Sokaren - 1980 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 6
Date: 1980

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in 1980, delves into profound questions about happiness, spirituality, and self-understanding, featuring a diverse range of articles and interviews.

Lyckoproblemet (The Problem of Happiness)

The cover story, "Lyckoproblemet" (The Problem of Happiness), by Åsa Freij, sets the tone for the issue. It posits that achieving happiness is a primary goal of life, yet happiness itself is elusive. The article explores fundamental questions: Is happiness an internal state or dependent on external circumstances? Can one choose to be happy, or does it arrive unbidden? Freij compiles thoughts on happiness from various thinkers.

The Nature of Happiness

Åsa Freij's article "Lycka, vad är det?" (Happiness, what is it?) examines the concept of happiness from multiple viewpoints. She synthesizes ancient philosophy, religious teachings, modern psychology, and everyday opinions to define happiness. According to her synthesis, happiness is an inner, spiritual state, largely independent of external circumstances, accessible to everyone. It requires understanding and applying the 'laws of happiness.' Key elements include goodness, selflessness, contentment, timelessness, a sense of freedom, harmony, and peace, free from desire. Concepts like truth and love are closely linked to happiness, potentially serving as pathways to it.

Freij references philosophers like Plato, who, through Socrates, argued that true happiness lies in freedom from needs, contrasting it with Kallikles' view that happiness is satisfying needs. The analogy of carrying water in a sieve illustrates the futility of constantly satisfying external desires. The article also touches upon the idea that perfection within oneself negates the need for external validation.

The Role of the Inner Self and Consciousness

Several articles emphasize the importance of inner states over external conditions. The concept of the "good conscience" is presented as a prerequisite for happiness, as articulated by Bertil Malmberg, who suggests it arises when one forgets oneself and focuses on something beyond the ego. True happiness, he implies, cannot be found by chasing it but emerges when one is selfless and forgets oneself. The pursuit of happiness is linked to self-forgetfulness, while chasing it leads to self-absorption.

Margit Wohlin's perspective is introduced, defining happiness as harmony with nature's, psyche's, and spirit's laws—essentially, health. She argues that happiness is found not when sought for personal gain, but when one gives up desiring it for oneself. Wohlin distinguishes enjoyment (passive) from happiness (active), with enjoyment turning inward and happiness outward. Happiness makes one energetic, while enjoyment makes one sluggish. Those who experience happiness naturally wish to share it.

Love, particularly pure, selfless love, is identified as a key component of happiness by many thinkers. Even limited, possessive love can offer a glimpse of higher love. Creating something, engaging in art, or religious devotion can lead to happiness when one is so absorbed in the activity that one forgets oneself.

Ernest Raymond's theory of two selves—an inner, contemplative self and an outer, desiring self—is mentioned. He suggests that the outer self must be lulled into a state of insensitivity for the true, inner self to be liberated and find happiness.

Pearl Buck is cited for her belief that individuals choose happiness or unhappiness, asserting that it has little to do with external circumstances but rather with a philosophy that prevents one from being tossed about by life's events. She contrasts the will to live with the will to die (passivity and negativity), noting the destructive energy even in stagnation. For Buck, happiness is simple: if life is worth living, we are happy; if not, we are unhappy.

Harry Lindqvist emphasizes a positive attitude, viewing happiness as a matter of perspective. He highlights gratitude and love as key elements. Levnadskonst (the art of living) is presented as a crucial, yet overlooked, subject.

The concept of taking full responsibility for oneself is linked to happiness, freedom, and well-being, as discussed in modern psychotherapy. Escaping responsibility is seen as a cause of unhappiness, leading to blame and manipulation.

The Role of Community and Acceptance

Psychologist Alfred Adler's concept of "community feeling" is presented as a measure of psychological health and happiness. This feeling involves forgetting oneself, caring for others as much as oneself, and experiencing oneself as part of a meaningful whole. A poorly developed community feeling can lead to destructive symptoms and unhappiness.

Carl Jung's emphasis on accepting one's fate—an unconditional "yes" to existence—is also discussed. This acceptance, Ullman suggests, creates an ego that is resilient and can withstand life's challenges, turning even defeat into a victory.

Zen Buddhism: The Path to Enlightenment

Elin Lagerkvist's article "ZEN" explores Zen Buddhism, a prominent Eastern religion influencing Western philosophy, literature, and art. Zen is described not as a religion or philosophy but as a direct spiritual experience transmitted from master to disciple. It is characterized by paradoxes and a focus on "emptiness" (shunya) as the true nature of reality. The article traces Zen's origins from Indian Mahayana Buddhism and its development in Japan, where it influenced the warrior class due to its emphasis on self-discipline and direct experience over dogma.

The concept of "satori" (enlightenment or awakening) is explained as the realization of one's unity with all living beings and the universe. The article highlights the Zen emphasis on the present moment and the idea that the goal is not something to be achieved in the future but is present here and now. It contrasts Zen's view of life as a continuous evolution, symbolized by a spiral, with the Western concept of a linear progression.

Zen stories illustrate the importance of "attention" and direct experience over intellectual understanding. The article concludes that Zen's ultimate goal is to realize the interconnectedness of all things and to achieve a state of boundless love and compassion.

Dream Interpretation: A Path to Self-Discovery

In a reportage titled "Din dröm är din egen terapeut som visar dig vägen till sanning" (Your dream is your own therapist that shows you the way to truth), Åsa Freij details a dream interpretation seminar led by Professor Montague Ullman. Ullman asserts that dreams are invaluable inner therapists that reveal truths about ourselves. He notes societal resistance to dream awareness, comparing it to the historical suppression of poets. Dreams are presented as honest messengers, using symbols and images to convey abstract content. They are seen as a way to process unresolved experiences from the past. Working with dreams in groups is recommended for creating a supportive atmosphere for honest self-exploration. Ullman emphasizes that dreams are personal and that the dreamer has the final authority in their interpretation. He also discusses how dreams can be a gateway to spiritual development, alongside religion, parapsychology, and philosophy.

Parapsychology and the Future

An interview with Dr. Milan Ryzl, a Czech-American parapsychologist, discusses the potential of psi phenomena. Ryzl, who fled Czechoslovakia due to his research, believes that ESP (extrasensory perception) will become significant for controlling phenomena and can be used in everyday life. He notes that while practical applications are still distant, parapsychology is gaining acceptance in academia. Ryzl distinguishes parapsychology as a science from spiritualism, which he considers a flawed hypothesis. He suggests that paranormal phenomena are natural, not supernatural, and are likely due to an unknown energy factor, not electromagnetic waves. He highlights the importance of belief and a positive attitude in developing paranormal abilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the power of the inner world—consciousness, attitude, and self-awareness—as the primary determinant of happiness and well-being. There is a recurring theme that external circumstances are less important than one's internal response to them. The magazine promotes self-responsibility, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of spiritual growth through various disciplines like philosophy, Zen Buddhism, and dream analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging introspection, critical thinking, and an open-minded exploration of unconventional ideas related to human potential and consciousness.

This issue of "Sökaren" (Issue 6, Volume 17, 1980) is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy, new thoughts, new culture, and new ways of living. It features a diverse range of articles, from parapsychology and UFO phenomena to religious conversions and lifestyle choices.

Parapsychology and Religion

Dr. Milan Ryzl, a parapsychologist, is interviewed extensively. He discusses the nature of ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception), suggesting it is not a conscious thought process but rather an impression that arises when the mind is empty. He notes that positive emotions like self-confidence, inner peace, and excitement favor ESP, while stress, anxiety, and strong emotional engagement can hinder it. Dr. Ryzl also touches upon the potential of parapsychology to bridge the gap between science and religion, suggesting it might one day provide experimental methods to investigate religious dogmas such as the existence of God and life after death.

He describes a repeatable experiment with Pavel Stephanek that demonstrated ESP under controlled laboratory conditions, refuting claims that such phenomena cannot be reliably reproduced. Dr. Ryzl emphasizes that parapsychology is now an experimental science that critically studies phenomena.

Regarding the existence of ESP and PK (Psychokinesis), Dr. Ryzl states there is absolute proof, though he acknowledges that the scientific community may not be fully convinced due to the vastness of knowledge in each field. He asserts that these phenomena do not contradict the scientific worldview but rather add new knowledge, similar to how Einstein's theory of relativity initially seemed peculiar.

Animal Mutilations in the USA

Anders Liljegren provides an overview of the mysterious phenomenon of animal mutilations occurring in the USA, particularly in states like Montana and New Mexico. These incidents involve the precise surgical removal of body parts, often without any blood, and leave no tracks at the scene, leading to speculation about airborne perpetrators or even UFO involvement. The article highlights the frustration of investigators and the large rewards offered for information, yet the cases remain largely unsolved. The author notes the similarity of some findings to 'angel hair' and 'ectoplasm' and suggests a possible link between these mutilations and UFO sightings, describing them as 'siamese twins'.

Religious Conversion and Critique

The magazine features the story of Rabindranath Maharaj, a former Hindu guru who converted to Pentecostal Christianity. Maharaj recounts his upbringing in Hinduism, his father's ascetic practices, and his eventual disillusionment with Hindu philosophy, particularly its concept of Brahman and reincarnation. He criticizes the caste system and the perceived lack of social engagement in Hinduism, contrasting it with the Christian emphasis on love and salvation. Maharaj also critiques the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, calling it a religion that makes its followers into Hindus and alleging financial exploitation by its founder, Maharishi.

Vegetarianism

An excerpt from Nathaniel Altman's book "Eating for Life" argues for vegetarianism based on human anatomy and physiology. It suggests that humans are naturally adapted to a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, citing digestive systems and dental structures as evidence. The article also criticizes the cruel methods used in modern factory farming.

Alvin Toffler on Science and the Occult

An interview with futurist Alvin Toffler discusses the evolving boundaries of science. Toffler suggests that science is increasingly open to exploring subjects previously considered taboo, including parapsychology and the occult. He acknowledges that much in these fields can be charlatanism, but also criticizes the scientific establishment for its own dogmatism and for ostracizing researchers who challenge prevailing theories.

Personal Growth and Alternative Lifestyles

The magazine includes a section on "Informationssluss" (Information Lock), a Swedish publication focused on communication, new ideas, and alternative living. It also features a call for submissions for a book about childbirth experiences, compiled by Annika Christianson, aiming to support parents and promote home births.

Synpunkter om Guds existens (Viewpoints on the Existence of God)

This section presents a debate on the existence of God. Olle Wedholm criticizes Barbara Smoker's atheistic views, arguing that a lack of belief in God signifies a lack of religious inclination. The response argues that religion is not solely defined by belief in God, citing atheistic religions like Buddhism. It contends that true religiosity lies in striving for moral development. The debate touches upon the logical inconsistencies of the concept of an all-powerful, all-good God in the face of suffering and criticizes the 'esoteric' nature of some philosophical discussions.

Other Articles

Other articles include a piece on "Worshipping the Sun" and a poem titled "VÄDJAN!" (Plea!) urging respect for nature. There is also a section on Western astrology and a brief mention of Buddhist texts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of consciousness, the paranormal, and alternative belief systems. The magazine appears to advocate for open-mindedness, critical inquiry, and the consideration of diverse perspectives, even those outside the mainstream scientific or religious establishments. The editorial stance, as suggested by the "Sökaren" description, is to provide a platform for a wide range of opinions and to encourage readers to form their own conclusions based on the information presented. There is a clear interest in challenging established norms and exploring unconventional ideas.