Sokaren - 1978 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR3
Date: 1978
Price: 7:00 incl. tax

This issue of Sökaren delves into several intriguing topics, with the cover story posing the question "Did Jesus go to India?". It also features articles on UFO sightings by astronauts and various meditation techniques.

Dog Jesus i Indien? (Did Jesus go to India?)

The main feature explores the controversial theory that Jesus, known as Yus Asaf by Muslims, survived his crucifixion and traveled to India, eventually dying and being buried in Srinagar, Kashmir. The article highlights the tomb of Yus Asaf in Srinagar, with a hotel boat owner and Muslim, M. Subhan Lawey, pointing out the entrance.

The narrative traces the origins of this theory, beginning with Russian war correspondent Nicolas Notovitch. In 1894, Notovitch published a book in French, "The Unknown Part of Jesus' Life," which was translated into Swedish as "Den okända delen af Jesu lefnad" (1896). Notovitch claimed to have learned about the life of the holy Issa (Jesus) from scrolls in Buddhist monasteries in Ladhak and Tibet during his travels in 1887-1888. He recounts a story where a lama in the Moulbek monastery told him about Issa, whose life was documented in Tibetan scriptures. Notovitch later broke his leg and was taken to the Himis monastery, where he was allegedly read accounts of Issa's life from ancient scrolls.

These scrolls, according to Notovitch, described Issa leaving his parents at age thirteen to travel to Sindh and India to study Buddhist laws. The text details Issa's time in various Indian cities, his interactions with different social classes, and his study of sacred scrolls. The gospel, as presented by Notovitch, begins with the words: "The earth has trembled and the heavens have wept over the great crime that has recently been committed in the land of Israel. For there they tortured and killed the great righteous Issa, in whom the soul of the world resided."

Notovitch's claims were met with skepticism. The historian of religions, Friedrich Max Müller, critically examined the theory in "The Nineteenth Century" in 1894, under the title "The Alleged Sojourn of Christ in India." Müller questioned how Jesus' life could be well-known in Tibetan literature without any such texts being found in available catalogs.

The article also mentions a letter from an English woman in Leh, Ladhak, dated June 29, 1894, which claimed that Notovitch's story was false and that no Russian had been admitted to the Himis monastery with a broken leg. However, the original letter and the sender's name were never officially disclosed.

Later, in June 1895, Professor J. Archibald Douglas wrote to "The Nineteenth Century" from Agra, India, corroborating that a Russian named Notovitch had visited Ladhak. Douglas's investigation suggested that Notovitch had been treated for a toothache in Leh, not a broken leg, but confirmed Notovitch's visit to the region.

The Ahmadiyya movement, founded by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, strongly supports the belief that Jesus survived the crucifixion and traveled to India. Imam Syed Masud Ahmad of Copenhagen, an Ahmadiyya leader, is presented as a proponent of this view. The movement believes Jesus was a prophet for the Israelites and that he, along with other prophets like Krishna, Rama, and Buddha, were national prophets. They believe Jesus' last national prophecy preceded the universal prophecy of Muhammad.

According to the Ahmadiyya belief, Jesus, after being revived from his near-death state on the cross, traveled east to the scattered tribes of Israel. The movement's founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, wrote "Jesus in India" in 1899, asserting that the prophet buried in Srinagar, known as Yus Asaf, was Jesus of Nazareth. Historical sources like "Tarikh-i-Azami" (written over 200 years ago) are cited, describing Yus Asaph as a prophet who came to Kashmir from a foreign land.

The article touches upon the geography of Jammu & Kashmir, noting the Muslim majority in the Sindh valley and the Buddhist majority in the Ladhak region. It also mentions other accounts, like F.A. Plattner's "Christian India," which refers to legends of Christ visiting India and studying higher wisdom in the Himalayas.

Astronauter och UFOs (Astronauts and UFOs)

This section, written by Anders Liljegren, reviews an article by James Oberg in "Search Magazine" that debunks claims of American astronauts seeing UFOs. Oberg, a space journalist, meticulously investigated numerous reports, concluding that there is no credible evidence of astronauts encountering unidentified flying objects. He attributes these claims to misunderstandings, deliberate hoaxes, and paranoid interpretations.

Oberg's research, aided by NASA's photo analysts, involved examining original flight plans, negatives, and films. Richard Underwood, a photo analyst, stated that he had never found anything unexplainable in the images.

The article systematically addresses several alleged astronaut UFO sightings:

• May 1962/Mercury 7/Carpenter: A photo claimed to show a UFO was actually a space balloon used for training.
• Oct. 1962/Mercury 8/Schirra: An observed glowing object was identified as cloud masses illuminated by lightning.
• May 1963/Mercury 9/Cooper: A reported sighting of a green object is unsubstantiated, with Cooper himself having no recollection of the event.
• June 1965/Gemini 4/McDivitt & White: An object seen near the capsule was likely the spent stage of the Gemini rocket, despite initial confusion and NORAD's preliminary checks.
• Dec. 1965/Gemini 7/Borman & Lovell: Photos claimed to show UFOs were identified as sun reflections on rocket nozzles, with the original images being retouched.
• Sept. 1966/Gemini II/Conrad & Gordon: An observed object was identified as the Proton-3 Soviet satellite, which was on a decaying orbit.
• Nov. 1969/Apollo 12/Conrad, Gordon, Bean: Reports of being "followed" by a UFO were a misinterpretation of radio communications during the mission, where the astronauts were joking about debris from the Saturn rocket's stage.

Oberg criticizes the handling of astronaut reports in the Condon investigation, particularly by Franklin E. Roach. He also notes that while some astronauts have expressed openness to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, others, like Buzz Aldrin, have dismissed UFO conspiracy theories as "bullshit."

Meditation and Spirituality

The magazine includes a "SökarguideR" (Seeker's Guide) section featuring various meditation and spiritual practices:

• Vipassana Meditation: Led by Christopher Titmus and Tina Feldman in Dalarna, focusing on insight through direct observation.
• HO-meditation: Transcendental Meditation offers introductory lectures and courses nationwide.
• Tibetansk Meditation: Information on Rajneesh's meditation forms and Tibetan meditation is available through Karma Shedrup Dargye Ling.
• Pyramídmeditation: A meditation trip to Egypt is offered by Föreningen Antakarana.
• Dynamisk Meditation: Courses are offered by Skandinavisk Yoga och Meditationsskola.

Several lectures and events related to meditation are listed, including those by Johan Wretman and Bert Yoga Jonson. Books on meditation can be found at Vattumannen Bokhandel.

The Aetherius Society

Marie Norlén describes her involvement with The Aetherius Society, an organization founded by "cosmic masters" who communicate through George King as a medium. The society's teachings encompass UFOs, life on other planets, reincarnation, and spiritual healing. Marie believes the society's message is crucial for humanity's spiritual evolution and preparation for a new age.

The society's practices include "karma yoga," which emphasizes serving humanity. They also conduct "Twelve Blessings Services" and remote healing sessions. George King is described as a channel for messages from these masters, including Jesus, who is said to have physically appeared to King.

Parapsychology

An article discusses the evolving perception of parapsychology, noting a shift towards greater acceptance in academic circles. It reviews a study by W-C-H that explores the boundaries between parapsychology and other fields, particularly spiritualism. The study highlights the historical connection between spiritualism and parapsychology, with a focus on psychic abilities.

The article also touches upon the concept of precognition and its philosophical implications, as well as the challenges of studying phenomena like multiple personality and reincarnation.

Socrates

Another section features an essay by Rolf Ejvegård on the philosopher Socrates. It discusses his life, teachings, and influence, highlighting his method of questioning and his emphasis on ethical living. The article notes that Socrates' philosophy, primarily transmitted through Plato and Xenophon, continues to be relevant, particularly his principle of not returning evil for evil.

Healing

The Aetherius Society's approach to healing is detailed, emphasizing that anyone can channel universal life force (prana) for spiritual healing. Both contact healing and remote healing are practiced. The society also offers courses on spiritual healing based on Dr. King's book "You Too Can Heal."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative beliefs, and the search for deeper meaning. It presents controversial theories, such as Jesus' life in India, alongside investigations into unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to explore different spiritual and philosophical ideas. The inclusion of sections on meditation, healing, and parapsychology indicates a focus on personal growth and esoteric knowledge. The magazine also seems to advocate for critical thinking, as seen in the debunking of astronaut UFO reports.

This issue of "Sökaren" magazine, dated 1978, features a prominent interview with Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, under the headline "Indiern har ett andligt ideal som västerlänningen saknar!" (The Indian has a spiritual ideal that the Westerner lacks!). The interview, conducted by Bertil Falk, delves into Gandhi's views on spirituality, contrasting Indian and Western perspectives. The magazine also includes articles on parapsychology, philosophy, UFOs, and various spiritual movements.

Interview with Indira Gandhi

Bertil Falk interviews Indira Gandhi in New Delhi. Gandhi, a spiritual person herself, discusses the perceived spiritual ideal of Indians, suggesting that while Indians may not be less materialistic than Westerners, they possess a spiritual ideal that guides them. She explains that Indians look up to spiritual individuals rather than those solely based on social or material status. Gandhi likens her own spiritual understanding to Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's independence of thought. She criticizes the Western tendency to categorize and pre-judge, both in personal perceptions and in viewing India. Despite acknowledging India's poverty, she highlights the dignity and cultural richness of its people, noting their ability to quote ancient scriptures and poets. Gandhi also expresses a desire to move away from politics, though current circumstances compel her to continue. She voices concern for her family's safety.

Parapsychological Research in Gothenburg

An article by Bertil Nilsson introduces a new institute for psychological and parapsychological research established in Gothenburg, Sweden, in October 1977. The institute is run by three enthusiasts: Adrian Parker (UK), Peter Appel (Germany), and Obrad Doncic (Yugoslavia). They aim to conduct serious scientific research, distinguishing it from occultism. The article details their backgrounds and research interests, which include dreams, biorythms, sexuality, cross-cultural understanding, and parapsychology. They discuss the potential impact of a parapsychological breakthrough on science and religion, emphasizing that it is a future science, not a new religion. The researchers highlight the "ganzfeld" technique as a method for repeatable parapsychological experiments and stress the importance of scientific rigor.

Philosophical and Religious Explorations

Socrates

Rolf Ejvegård explores the philosophy of Socrates, focusing on his ethical views and his concept of a "daimonion" (inner voice). Socrates believed in democratic participation and that one should obey the law, even if it leads to personal hardship, as seen in his refusal to escape prison. He distinguished between legal and moral rights, advocating for the pursuit of moral righteousness. Ejvegård notes Socrates' pragmatic ethics, linking it to utilitarianism and Bertrand Russell.

The "Chosen" and Religious Beliefs

An unsigned article discusses the concept of being "chosen" within various religions and spiritual groups. It mentions figures like "Doctor King" of the Aetherius Society and Eduard Meier, who claim unique contact with higher beings. The author expresses skepticism towards such claims, attributing them to self-overestimation and warning against false prophets. The article also touches upon the idea of Jesus' resurrection, presenting three possibilities: that he did not resurrect, that he survived the crucifixion and died later, or that he was clinically dead and revived. It emphasizes the importance of finding wisdom from diverse sources rather than adhering strictly to one person or scripture.

"Liljorna" and "I AM" Movement

An article describes a meeting of "Liljorna," a group associated with the "I AM" movement and Summit Lighthouse. Led by Jade Ekström, the group focuses on interpreting biblical symbolism and the concept of the divine "I AM" within each person. Ekström explains that the divine spark, or "I AM" cell, is the creative force within us, and that true spiritual growth involves shedding negative aspects to realize this inner divinity. The article also touches upon the teachings of Summit Lighthouse, founded by El Morya, and its connection to a "White Brotherhood."

Book Reviews and Discussions

Several book reviews and short articles are featured:

• "Däniken Ovetenskaplig" (Däniken Unscientific): Anders Liljegren reviews Willy Wegner's book, which criticizes Erich von Däniken's theories as unscientific and lacking in factual basis.
• TM is Becoming Accepted: An article discusses a study on Transcendental Meditation (TM) by Gunilla Ljunggren, suggesting it may reduce neuroticism and sleep problems.
• GEPAN in France: A brief note mentions the formation of GEPAN, a French scientific organization dedicated to the serious study of UFO phenomena.
• Predictions about Earthquakes: A call for public participation in a US Geological Survey project to collect predictions of earthquakes.
• The UFOs That Elude Us: A mention of Jacques Vallee's view that UFO technology is both physical and psychic, potentially linked to human consciousness.
• "Sunrise" Magazine: An advertisement for a teosofical magazine.
• Manipulation of Radiation Energy Fields: An advertisement for polarity therapy.
• Buddhasasanaförlaget: Information about Buddhist publications.
• Personal Horoscopes: An advertisement for personalized horoscopes.
• "Vandring" by Hermann Hesse: Christina Olivecrona reviews Hesse's posthumously published collection of prose and poetry, discussing his themes of self-discovery and the search for meaning.
• "UFOs" by Peter Ryan: A critical review of a book that dismisses UFOs as natural phenomena, with the reviewer lamenting the lack of quality UFO literature in Swedish translation.
• LSD - A Path to Truth?: A review of Stanislav Grof's book on LSD research, discussing its therapeutic potential and the profound altered states of consciousness it can induce.
• "The TM Technique" by Peter Russell: A review of the Swedish translation of Russell's book on Transcendental Meditation, highlighting its principles and effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative beliefs, and the human quest for meaning. It provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, including interviews with prominent figures like Indira Gandhi, discussions on philosophical concepts like Socrates' ethics, and explorations of phenomena such as UFOs and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while remaining receptive to unconventional ideas. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine research and unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the fields of parapsychology and UFO studies. The magazine also features book reviews and discussions on various spiritual and philosophical traditions, reflecting a broad interest in the "supernatural" and the human worldview.