena where objects disappear from one room and reappear in another, suggesting a form of "disappearance and reappearance" rather than flight.

He discusses the possibility of "parallel universes" as a speculative explanation for these phenomena, proposing that objects might temporarily shift into another dimension and then return. Hasted also touches upon the potential connection between UFOs and psychic experiences, suggesting that flying saucers might be psychic in nature.

"Framtiden i våra händer" - A Movement for Change

This section introduces the Scandinavian grassroots movement "Framtiden i våra händer" (The Future in Our Hands), founded by Erik Dammann. The movement advocates for a shift in lifestyle and a fairer distribution of global resources, emphasizing "realistic idealism" and "global justice." Dammann stresses the importance of individual action and a change in values from "standard of living" to "quality of life," promoting humanism, contentment, and well-being over excessive consumption. The article suggests that consumers have the power to influence industries and politicians by reducing their own consumption.

Religiöst Forum - Society for Religious Information and Dialogue

Gun Lanciai, a Scientology pastor, has initiated "Religiöst Forum," a society aimed at providing factual information about religious phenomena and fostering dialogue. The organization seeks to address misrepresentations of religious groups in textbooks, media, and polemical literature, and to advocate for the application of the UN's declaration on human rights for religious communities. Bertil Persson, the interim chairman, highlights the need for religious experts to prioritize facts over personal beliefs and discusses the society's plans for scrutinizing educational materials and organizing events.

Are Waerland - A Champion of Health

This article pays tribute to Are Waerland, a Swedish health advocate and writer who lived from 1876 to 1955. Waerland promoted a holistic approach to health, emphasizing a natural lifestyle, a lacto-vegetarian diet, and the power of positive thinking. The article recounts his early life, his struggles with vocal issues that led him to health advocacy, and his influential work in promoting health through books and lectures. His definition of health is described as "an experience, a life-experience, a sublime feeling of life, a wonderful music that permeates our being, not just for a few moments but from morning to evening and evening to morning."

Meditation - Freedom in Joy

Eva Jagrell-Åkesson writes about meditation as a source of freedom and joy. She defines meditation broadly, encompassing activities like gazing at a candle flame or listening to music. Jagrell-Åkesson believes that meditation helps individuals discover inner strength and understanding. She discusses the growing interest in meditation in the West, attributing it to increased stress and the desire for inner peace. The article touches upon yoga as a complementary practice and suggests that simple relaxation and breathing exercises could benefit students in secondary schools.

Christian Zen Meditation

Sten Rodhe shares his personal journey towards "Christian Zen meditation." He explains how his interest in Indian meditation texts, particularly the Upanishads, led him to explore the integration of Eastern practices with Christian tradition. Rodhe found inspiration in books like Robinson's "Honest to God" and the teachings of Paul Tillich. He describes his experiences with Transcendental Meditation (TM) and later with Zen meditation, finding the latter to offer a more open atmosphere for dialogue between different faiths. Rodhe leads courses in "Christian deep meditation" and emphasizes its role in providing strength and clarity, especially in managing his hearing impairment.

Phenomena at Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Ashram

This section reports on observations made by Erlendur Haraldsson and Karlis Osis during their research trips to India, focusing on alleged paranormal phenomena associated with Sri Sathya Sai Baba. They describe instances of objects appearing and disappearing, including a "materialization" and "teleportation," and the production of amulets and gold rings. The researchers note that Sai Baba downplays these phenomena, emphasizing spiritual and ethical teachings instead. While acknowledging the lack of scientific control in their observations, they present detailed accounts of specific incidents, including the appearance of a "rudraksha" fruit and a gold ring with an enameled image of Sai Baba.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and personal well-being. There's a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, as seen in the coverage of Professor Hasted's work. The magazine also promotes a holistic approach to life, advocating for healthier lifestyles (Are Waerland) and inner peace through practices like meditation (Eva Jagrell-Åkesson, Sten Rodhe). The formation of "Religiöst Forum" suggests an editorial stance favoring interfaith understanding and factual discourse. The article on "Framtiden i våra händer" indicates a concern for social justice and environmental responsibility.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated 1977, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy and alternative viewpoints. The cover boldly declares "JESUS is mistreated by Paul, misjudged by theologians, overestimated by humans, and self-contradictory," setting a critical tone for the main article. The issue also features articles on paranormal phenomena, book reviews of spiritual and occult topics, and information about a Nordic summer seminar on Anthroposophy.

Main Articles and Themes

Jesus: A Critical Examination

The central article, written by "SM" (likely Sven Magnusson, the editor), critically analyzes the figure of Jesus as presented in the Bible. The author argues that Jesus's teachings have been distorted, particularly by Paul, who is credited with introducing the concept of salvation through faith rather than deeds, and the doctrine of hell. The article suggests that Paul's interpretations deviate significantly from Jesus's original message, possibly even serving the agenda of the devil. While acknowledging that Jesus's ethics were not purely based on reward, the author finds them lacking in explicit emphasis on human compassion. The piece concludes that the biblical Jesus is an "overestimated personality" and not entirely identical with the "Jesus in our hearts," noting numerous contradictions in the presented sayings.

Paranormal Phenomena and Sai Baba

An article by Erlendur Haraldsson and Karlis Osis details their observations of phenomena attributed to the Indian spiritual leader Sai Baba. They recount instances of materialization, including a gold ring with Sai Baba's image that dematerialized from a person's finger and later reappeared, and the creation of a necklace and holy ash. The authors describe their attempts to understand these events, considering and largely dismissing conventional explanations, while acknowledging the need for controlled experiments to draw definitive conclusions.

The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved

Anders Liljegren reviews Lawrence David Kusche's book "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved." The review strongly supports Kusche's findings, which debunk the sensational claims surrounding the Bermuda Triangle. Kusche's research, based on extensive archival work, reportedly shows that the alleged "mystery" is largely a fabrication, with incidents often occurring outside the supposed triangle, or having mundane explanations like bad weather or poorly maintained vessels. The review criticizes sensationalist authors like Charles Berlitz for distorting facts and urges readers to consult Kusche's work.

Book Reviews: A Journey Through Alternative Beliefs

Roland Adlerberth provides a series of book reviews covering a wide range of topics related to spirituality, the occult, and alternative beliefs:

• Noah's Ark: Fact or Fable? by Violet M. Cummings is reviewed as a comprehensive account of the search for Noah's Ark, highlighting the challenges and alleged discoveries over time.
• Other Worlds, Other Universes edited by Brad Steiger and John White is described as an anthology exploring consciousness, higher realities, and extraterrestrial theories, with contributions on UFOs and dimensional travel.
• Woher wir kommen (Where We Come From) by Peter Kolosimos is presented as a speculative book exploring ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial contact, and hidden histories, compared favorably to authors like Erich von Däniken.
• Mystiske fremmede (Mysterious Strangers) by Jacques Bergier is discussed as a work that explores evidence of extraterrestrial intervention and ancient mysteries, including theories about dinosaurs and ancient technology.
• The Power of the Past by Frede Møllegård is a brief mention of a work on ancient astronauts.
• Herodotos AEgypten is noted as a Danish translation of a classic work.
• Lyd der helbreder (Sound that Heals) by Ingeborg Ankerby is presented as a book on using tuning forks for healing.
• A History of the Devil by William Woods is reviewed as a historical account of the devil and demonology, particularly in relation to Christianity.
• The Witch's Bible by Gavin and Yvonne Frost is described as a practical guide to Wicca, a form of witchcraft, emphasizing its nature-based philosophy.
• The Complete Art of Witchcraft by Sybil Leek is reviewed with some skepticism, noting its focus on the author and its portrayal of witchcraft as a nature religion.

Narayanananda and the Ashram Movement

Docent Johannes Aagaard's research into the Narayanananda ashram movement in Scandinavia is detailed. The article highlights Narayanananda's teachings on brahmacharya (celibacy) and his views on the detrimental effects of sexual activity on physical and mental health. It also addresses accusations of sexual misconduct against Narayanananda, presenting his defense and the counter-arguments from his followers and critics. The review touches upon the complexity of his teachings, which seem to reconcile strict celibacy with certain forms of physical contact, interpreted by some as a spiritual transformation of sexual energy.

Anthroposophy and a New Generation

Two articles, "En ny generation" (A New Generation) and "Antroposofi - ett uppslag" (Anthroposophy - An Approach), discuss the search for meaning among younger generations and introduce Anthroposophy as a potential path. "En ny generation" reflects on the disillusionment following the social movements of the 1960s and the subsequent search for deeper meaning, contrasting materialistic and spiritual approaches. "Antroposofi - ett uppslag" introduces Rudolf Steiner's work and the concept of Anthroposophy as a way to understand human consciousness and the spiritual world. It highlights the upcoming Nordic summer seminar in Järna, Sweden, focusing on questions of human existence, the spiritual world, and practical social applications.

Other Content

• Christian Zen Meditation: An article explores the integration of meditation within Christian faith, emphasizing its role in deepening spiritual understanding beyond rational explanation.
• Book Reviews: Several other book reviews are included, covering topics such as Buddhist literature, the concept of life after death (spiritualism), and the nature of Jesus.
• Personal Ads (Sökaren): A section for personal ads features individuals seeking connections based on shared interests like spirituality, meditation, and UFOs.
• Seminar Program: A detailed schedule for the Nordic summer seminar on Anthroposophy in Järna, Sweden, is provided, outlining lectures, artistic exercises, group discussions, and practical activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative belief systems, and critical inquiry into established religious and philosophical doctrines. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas, while also encouraging critical examination and debunking of sensationalism, as seen in the review of the Bermuda Triangle mystery. There is a clear interest in the human search for meaning, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for spiritual development, whether through Eastern traditions, new religious movements, or Western esoteric paths like Anthroposophy. The magazine also engages with contemporary social issues and the challenges faced by a "new generation" seeking a more meaningful existence.

This issue, titled 'Arbetsgrupper' (Working Groups), with a prominent section on 'Konstnärligt övande' (Artistic Practice), appears to be from 1977. It focuses on various specialized fields and practices rooted in anthroposophy, presenting them as distinct 'working groups' or areas of study and application.

Working Groups and Disciplines

Waldorfpedagogik (Waldorf Pedagogy) This section emphasizes that education and upbringing become meaningful only when the whole person—intellect, head, and heart—is addressed. It highlights the importance of understanding child development to guide individuals towards engaged, free thinking, and social will. Key contributors mentioned include Christer Carlbaum, Merete Lövlie, and Lars Wätte.

Läkepedagogik (Therapeutic Pedagogy) This area addresses the psychological needs of individuals, suggesting that an anthroposophical view of humanity is crucial for a fruitful encounter. It aims to broaden the perspective beyond the illness to recognize and foster the healthy core within each person. Hans Glaser is mentioned as a contributor.

Den antroposofiskt orienterade medicinen (Anthroposophically Oriented Medicine) This discipline extends conventional medicine by integrating advanced epistemological foundations and interdisciplinary research. It includes various forms of artistic therapy, healing eurythmy, and treatments using natural substances. Practitioners must possess both conventional medical competence and advanced training in anthroposophical medicine. Contributors include Dr. Torben Dahl, Bernt Rognlien, and Ragnar Wiedersheim-Paul.

Naturvetenskaplig forskning (Natural Science Research) This group contrasts with conventional natural science, which often assumes the human observer is external to the phenomenon. The anthroposophically oriented researcher seeks to be a knowing subject within events, allowing for transformation and harmony with nature. Walter Liebendörfer and Bo D. Pettersson are noted contributors.

Biodynamiskt jordbruk (Biodynamic Agriculture) This practice focuses on cultivating the earth to produce life-sustaining food while taking responsibility for the earth's development. Methods include diverse crop rotation and natural preparations that strengthen the connection between cosmic and earthly forces, aiming for a harmonious interplay between soil, plants, animals, and humans. Kjell Arman, Thomas Lüthi, and Haaken Sund are mentioned.

Social tregrening (Social Threefolding) This concept addresses the realization of social relations that align with human potential and needs, particularly aiming to free human labor from the commodity market. It proposes a society with three independent yet cooperating functions: the economy (for material needs), cultural life (for developing individual talents), and the legal system (for regulating human relationships). Morten Gunge, Ragnar Lundin, Terje M. Nypan, and Leif Holbæk-Hansen are listed as contributors.

Religion This section explores whether anthroposophy can revitalize religious concepts that have become rigid or formulaic, and if a broadened consciousness can lead to a renewed religious life. Wive Larsson is mentioned.

Konstnärligt övande (Artistic Practice)

This major section posits that art is not just for the artist but a way for all people to relate to the world. It encompasses more than just traditional art forms, serving as a path to a deeper understanding of the world. Through working with tone, color, form, movement, and speech, individuals can develop their capacity to empathize with different qualitative realities. The summer seminar will offer opportunities for eurythmy, Bothmer gymnastics, singing, music, speech formation, modeling, and painting.

Eurytmi (Eurythmy) Eurythmy is described as a new art form that makes the hidden aspects of speech and music visible through the movement of the entire human body. It is a significant subject in Waldorf schools and a central therapeutic tool in anthroposophical medicine. Gunvor Kumlander and Renate Zeiher are contributors.

Bothmergymnastik (Bothmer Gymnastics) This practice helps individuals orient themselves in space by working with polarities like height-depth, forward-backward, and center-periphery. It allows individuals to consciously explore the forces and possibilities of space. Sylvia Hvistendahl and Bård Øvsthus are mentioned.

Sång och musik (Singing and Music) This section focuses on fundamental renewal impulses in music, covering both vocal and instrumental aspects. It is open to all, regardless of prior experience, who seek deeper forms of musical practice. All instruments are welcome. Pär Ahlbom, Anders Kumlander, and Sinikka Mikkola are contributors.

Modellering (Modeling) Modeling is presented as a way to experience form not just by its likeness to something else, but by experiencing the movements that have come to rest within it. By practicing the transformative possibilities of individual form qualities, one can develop a greater sense of the life that develops in nature. Hans Bartos, Åke Fant, Lars Fredlund, and Odd Lindbråten are mentioned.

Målning (Painting) Painting is seen as a way to live, experience, and express what is felt within. It also involves experiencing color and its form-creating powers and how they can shape an environment. The practice aims to explore color's potential to create space, surface, and image, and to be part of a dramatic process or play. Fritz Fuchs and Sonja Robbert are contributors.

Talgestaltning (Speech Formation) Similar to how a painter uses color or a sculptor uses material, speech formation uses air to shape sounds, allowing the musical life and light of the sound to emerge and create an artistic experience of language. This requires training of breathing and speech organs through exercises that can also have a healing effect on the organism and be used therapeutically. Maj-Britt Stintzing and Randi Johnsen are mentioned.

Nordic Summer Seminar 1977

Information is provided for a Nordic summer seminar in 1977, to be held at Rudolf Steinerseminariet in Järna, Sweden. The secretariat address and phone numbers are listed. Registration is required by a form sent to the secretariat, preferably before Easter but no later than May 21st. A registration fee of 50 Swedish kronor is required, to be paid to a specific postgiro account. Contact persons for inquiries in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland are listed, along with their addresses and phone numbers. The preparatory group members are also named.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the application of anthroposophical principles to various practical fields, including education, medicine, agriculture, social organization, and the arts. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting holistic approaches, personal development through artistic practice, and a deeper, more conscious engagement with the world and nature. The emphasis is on experiential learning and the integration of different aspects of human life.