Sokaren - 1978 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Volume: 1978
Date: 1978
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: YOGA CENTER

This issue of Sökaren from 1978 focuses on holistic health, meditation, and paranormal phenomena, presenting a blend of Eastern philosophies and Western scientific inquiry.

Yoga Center: Promoting Health and Happiness

The magazine features an interview with Dr. Jan-Axel Nordlund and yoga instructor Eugenia Basilewsky about Yoga Center in Stockholm. Founded five years prior, the center aims to make people happier and healthier through yoga. Dr. Nordlund highlights yoga's benefits for stress reduction and its use in treating illnesses, drawing parallels with Ayurvedic medicine in India. Eugenia Basilewsky explains that yoga originated in ancient India from the wisdom of rishis who sought to understand life through meditation and discovered life force (prana) and energy centers (chakras). She clarifies that yoga is a philosophy, not a religion, and its techniques are designed to develop physical health, character, and concentration. Hatha yoga, which they primarily practice, is emphasized for its ability to bring balance and harmony. The article touches upon the historical secrecy of yoga teachings and the modern accessibility of these practices.

The Science and Philosophy of Yoga

Eugenia Basilewsky elaborates on yoga's impact on the body, viewing it as a manifestation of prana. She suggests that by influencing the body, yoga also affects the soul. She believes yoga can make people more harmonious, thus contributing to world peace, and notes its introduction into schools. Dr. Nordlund discusses yoga's therapeutic applications, particularly for back problems, and its potential to reduce reliance on medication for mental health issues. He contrasts yoga with conventional gymnastics, emphasizing yoga's holistic approach that engages body, soul, and spirit by working with life force (prana) rather than just muscle power. The concept of prana is explained as the living energy in the body, which can be controlled through conscious breathing and concentration.

Chakras and Energy Centers

Dr. Nordlund explains the concept of chakras as energy centers within the body's subtle energy system, referred to as the 'double body'. He notes that these centers correspond to endocrine glands discovered by Western science, such as the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, and gonads. He suggests that these chakras influence the endocrine glands, which in turn affect the body, though the exact mechanisms remain complex. The article also mentions that yoga can be used to enhance or diminish sexual function, with tantra yoga exploring this aspect further.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its Evaluation

Professor Jan-Otto Ottosson of Gothenburg University presents a critical report commissioned by the Socialstyrelsen on Transcendental Meditation (TM). Having been initiated into TM himself, he describes the initiation ritual as having a cult-like character. While acknowledging that TM can induce physiological changes related to stress reduction, Ottosson remains skeptical about the long-term effects and the specificity of these changes to TM, suggesting that practitioners might have pre-existing traits. He critiques numerous TM studies for methodological flaws, finding that most do not conclusively prove lasting physiological effects. However, he notes one study involving Indian athletes that showed significant improvements in speed, agility, and reaction time among TM practitioners. Ottosson concludes that TM is harmless and can have positive value, despite his critical stance on much of the research.

Acem: An Independent TM Organization

The magazine interviews Are Holen, a psychologist and aspiring doctor, who is a leader of Acem, a Norwegian TM organization that separated from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's movement. Acem aims to be free from guru dogmatism and utopian ideas, focusing on a nuanced form of TM detached from Maharishi's personal philosophy. Holen explains that Acem broke away due to perceived rigidity, authoritarianism, and financial opacity within Maharishi's organization. He criticizes Maharishi's emphasis on his own person and his philosophy over the TM technique itself, which he believes hinders the full realization of TM's potential. Acem offers a different approach to teaching TM, emphasizing the integration of the technique with personal development and inner resources, and has developed its own follow-up programs and pedagogy.

Polarity Yoga: Balancing Energy

Randolph Stone, an American chiropractor, osteopath, and naprapath, developed Polarity Therapy, which includes Polarity Yoga. Stone, dissatisfied with the purely materialistic view of the human body in Western medicine, believed in a magnetic field that governs the body. He studied various healing traditions, including acupuncture, herbalism, Indian yogic teachings, and meditation. Polarity Therapy posits that an electromagnetic energy field, or prana, flows through all living beings, and maintaining its balanced distribution is crucial for health. Imbalances lead to slower circulation, pain, and emotional difficulties. Polarity Yoga aims to restore this balance through five key points: manipulative techniques, gentle exercises, a 'polarised diet' of vegetarian foods, positive thinking, and radiation energy treatments. The movement emphasizes that these techniques are not magical, psychological, or medical, nor tied to any specific religion.

Parapsychology and UFOs

An article by Ivan Troëng discusses dowsing (slagrutans) and its connection to geomagnetism, citing Professor Y. Rocard's research. Rocard found that dowsing rods react to local disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field, suggesting dowsers are more sensitive than standard measuring instruments. The article also touches upon the scientific community's critical stance towards paranormal phenomena, with an article by Graham Massey in 'New Scientist' attacking the Bermuda Triangle mystery and UFOs as 'pseudoscience'. Ian Ridpath contributes a skeptical piece on UFOs, misrepresenting findings and relying on selective information. The magazine also briefly mentions the work of Professor John Taylor on metal bending phenomena and the challenges in replicating such feats under controlled conditions.

Cultural Perspectives on Death

Christine Husberg-Andersson contrasts the Western culture's denial of death with India's open acceptance. She describes the elaborate and expensive funeral industry in the USA, which aims to erase the concept of death, and the alternative of 'retirement city movements' for the elderly. In contrast, she depicts the stark reality of death in Benares, India, where cremations are a public and accepted part of life, often seen as a transition rather than an end, deeply influenced by the Hindu beliefs in reincarnation and karma. The article highlights the cyclical view of existence in Hinduism, where life and death are part of a continuous process leading towards liberation.

Prophecies and Belief Systems

Another section examines the psychological impact of failed prophecies, referencing Leon Festinger's study 'When Prophecy Fails', which analyzed a group that believed in an impending flood and UFO rescue. When the prophecy failed, many members became even more fervent in their beliefs and sought to convert others. The article also mentions the phenomenon of automatic writing and a group in Michigan that believed in a prophecy of a world flood in 1954, with some members becoming stronger in their faith after the event did not occur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores alternative approaches to health and well-being, including yoga, meditation, and polarity therapy, often contrasting them with conventional Western medicine and psychology. There is a critical examination of established scientific paradigms when confronted with paranormal phenomena, suggesting a bias against such topics. The magazine also delves into philosophical and cultural differences, particularly concerning attitudes towards death and the nature of consciousness, highlighting the influence of Eastern philosophies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these diverse subjects, presenting both supportive and critical viewpoints.

This issue of Sökaren (Issue 1978, Volume 15) focuses on themes of authority, alternative lifestyles, and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "MYNDIGHETERS AUKTORITET" (Authority of Authorities) alongside an illustration of a mythical creature. The magazine includes articles on a Vipassana meditation course, reviews of books on philosophy and mysteries, and a critical look at governmental pronouncements.

Authority of Authorities

The editorial section, penned by 'SM', discusses the nature of authority figures and institutions. It questions the inherent weight given to statements from government officials, professors, and experts, suggesting that their pronouncements may be based on prejudice, incomplete research, or hearsay rather than objective fact. The author emphasizes that even those in positions of power are human and subject to weaknesses, and that their expertise is often limited to specific fields, yet they may speak authoritatively on many subjects. The piece is partly inspired by Svante Nycander's book "De fördömda scientologerna" and critiques of UFO explanations by FOA-Eriksson and Professor Condon.

A Course in Vipassana Meditation at Ljusbacken

Pamela Ahlén reports on a ten-day intensive Vipassana meditation course held at the Ljusbacken collective in Delsbo, Hälsingland, led by Ruth Dennison from the USA. The course involved early morning meditation sessions, outdoor meditation, and practical work to train awareness. Participants were required to adhere to five ethical precepts: not to kill, not to steal, complete sexual abstinence, complete silence, and abstinence from intoxicants. The aim of Vipassana is to still thought processes, increase concentration, and achieve greater self-awareness. The article highlights the personal experiences of participants and the collective's focus on an alternative lifestyle, harmony with nature, and ecological practices.

My Favorite Book

Rolf Ejvegård shares his favorite book, "History of Western Philosophy" (Västerlandets filosofi) by Bertrand Russell. He describes the book's lengthy creation process, including Russell's legal dispute with the Barnes Foundation. Ejvegård praises the book for its socio-political, cultural-historical, and theoretical depth, as well as its personal touch and humor, making it a demanding yet rewarding read. He specifically recommends sections on Pythagoras, Democritus, Plato, Leibniz, Hume, and Dewey.

Foreign Book Review

Roland Adlerberth reviews several foreign books:

• The Bermuda Triangle by Charles Berlitz: A new pocket edition of the popular, believer's account of mysterious disappearances.
• The Riddle of the Bermuda Triangle edited by Martin Ebon: An anthology offering various perspectives on the triangle, including skeptical viewpoints.
• Mysteries of the Sea by Richard Garrett: A book blending accounts of storms and shipwrecks with maritime mysteries.
• Uninvited Visitors and Invisible Residents by Ivan T. Sanderson: Books exploring UFO phenomena and unidentified aquatic objects, respectively, from a scientifically open-minded perspective.
• A Book of Flying Saucers for You by Franklyn M. Branley: A children's book introducing UFOs.
• Great Mysteries of History by Kenneth B. Platnick: A collection of unsolved historical mysteries, including famous deaths and disappearances.
• Prophezeiungen bis zur Schwelle des 3. Jahrtausends by Jules Silver: A compilation of prophecies about the future, including a world war and natural disasters.
• The Leyden Papyrus: An Egyptian Magical Book: An English translation of an ancient Egyptian magical text from the 3rd century AD, offering insights into ancient folklore and magic.
• The Rite of Exorcism by Craig Karpel: A book detailing the Catholic Church's exorcism ritual.
• Laser Beams from Star Cities? by Robin Collyns: A book proposing theories about human origins from other planets or artificial creation, with speculative interpretations of biblical events.

UFOs and Other Mysteries

In the section "VRANGBILDER AV NY TRO" (Distortions of New Faith), Erland Sundström's polemical pamphlet "Villfarelsens vindar och väckelsens ande" is reviewed. The reviewer criticizes Sundström's narrow-minded rejection of various spiritual movements, including Jehovas Vittnen, Mormons, TM meditation, Scientology, Tongil-family, and spiritualism, while showing some leniency towards the first two. The review also touches upon the idea of reincarnation, which is presented as a misinterpretation of hypnotic regression studies.

Another section discusses a German parapsychology book, "Den fantastiska vetenskapen" (The Fantastic Science), which covers a wide range of parapsychological phenomena. The reviewer notes its comprehensive nature but also its somewhat disorganized structure and occasional outdated information.

Inner Freedom

Hardy Olson's book "Inre frigörelse" (Inner Freedom) is reviewed. It offers a comparative description of various personality theories, with a focus on Jungian psychology. The book is praised for its clear presentation of main ideas and its exploration of the concept of inner liberation. However, the reviewer notes that Olson's objective approach might sometimes obscure the deeper emotional and psychological nuances of the theories, particularly in his comparison of Jung and Horney.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of alternative spirituality, unexplained phenomena (UFOs, mysteries), and critiques of established authorities. There is a clear interest in esoteric knowledge, meditation practices, and philosophical inquiry that challenges conventional views. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the existence of phenomena beyond mainstream scientific understanding. The magazine also promotes an independent and critical perspective on societal institutions and their pronouncements.