Sokaren - 1977 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren, NR9, dated 1977, focuses on spiritual and paranormal topics, featuring His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa's visit to Stockholm, the phenomenon of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its purported ability to induce levitation, and the controversial psychic abilities of Uri Geller. The magazine also includes articles on UFOs, the concept of 'The New Age,' and personal spiritual experiences.

His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa in Stockholm

The cover story details the visit of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th incarnation of the Kagyu-pa lineage, to Medborgarhuset in Stockholm. The article describes monks bowing to Karmapa, requesting him to assume the form of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion. This ceremony, involving the Vajrakrona, is said to grant complete transmission of the lineage's spiritual power and the blessing of Karmapa's presence. The text explains that Karmapa has particularly developed the use of the Vajrakrona ceremony in his current life as a direct means to convey these blessings. The accompanying images show the ceremony and attendees. A separate section on page 2 provides biographical details about Gyalwa Karmapa, noting his role as the head of the Kagyu-pa Order since the 12th century and his birth in Tibet in 1923. It highlights his efforts to maintain the Order's traditions despite the Chinese invasion and his subsequent move to India and Sikkim. The article also touches upon the concept of initiation as a crucial ceremony in Tibetan Buddhism, enabling participants to meditate and contribute to the liberation of all beings from suffering.

Transcendental Meditation and Levitation

An extensive article on pages 4-7, titled 'TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION Sidhi-programmet,' explores the claims made by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's movement regarding levitation and 'flying.' It reports on a MERU (Maharishi's European Research University) course where 900 participants allegedly learned to fly, regardless of background. Researchers at MERU reportedly view levitation and flying as natural phenomena arising from a highly developed mind-body coordination. The article details the experiences of participants, describing sensations of lightness, spontaneous movements, and 'jumps' of up to a meter. It links these abilities to high 'EEG coherence,' indicating improved integration between different brain areas. The concept of 'Sidhis,' or supernatural abilities, is discussed, referencing ancient Indian texts like Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The article suggests that TM, by helping individuals experience 'pure, unlimited consciousness,' facilitates the manifestation of desires, including levitation. It also mentions the historical roots of these practices in ancient Indian texts and contrasts them with modern Western scientific approaches, advocating for a broader understanding of consciousness's role in physics.

Uri Geller: Psychic Phenomena Under Scrutiny

Pages 5-7 also feature an article titled 'Många vetenskapsmän: URI GELLER är äkta!' (Many scientists: Uri Geller is real!). This piece discusses the controversial abilities of Uri Geller, such as bending metal objects and psychokinesis, which have been studied in laboratories worldwide. It references the book 'The Geller Papers,' which compiles essays by scientists, illusionists, and others who believe Geller's phenomena are genuine and warrant serious study. The article highlights specific experiments, including Geller's ability to deform nitinol wire (a metal with 'memory') and alter magnetic patterns on computer cards. It mentions research by Dr. Thelma Moss using Kirlian photography, suggesting mental energy emanates from Geller's fingers, and experiments by Dr. Wilbur Franklin analyzing the fracture surfaces of bent metal objects. Illusionists Artur Zorka and Abb Dickson are quoted as being convinced of Geller's authenticity after conducting controlled tests. The article also touches upon the skepticism within the scientific community and the challenges of studying phenomena that defy conventional explanation.

UFOs and 'The New Age'

An article on page 5, 'VID VERKLIGHETENS RAND' (At the Edge of Reality), discusses UFO reports and the book 'The Edge of Reality' by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee. It highlights that a significant percentage of UFO sightings remain unexplained by conventional means, suggesting the possibility of an unknown natural phenomenon. The article touches upon the work of the Center for UFO Studies and the need for a more open-minded scientific approach to the subject. It also mentions a peace and meditation meeting held in Gövik, Sweden, in July 1977, attended by 26 people from various countries. This meeting, organized by the foundation 'Peace through unity,' aimed to foster understanding and prepare for 'The New Age,' characterized by a shift in human consciousness and a greater sensitivity to higher energies.

Personal Spiritual Journeys and Beliefs

Several shorter pieces explore personal spiritual journeys and beliefs. 'TRONS MAGI' (The Magic of Faith) on pages 3-4 discusses the power of belief and the subconscious mind, drawing parallels between religious teachings and self-help principles. 'Kulturens svek' (Culture's Betrayal) on page 6 critiques contemporary Swedish culture for its lack of spiritual depth and emotional warmth, contrasting it with the author's positive experiences with esoteric literature and practices. 'Olof Lundegårdh: DET ÖVERSINNLIGAS NÄRVARO' (Olof Lundegårdh: The Presence of the Transcendent) on pages 9-10 recounts a profound spiritual experience of divine encounter, emphasizing the role of 'mysticism' and the belief in divine messengers or 'angels' in times of crisis. The author shares a personal testimony of a near-fatal accident and subsequent rescue, attributing it to divine intervention. 'YOGA-JONSON' on pages 8 and 14-16 profiles Bert Jonson, a yoga instructor who advocates for yoga as a bridge to inner creativity and a means of self-discovery. He discusses his personal journey from atheism to vegetarianism and interest in Martinus's cosmology, and promotes yoga and meditation as tools for personal growth and well-being. The article also mentions his artistic endeavors, including 'Meditative Visions' collages and his writings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an openness to spiritual, paranormal, and unconventional beliefs, presenting them as valid areas of inquiry alongside scientific investigation. There is a clear interest in Eastern philosophies, particularly Tibetan Buddhism and yoga, as well as Western esoteric traditions and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging exploration beyond conventional materialistic viewpoints, suggesting that there are deeper realities and powers accessible through altered states of consciousness, faith, and dedicated practice. The magazine bridges the gap between scientific inquiry (as seen in the UFO and Geller articles) and personal spiritual experience, suggesting that these realms are not mutually exclusive but can offer complementary insights into the nature of reality.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated 1977, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophies and critical inquiry. The cover prominently features an article by Alf Ahlberg titled "KRISTENDOMEN OCH VÅR VÄSTERLÄNDSKA KULTUR" (Christianity and Our Western Culture), accompanied by a striking photograph of Ahlberg and a quote asserting Christianity's vital role in the survival of Western culture.

Christianity and Our Western Culture by Alf Ahlberg

Alf Ahlberg begins with a personal reflection on how early life experiences, particularly growing up in a liberal parsonage, shaped his views on Christianity. He initially distanced himself from it, viewing it as incompatible with modern science, but later, influenced by figures like Dostoevsky, his perspective shifted. Ahlberg argues that Christianity offers indispensable values—humanism, universalism, and dynamism—essential for Western culture's survival. However, he is critical of the official, institutionalized church, believing it needs radical renewal to remain relevant. He defines humanism as the idea of inherent human worth, independent of any boundaries, a concept he traces back to Christian teachings rather than Greek philosophy, which he notes was built on slavery. Universalism, stemming from the Christian concept of God as a father to all, promotes the idea of human brotherhood. Dynamism, the third value, views history as a meaningful drama with a goal, a concept he contrasts with ancient cyclical or static views of time.

Ahlberg acknowledges the historical wrongdoings committed in the name of Christianity, such as the Crusades and the Inquisition, but maintains that its core principles have profoundly shaped Western culture. He criticizes the Nazi ideology as a nihilistic revolution that sought to dismantle this culture, seeing Christianity's universalism as a direct threat to such ideologies.

He also touches upon the need for Christianity to adapt its language and dogma to resonate with modern people, questioning the literal interpretation of certain biblical narratives and dogmas, such as the Trinity and the atonement, which he finds difficult to reconcile with a loving and omnipotent God, especially in light of historical atrocities.

"I believe in the uncertain" by Werner Aspenström

Werner Aspenström explores the complexities of faith and doubt, particularly within the Christian context. He begins by referencing a play that presented a reversed creed, highlighting the inherent contradictions in the Christian confession of God as both an almighty ruler and a merciful father. Aspenström questions how one can reconcile divine omnipotence with the existence of suffering and cruelty, suggesting that the sum of these elements makes the theological equation difficult to balance.

He critiques the tendency to reduce Christian values to mere social morality, noting how politicians often invoke 'Christian values' without engaging with the deeper theological implications of faith, such as the concept of a kingdom not of this world. Aspenström observes the hypocrisy of both secular and religious institutions, where even those who preach faith may act pragmatically (e.g., using chemicals on forests despite believing in nature's divine beauty).

Aspenström expresses his own position as one who keeps the question of faith open, acknowledging the difficulty of the Christian paradox. He contemplates the nature of God and the universe, suggesting that human attempts to define God are limited by our own understanding and experiences. He finds solace in the idea of a divine presence that is not necessarily anthropomorphic and that guides human development through a multitude of life experiences.

Buddhist Thoughts by Siripelle J. A. Karunaratne

Siripelle J. A. Karunaratne delves into Buddhist philosophy, focusing on the concepts of ignorance (Avijja), impermanence (Anicca), suffering (Dukkha), and non-self (Anatta). He argues against the notion of a First Cause or a beginning of time, positing that time and space are interdependent and that the universe, as part of Samsara (the cycle of rebirth), has always existed. Ignorance, he explains, is the root of all suffering and the illusion of a permanent self.

Karunaratne elaborates on Anicca and Dukkha, explaining that impermanence inherently leads to suffering, as all composite things are in a state of flux. He emphasizes that Anatta means there is no enduring self or soul; what we perceive as a self is merely a stream of causally connected processes. He contrasts this with Western notions of identity, citing Heraclitus and scientific perspectives on the changing nature of matter.

The author discusses the Buddhist path to liberation through meditation, which aims to overcome ignorance and the illusion of self. He describes Nibbana (Nirvana) not as annihilation, but as the extinguishing of greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to the cessation of suffering and rebirth. Karunaratne notes that Nibbana is beyond conceptualization and language, as it transcends ordinary experience.

Other Articles and Sections

The magazine also includes a section titled "Kvaliteten på UFO-rörelsen" (The Quality of the UFO Movement) by Sven-Olof Fredrikson, who criticizes the UFO community for its lack of critical evaluation of sources and sensationalism. He advocates for higher quality research and the use of reliable sources. There is also a "Kontakt" (Contact) section featuring personal ads and a "Profeten" (The Prophet) comic strip.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of existential inquiry, the nature of faith, and the critique of established religious and cultural norms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded critical examination, encouraging readers to question traditional beliefs and explore diverse philosophical and spiritual perspectives. The magazine provides a platform for in-depth discussions on complex topics, inviting readers to engage in their own search for meaning and understanding.