Sokaren - 1977 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 6
Date: 1977
Cover Price: 6:00 inkl. moms

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1977, features a prominent cover story on "Tantrisk Yoga i Kulturhuset, Stockholm," detailing the "Meditation Yoga 77" congress. The magazine also includes a significant section titled "INTERNATIONELL YOGA – KONGRESS I STOCKHOLM," which extensively covers the event and interviews key figures.

Meditation Yoga 77 Congress

The "Meditation Yoga 77" congress, held from April 13-16 at Stockholm's Kulturhuset, was organized by the Skandinavisk Yoga- och Meditationsskola, led by Swami Janakananda. The congress aimed to inform the public about yoga and meditation, highlighting their importance for personal strength, development, health, and self-realization. Swami Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the International Yoga Fellowship Movement, was the patron of the congress. He explained that Sweden was chosen as the venue due to its receptiveness to yoga and meditation, noting a growing awakening in the Scandinavian countries.

Swami Janakananda elaborated that Sweden's openness and strong response to yoga made it a natural choice, especially to support the developing yoga movement there. The congress featured lectures, music, film, demonstrations, and instruction in yoga, breathing techniques, deep relaxation, and meditation.

Interviews and Perspectives on Yoga and Meditation

Swami Satyananda discussed the role of Indian yogis in the West, emphasizing that they do not see themselves as missionaries aiming to convert Westerners but rather as teachers. He stated that yoga practice can deepen a Christian's religion and that many Christians practice yoga. He clarified that the term "Swami" signifies "master of himself" and that the path to becoming a swami involves rigorous self-discipline, often beginning in a monastery.

Regarding the relationship between yoga and Christianity, Swami Satyananda asserted that yoga and meditation bring a Christian closer to Christ and their inner divine self, rather than drawing them away. He also addressed the vegetarian lifestyle, noting its promotion of physical health and spiritual development, though not mandatory for students.

He explained that the ultimate goal of yoga is to create an experience of union between the limited human and the unlimited divine personality, leading to higher consciousness. The congress itself featured over 30 yoga experts from various countries, discussing medical-physiological aspects, tantric art, and practical applications of yoga.

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to Transcendental Meditation (TM), founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It highlights that TM has spread globally and is subject to scientific research. The article features testimonials from four TM practitioners in Sweden: Mats Kollinius, Mayvor Jordvall, Ann Svensson, and Curt Jonsson. They describe TM as a method that provides more energy, improves concentration, enhances well-being, and leads to a more positive outlook on life. Mats Kollinius noted increased energy and better grades, while Mayvor Jordvall experienced a reduction in high blood pressure and a more harmonious personal state. Ann Svensson reported a more positive view of people and a stronger self-esteem. Curt Jonsson, who conducted a study on TM's impact on efficiency in businesses, shared his experience of increased energy, leading him to pursue full-time university studies.

Lennart Haak, a TM instructor, explained that TM's deep rest state is more profound than deep sleep and can lead to a more natural and "healthier" functioning, reducing the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Per Gillberg, another TM instructor, discussed the scientific evidence for higher states of consciousness achieved through TM, referring to a "fourth state of consciousness" and the pursuit of a fifth state, total self-realization.

Comparative Religious Views: "Why Not Christ Instead of Buddha, Krishna, Vedanta, Hubbard, and Eck?"

A significant part of the magazine explores the reasons why individuals turn away from Christianity to other spiritual paths. This section features an "Enkät" (Survey) with five Christian voices and commentaries by SM.

Jörgen Rapp, a political scientist who embraced Hinduism and follows Swami Muktananda, believes there are many paths to the same goal and that individuals need a living teacher. He found yoga and meditation provided meaning to his life.

Gunnar Gällmo, who became a Buddhist, criticizes Christianity for being illogical and unethical, citing its portrayal of violence and racism in the Bible and its perceived lack of a consistent non-violence ethic and disregard for animals.

Syster Amita Nisatta, a Buddhist nun, finds Christianity's demand for blind faith problematic. She advocates for personal conviction and critical examination of beliefs, finding Buddhism's emphasis on understanding and personal experience more appealing. She also notes the absence of reincarnation in Christianity.

Helena Priovolo, associated with "Ananda," views Christianity as a religion of fear, guilt, and dogma, contrasting it with the Hindu-Buddhist belief in the divinity of all beings and the concept of karma and reincarnation. She sees yoga and meditation as paths to knowledge, unlike Christianity's reliance on an external savior.

Vegavan das, a Hare Krishna monk, argues that Christianity, like other religions, relies on faith rather than knowledge. He believes that a dynamic, loving relationship with God (bhakti) is superior to rigid dogmas and that Jesus' teachings were about practical demonstration of love and knowledge, not just faith.

Gun Lanciai, a Scientology pastor who identifies as Catholic, praises Jesus for bringing a sense of closeness to life and individual potential. However, she finds the application of Christian teachings lacking and sees Scientology as a practical "technology of the spirit" that complements her Christian beliefs.

Olov Hagström, an Eckankar practitioner, criticizes Christianity for its lack of objectivity, tolerance, and its use of fear tactics. He finds Eckankar's teachings, which emphasize personal experience and the concept of a living Master, more aligned with his spiritual needs. He views Christianity as a copy of an original teaching about the soul's return to its origin.

Sufism and Pantheistic Elements

Antoon Geels contributes an article titled "KÄTTARE INOM ISLAM: Om panteistiska inslag i sufismen" (Closer to Islam: On Pantheistic Elements in Sufism). This piece explores the concept of unio mystica (mystical union with the divine) within Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. It discusses how Sufi mystics, in their pursuit of union with God, sometimes express ideas that challenge orthodox interpretations, leading to accusations of pantheism (the belief that God is identical with the universe or nature).

The article traces the origins of Sufism, noting its roots in early Islamic asceticism and its development through figures like Rabia al-Adawiya, Dhu 'l-Nun, Abu Yazid al-Bistami, and al-Hallaj. It highlights the emphasis on love (ishq) as a driving force in Sufi mysticism and the concepts of fana (annihilation of the self) and baqa (subsistence in God). The author examines how certain Sufi expressions, particularly those of al-Hallaj, who famously declared "Ana 'l-Haqq" ("I am the Truth/God"), were interpreted as pantheistic and led to conflict with orthodox theologians.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly reflects a growing interest in Eastern spiritual traditions and alternative paths to self-discovery in Sweden during the 1970s. It presents a critical examination of traditional Christianity from the perspective of those who have sought fulfillment in other religions or spiritual practices. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints without explicitly endorsing any single one, though the extensive coverage of yoga, meditation, and TM suggests a positive editorial interest in these areas. The comparison of different faiths highlights the search for meaning and spiritual truth beyond conventional religious boundaries. The inclusion of articles on Sufism and the comparative religious survey indicates a broad interest in exploring the diverse landscape of human spirituality.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 6, 1977
Publisher: Sjuhäradsbygdens Tryckeri AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Headline: INTERVJU med dr K. Ramakrishna Rao

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into a variety of topics related to parapsychology, spirituality, and unexplained phenomena. The central piece is an interview with Dr. K. Ramakrishna Rao, a leading parapsychologist from India, conducted by Alan Vaughan.

Interview with Dr. K. Ramakrishna Rao

Dr. Rao, founder of the Department of Psychology and Parapsychology at Andhra University, discusses his career path, which began with an intellectual curiosity and was furthered by his work with Professor J.B. Rhine. He clarifies that he has not personally experienced ESP but notes that extraordinary psychic experiences are not common among ordinary people in India, similar to the United States. He distinguishes between the claims of ordinary people and those of holy men and yogis, who report ESP information when needed, and also mention psychokinesis, teleportation, and materialization. Dr. Rao expresses skepticism about materialization claims, stating he has not witnessed any cases that allow for definitive conclusions.

Regarding Sathya Sai Baba, Dr. Rao acknowledges hearing reports of miraculous materializations but emphasizes the difficulty of forming an opinion based on such accounts. He suggests that Sai Baba would serve humanity by cooperating with scientists for controlled observation and experimentation, otherwise remaining a figure of faith rather than scientific discussion.

Dr. Rao has investigated individuals claiming miraculous abilities, but his research has yielded mostly negative results, leading him to refrain from publishing. He recounts sending out requests for information about people with unusual psychic abilities, interviewing many, but ultimately finding most to be illusionists. He posits that some phenomena attributed to the supernatural might have natural explanations, or occur in atmospheres conducive to psychic manifestation.

On the topic of yoga and its potential to grant supernatural powers (siddhis), Dr. Rao's views have evolved, now seeing it as a 50-50 chance, though he hasn't given up hope of finding individuals who can demonstrate such abilities under controlled conditions. He is exploring a program to teach students yoga and meditation, hoping to find correlations between these practices and ESP development.

Dr. Rao discusses the theory of Kundalini Yoga and its connection to chakras, noting that while Gopi Krishna's attempts to interpret it are testable, experimental confirmation is still pending. He touches upon the Indian religions' view of psychic phenomena, which are generally seen as byproducts of spiritual development and often considered hindrances to ultimate spiritual growth, though some systems suggest they naturally accompany higher states of consciousness.

He addresses astrology, acknowledging its prevalence in India and its association with parapsychology in the public mind. While he proposed studying astrology scientifically to determine if ESP is involved in astrological predictions, the foundation he approached was not interested.

Dr. Rao's research has focused on psi-missing and the differentiating effect, finding that neurotic individuals tend to perform below chance in ESP tests, suggesting their ESP might be misdirected. He also conducted experiments in real-life situations, such as job interviews, where participants performed better on ESP tests after the stressful interview, indicating that psychological preparedness plays a role.

He shares findings from experiments with students during a parapsychology summer course, where those who were uncertain or guessed on real questions also performed poorly on ESP questions, and vice versa. This suggests that ESP might be utilized when taking tests.

Dr. Rao theorizes that people may have an innate defense mechanism against ESP manifestations, which developed to allow for logical reasoning and to prevent life from becoming chaotic. He believes that developing ESP might involve shedding these subconscious inhibitory mechanisms.

His work in parapsychology has led him to question the adequacy of the current scientific worldview, finding more value in certain Indian perspectives. He suggests that consciousness is an aspect of matter, not separate from it, and that matter has three aspects: psychic, energetic, and mass. He believes that understanding the psychic aspect of matter could lead to a better understanding of ESP and telepathy.

He considers the possibility of psi being used for negative purposes but believes that individuals achieving higher states of consciousness would likely be trained against misuse. He also touches upon his personal religious journey, moving from a traditional Hindu upbringing to a more intellectual and personal approach to faith, and his views on God as a greater reality of which individuals are a part.

Dr. Rao expresses a desire to believe in reincarnation for its ethical implications but admits that the evidence, while interesting (citing Professor Ian Stevenson's work), is not yet conclusive.

He advises visitors to India to seek a deeper understanding of the culture rather than just looking for miracles, suggesting that the true India lies in its villages and ashrams, offering a transformative experience.

Other Articles and Features

"BleV TRE KVINNOR BORTFÖRDA AV UFO-VARELSER?" (Were Three Women Abducted by UFO Beings?)
This article critically examines a case involving three women from Kentucky who claimed to have been abducted by UFOs. The report details their experience, including a time loss of one and a half hours, visual descriptions of the UFO, and physical marks. The women underwent polygraph tests and hypnosis, with Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle concluding that their accounts were 'real' experiences. However, the article also presents Phil Klass's skeptical analysis, which questions the validity of the case by highlighting inconsistencies in polygraph results, the women's past criminal records, and their family's prior interest in UFOs. Klass suggests alternative explanations, including the possibility of a fabricated story to avoid contractual obligations.

"TRAVIS WALTON-historien är en bluff?" (Is the Travis Walton Story a Hoax?)
This piece by Phil Klass scrutinizes the Travis Walton abduction case. Klass argues that Walton failed a polygraph test administered shortly after his alleged abduction, with the tester concluding the story was fabricated. He also disputes the claims of Walton's good character and his family's lack of prior UFO interest, presenting evidence of past criminal activity and a long-standing fascination with UFOs within the family. Klass suggests that the witnesses might have had a motive to fabricate the story to help their foreman escape a losing logging contract.

"Per Ragnar: Reflexioner"
This column reflects on the negative bias in media and language, contrasting it with the need for positive and honest communication. It touches upon the devaluation of words like 'politics' and the importance of everyday language for connection.

• Book Reviews:
• "ERFARENHETER UTANFÖR KROPPEN" (Experiences Outside the Body) by Raymond A. Moody: Reviewed as a significant book on near-death experiences, though the reviewer notes Moody's lack of parapsychological expertise and potential optimism, suggesting a critical reading.
• "EN GAMMAL FÖRFALSKNING" (An Old Forgery): This review discusses the book "Esseerbrevet, Om Jesu verkliga liv" (The Essene Letter, About Jesus's Real Life), exposing it as a forgery that was debunked long ago. The reviewer criticizes its re-publication.
• "YOGABOK AV EUGENIA BASILEWSKY" (Yoga Book by Eugenia Basilewsky): The review praises the detailed descriptions of physical yoga exercises, particularly the 'crocodile exercises' and 'Nauli' group, but criticizes the writing style and some etymological inaccuracies.

• Other Sections:
• Horoscope: A regular feature offering birth chart readings.
• Contact Ads: Personal ads seeking connections.
• Book Orders: Information on ordering books related to Dianetics and Scientology.
• Letters to the Editor: An open letter to Jesus from 'Sven', questioning his teachings on punishment and non-violence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of spirituality, parapsychology, and unexplained phenomena, often with a critical or investigative lens. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine psychic experiences and hoaxes or misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific inquiry and critical analysis, even when discussing deeply held beliefs or controversial figures. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from interviews with researchers to skeptical analyses of UFO cases, suggests an aim to provide a comprehensive and balanced view of these subjects.