Sokaren - 1979 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR8
Date: 1979

This issue of Sökaren delves into various topics, including New Age philosophy, spiritual teachings, UFO phenomena, ancient philosophy, and alternative medicine.

Mark Mawrence: Ambassador of the New Age

The cover story features Mark Mawrence, described as a gifted and active youth of the New Age. He has worked with "networking" in Sweden, connecting various groups and individuals active in the New Age sphere. Mawrence has lectured at UCLA and was an organizer of the World Humanity conference in Los Angeles. He explains that the term "New Age" is becoming a cliché in the US, but it represents a significant phase of spiritual and material development. He identifies himself as a representative of three major collectives: Findhorn in Scotland, Auroville in India, and Arcosanti in Arizona, collectively known as Karass-Hexiad, which utilize information flow via data.

Mawrence emphasizes the importance of seeing the "whole" in all actions, maintaining contact with "Mother Earth," and acting selflessly. He believes that manipulation of forces for personal gain is dangerous. He advocates for a holistic approach, integrating spiritual and political life, and learning to live in balance with nature. He criticizes materialistic lifestyles and egocentricity, suggesting that true enlightenment comes from illuminating the inner darkness.

Sant Mat: The Teaching of the Saints

Sant Thakar Singh, a spiritual successor to Kirpal Singh, visited Stockholm and initiated students into "Sant Mat, the teaching of the saints." Sant Mat is described as similar to Sufism, open to all regardless of background, but it emphasizes the necessity of a physical, living master to achieve contact with the divine within. Sant Thakar Singh is presented as such a master. He stated that there is only one religion: that all are children of God and Life, and that religions have been created by humans, often obscuring the original message of finding God.

He explained that the world can be transformed into God's kingdom, a realm without poverty, crime, or lies, filled with compassionate and loving people. He stressed that while earthly achievements are temporary, the spiritual life is eternal. The human body is seen as a vessel for the soul, and true self is within. He likened the master to a hen caring for a chick, guiding it until it can manage on its own.

Sant Thakar Singh has traveled extensively, sharing his message of God's love. He also noted that the physical body is a creation of God, not of human will, and that nothing happens by chance, referencing biblical teachings. He highlighted the intricate beauty of creation as evidence of a divine creator, comparing it to building a house where all materials must be placed intentionally.

The Swedish Student's Experience

A Swedish student initiated into Sant Mat shared their experience. The initiation, a connection to God's realm through light and sound, is described as a gift from God and the master, Sant Kirpal Singh Ji. The master, Sant Thakar Singh, is a retired engineer who does not accept payment for his work; travel and information costs are covered by those initiated. Initiates follow a strict vegetarian diet, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and practice meditation for two hours daily. They maintain contact with the master, who responds to letters promptly. The path is described as purely spiritual, allowing individuals to continue their existing religions and professions while striving to become better human beings.

UFOs at the UN

Grenada brought the issue of UFOs to the United Nations, with experts like Professor J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallee speaking before the UN's Special Political Committee. Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy of Grenada expressed his conviction that UFOs are a global phenomenon worthy of serious attention. He urged the UN to establish a bureau or department for UFO research.

Professor Hynek, a former scientific consultant for the US Air Force, stated that UFOs are phenomena that remain unexplained even after competent investigation. He noted that reports come from credible witnesses worldwide, including astronauts and scientists. Hynek acknowledged that while many reports are not of high quality, some are perplexing and challenging to current concepts of the world. He mentioned "hard" UFO data, including physical traces and effects on humans, animals, and electrical equipment, with over 1,300 cases of physical traces documented. Hynek believed that the UFO phenomenon is important and warrants scientific study, noting a growing number of scientists in various countries who share this view. He suggested that the phenomenon might indicate some form of intelligence, but whether it is extraterrestrial or a manifestation of our own intelligence remains unknown.

Dr. Jacques Vallee, an astrophysicist and data expert, discussed the scientific approach to UFOs. He stated that while the phenomenon is real and may have an unknown cause, he has not yet found proof of extraterrestrial visitors. He emphasized that UFOs are physical phenomena that can and should be investigated with available means. Vallee also highlighted the psychophysiological aspects reported by witnesses, such as lost time perception and hallucinations. He noted that the lack of serious scientific attention to UFOs has led many to believe in extraterrestrial visitors, fostering new religious, cultural, and political ideas outside the scope of social sciences. He warned that this trend, driven by a lack of open-minded research, can be dangerous.

Lieutenant Colonel Larry Coyne recounted a personal UFO experience from 1973, involving a near-collision with a red, luminous flying object. He described the object's advanced maneuverability and its effect on his helicopter's instruments. Coyne advocated for global cooperation in UFO research.

Physicist Stanton T. Friedman presented evidence for the Earth being visited by intelligently controlled extraterrestrial spacecraft, suggesting that aliens are interested in Earth for their own purposes, possibly for resources. He also noted that the entire galaxy is likely populated.

Acupuncture: An Eastern Healing Art Spreading West

This section explores acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing method that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Lars-Olof Berglöf, a naprapath and Doctor of Acupuncture, explains the principles of acupuncture, emphasizing its holistic approach to treating the whole person, including body and soul. He discusses the concept of meridians, energy pathways, and the importance of balancing yin and yang energies. Berglöf highlights that many ailments, such as back pain, headaches, and stress, are psychosomatic in origin and can be effectively treated with acupuncture.

He explains that the body's energy is influenced by factors like the psyche, diet, climate, and physical activity. Berglöf emphasizes that the psyche plays a crucial role in most illnesses. He also touches upon the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) and their relationship to organs, emotions, and seasons in traditional Chinese medicine. Berglöf contrasts Western medicine's symptom-focused approach with acupuncture's focus on identifying and treating the root cause of illness.

Heraclitus: "The Obscure" - Fire is the Primal Element

This article delves into the philosophy of Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher from Ephesus. It discusses his belief that fire is the primal element and that constant change and flux are fundamental to the universe. Heraclitus proposed that opposites are interdependent, such as up and down, hot and cold, and that tension between these opposites is essential for existence. He also introduced the concept of "Logos" as a universal, divine principle governing all things. The article touches upon his views on the soul being a "dry fire" and his advocacy for temperance.

Randi Tests ESP

Illusionist Randi, a prominent skeptic of paranormal phenomena, offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. The article recounts a test conducted with psychic Victor Totaro, who failed to provide verifiable evidence of telepathy or other psychic powers. Randi criticizes the methods used by some psychics to rationalize their failures, attributing them to misinterpretations of symbols rather than genuine psychic abilities.

Debunking a UFO Sighting in France

This section addresses a sensationalized news report about a UFO landing in France, from which a naked couple emerged. Further investigation revealed that the incident involved a helicopter from the French geographical institute landing in a farmer's field, and the "naked couple" were likely the pilot and a companion, with the story being exaggerated by the media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic and spiritual worldview, encouraging self-awareness, balance, and a connection to nature. There is a strong emphasis on alternative healing methods like acupuncture and spiritual paths like Sant Mat. The publication also engages with UFO phenomena from a critical yet open-minded perspective, often debunking sensationalized reports while acknowledging the need for serious investigation. The philosophical articles explore ancient wisdom and its relevance to modern life. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting personal growth, critical thinking, and an understanding of interconnectedness in the universe.

This issue of Sökaren, dated October 1979, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophies, spirituality, and alternative beliefs. The cover prominently features the question "ATEISMEN. . . är den övertygande?" (Atheism. . . is it convincing?), indicating a central theme of examining religious and non-religious worldviews.

Articles and Content

Atheism and the Nature of God

The lead article, "ATEISMEN. . . är den övertygande?" by Fred Woodworth (as presented by the magazine's author), critiques the traditional concept of God. Woodworth argues that the existence of evil and suffering makes the idea of an omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent God logically untenable. He questions the necessity of believing in an ineffective or malevolent deity, suggesting that the traditional attributes of God are contradictory or impossible. The author of the article, however, offers a critique of Woodworth's arguments, suggesting that Woodworth's critique is limited to a naive understanding of God and that more nuanced concepts of divinity exist.

The Haunted Universe and UFOs

An article discusses D. Scott Rogo's book "The haunted universe: a psychic look at miracles, UFOs and mysteries of nature." Rogo posits that UFO phenomena are largely psychic projections, with the collective unconscious creating the sightings. However, he acknowledges that some reports, like the Travis Walton incident, do not fit this interpretation. The article also touches upon the 'new ufology' of the 1970s, which focuses more on the psychological and sociological aspects of UFOs and the link to paranormal phenomena, noting the reluctance of parapsychologists to engage with the topic.

Rebirthing and Alternative Practices

Leonard Orr, the founder of the 'rebirthing' movement, is featured with information about his upcoming visit to Sweden. Rebirthing is described as a process to cleanse the body and psyche of old tensions and pain. The magazine also highlights various other practices and events, including Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi Chih classes, astrology workshops, macrobiotics seminars, and New Yoga sessions.

Martinus Cosmology and Other Spiritual Topics

Information is provided about lectures on Martinus Cosmology, a spiritual philosophy. Other topics covered include acupuncture, ESP testing, and a discussion on the nature of life's meaning by Rolf Ejvegård.

Book Reviews and Cultural Commentary

Roland Adlerberth reviews a series of books on the supernatural, "A New Library of the Supernatural," praising its extensive illustrations and broad coverage of topics like vampires, Atlantis, and mysteries. Another section reviews Carlos Castaneda's latest book, "Maktens andra ring" (The Second Ring of Power), noting a perceived decline in the originality and depth of his work.

Personal Reflections and Community

The magazine includes a section for personal reflections, such as an essay contest titled "MIN TRO" (My Faith), inviting readers to share their beliefs and reasons for them. There is also a piece about the Hare Krishna movement in Sweden, detailing the experiences of young people joining the movement and the impact on their families. A project for an eco-village called "Projekt Solbyn" near Lund and Malmö is also presented.

Pseudorationalists and Skepticism

An article titled "Pseudorationalister" critiques the stance of skeptics and atheists who label themselves as rationalists while dismissing phenomena that science cannot yet explain. The author argues that it is not inherently irrational to consider the existence of phenomena that are not yet scientifically understood, suggesting that 'thought stands above matter.'

Other Sections

"Sökarguiden" (The Seeker's Guide) provides listings of upcoming events, lectures, and courses related to spirituality, parapsychology, and alternative lifestyles. There are also sections for personal ads and a "Kontakt" (Contact) page for readers to connect with each other.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the questioning of traditional religious dogma, the exploration of alternative spiritual paths, and the examination of phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded, yet critical, editorial stance, encouraging dialogue and personal inquiry into matters of faith, consciousness, and the unexplained. It provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, from atheistic critiques to explorations of esoteric practices and paranormal experiences.