Sokaren - 1980 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 8
Volume/Year: 1980
Cover Headline: MEDITATION I KRISTEN MILJÖ (Meditation in a Christian Environment)

This issue of Sökaren explores the practice of meditation, its integration into Christian life, and its connection to Eastern spiritual traditions. It features articles on retreat centers, personal spiritual journeys, and philosophical reflections on life and consciousness.

Meditation i Kristen Miljö

The lead article, "Meditation i Kristen Miljö," discusses how meditation is not solely for Eastern-influenced youth but is increasingly being discovered by people within traditional Christian faith. It highlights the significance of stillness, inner emptiness, and connecting with deep inner sources as a means to combat anxiety, stress, and doubt. The article introduces S:t Davidsgården, a retreat center in Rättvik, Sweden, founded twenty years prior. Nils-Hugo Ahlstedt, the former director, was inspired by retreat activities in England. The center was built on Kaplaberget and inaugurated in 1962. The architecture is described as modern and serene, with a chapel at its heart featuring simple, contemporary decor. Retreats typically last a week, with a structured daily program including services, meditation, meals, and instruction. The article emphasizes the importance of silence during retreats, noting that participants find it helps them connect with God and their inner selves. Evert Fredriksson, a churchwarden, shares his experience of finding peace and reconnecting with his inner self through retreats after feeling overwhelmed by his job. He describes a profound spiritual experience during an Easter retreat. A young woman from Ulricehamn also shares her positive experience, finding that the retreat helps integrate faith into her daily life.

Per Mases, the priest responsible for S:t Davidsgården's activities, states that meditation and silence are valuable, and individual experiences of God are personal. He notes the growing acceptance of the retreat center's work within and outside the Church of Sweden, with groups like Jesuits and free church pastors holding retreats there. All future priests, deacons, and deaconesses are offered the opportunity to participate.

Rättviks Meditationscentrum (RMC)

Following the ten-year mark of S:t Davidsgården, a need for a different form of meditation emerged among some participants. This led to the establishment of Rättviks Meditationscentrum (RMC) in 1970, with Professor Hans Hof as its leader. RMC is described as religiously and philosophically neutral, offering practices like Zen meditation. The center's architecture is simple, with rooms decorated in natural colors. It offers courses in Zen meditation, Feldenkrais method, and T'ai Chi, aiming to promote self-awareness, balance, and personal growth. Hans Hof emphasizes that RMC's approach is more about personal growth than proselytizing. Nils-Hugo Ahlstedt, also a former priest, notes that Zen has no missionary agenda but grows through its own power. He describes Zen practice as a serious endeavor that leads to inner freedom and a deeper connection with oneself.

The article details various courses offered at RMC, including those combining Zen meditation with bioenergetics, which explores human psychology and relationships. Jacques Dropsy, who runs an institute in Paris, also leads courses at RMC, focusing on body awareness and Zen. The center has a large number of participants from across the country, particularly those in caring professions. A significant portion of returning guests opt for vegetarian meals.

Nirvana och Vår Tid (Nirvana and Our Time)

This article by Rune E A Johansson discusses the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism. It notes that while ancient Buddhists considered Nirvana attainable, modern interpretations often describe it as an unattainable, otherworldly reality. Johansson contrasts this with the original Buddhist understanding, where Nirvana was seen as the cessation of suffering, aging, and death, achievable through moral purification, meditation, and insight. The article touches upon the Buddhist belief in rebirth and how the pursuit of Nirvana was largely about preventing future rebirths. It also explores the role of experience and the dissolution of the ego in achieving Nirvana.

Harry Lindquist: Positivity Prophet

This profile by Åsa Freij celebrates Harry Lindquist, an influential figure known for his positive outlook and humanitarian work. Lindquist is credited with initiating projects like desert afforestation and supporting medical missions. His philosophy centers on gratitude, love, and a positive attitude as keys to overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes that thoughts and feelings shape our reality and that a proactive approach, coupled with faith, is essential. The article highlights his work with the publishing house Harriers and the magazine Svenska Journalen, as well as his advocacy for healthy living, including campaigns against smoking and alcohol. Lindquist's personal journey, marked by hardship including the loss of his first wife and a battle with cancer, is presented as a testament to his philosophy of resilience and positivity. His second marriage to Maj-Britt Skoog is described as a source of great support.

Sten Rodhe on Hjalmar Ekström

Sten Rodhe writes about Hjalmar Ekström (1885-1962), a shoemaker and spiritual counselor. Ekström's writings, particularly his commentary on the Song of Solomon, are analyzed as interpretations of Christian mysticism. Rodhe notes that Ekström's work, though drawing inspiration from Christian mystics like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross, primarily references the Bible. Ekström's concept of spiritual union with Christ involves stages of spiritual darkness and self-emptying, leading to a state of 'nothingness' where Christ becomes 'everything.' The article discusses Ekström's personal experiences, including a significant event in Örkelljunga in 1916, which shaped his life. His writings emphasize accepting suffering and humility as part of spiritual growth and finding God in silence and stillness.

Bertil Falk on Löfström, Beskow, Notovitch and Jesus in Ladakh

Bertil Falk examines the controversial figure of Nicolas Notovitch and his claims of discovering ancient Buddhist texts in Ladakh detailing the life of Jesus (referred to as Issa). Falk discusses theories suggesting that Ippolito Desideri might have influenced Notovitch's accounts. He defends Notovitch against critics like Per Beskow, who label him a fraud, by pointing out that some of Notovitch's descriptions, such as the presence of snow leopards in Ladakh, align with factual accounts from other sources like J. N. Ganhar. Falk also addresses discrepancies in Notovitch's narrative, such as the potential confusion between right and left, and the feasibility of travel times. He argues that it is too early to dismiss Notovitch as a fraud, given that some of his claims have been corroborated and others remain open to further investigation. The article notes that 'Issa' was a known name for Jesus in Islamic traditions present in Ladakh long before Notovitch's visit.

Tokerier (Follies)

This section contains a collection of short, aphoristic statements on life, human nature, and perception. It includes quotes on the difficulty of being human, self-esteem, adapting to life, the nature of reality, and the importance of vision and ideals. It also features a quote from Joseph Joubert about changing one's mind.

Måndagsgruppen (Monday Group)

This section announces a series of lectures held every Monday at ABF, covering various topics, with special announcements for specific lectures.

Astrologiska analyser (Astrological Analyses)

This section offers astrological services, including personal year horoscopes and character analyses, with contact information for Karin Nordgren.

UFO-aktuellt (UFO-Current)

This is an advertisement for the UFO magazine "UFO-AKTUELLT," inviting readers to order a sample copy to learn about "flying saucers" and "close encounters of the third kind."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spirituality, personal growth, and the exploration of different paths to inner peace and understanding. The magazine presents a diverse range of perspectives, from traditional Christian retreats to Eastern meditative practices like Zen Buddhism, and philosophical explorations of life's meaning. There's an underlying editorial stance that encourages open-mindedness towards various spiritual disciplines and a belief in the potential for personal transformation through practices like meditation, positive thinking, and self-reflection. The articles often blend personal testimonies with factual information and historical context, aiming to inform and inspire readers on their spiritual journeys. The inclusion of sections like "Tokerier" and advertisements for astrology and UFOs suggests a broad interest in esoteric and alternative topics.

This issue of Sökarguiden, dated October 1980, focuses on a diverse range of topics related to consciousness, learning, and the paranormal. The magazine features articles on the highly effective 'Superlearning' method developed by Georgi Lozanov, parapsychological research into life after death and UFO phenomena, and alternative lifestyle choices.

Superlearning: The Lozanov Method

The lead article delves into the origins and effectiveness of Georgi Lozanov's suggestopedia, a method that revolutionized language learning and information retention. Initially met with skepticism and censorship in the Soviet bloc, Lozanov's approach gained traction in the West after researchers like Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder brought details of its success to light. The method involves a holistic approach, integrating music (specifically baroque), rhythmic breathing, and suggestive techniques to create an optimal learning environment. Early claims of learning thousands of words in a single session were initially dismissed, but later research confirmed the method's efficacy, with reports of students rapidly mastering subjects and even mentally handicapped children showing significant improvement.

The article highlights common misunderstandings of the method, such as the misuse of music as mere background noise, leading to failed attempts at replication in the West. It emphasizes that the true power of suggestopedia lies in the synergistic combination of music, relaxation, breathing exercises, and the teacher's suggestive personality. The method is presented as a 'yoga of music,' enhancing mental clarity and receptivity without inducing drowsiness.

The Power of Music and Plants

Another section explores the impact of music on plants, citing the work of botanist T.C.N. Singh, who found that certain music, like Bach sonatas, could significantly increase wheat yields. This leads to a discussion on how sound waves might affect living organisms, including humans, not just through hearing but also more directly. The article connects this to psychotherapeutic practices, where music, particularly baroque compositions, is used to induce relaxation and enhance mental well-being.

Marcos Orbito: The Healer

The magazine profiles Marcos Orbito, a Filipino healer known for his 'psychic surgery.' The report details a personal encounter with Orbito's methods, describing how he appeared to perform operations with his bare hands, extracting blood and other substances. The experience leaves the reporter questioning the limits of reality and the nature of healing.

Karlis Osis: Parapsychology and Deathbed Visions

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the parapsychological research of Karlis Osis. His work on deathbed visions, based on extensive surveys of physicians and nurses, is presented as evidence supporting the hypothesis of survival after death. Osis's research statistically analyzed the content of these visions, finding common themes of encounters with deceased loved ones and a sense of transition to another realm, irrespective of cultural background.

His research, funded in part by the estate of James Kidd, also explored out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and the possibility of consciousness existing independently of the physical body. Experiments involving individuals who claimed to have OBEs were conducted, with some success in observing distant objects, suggesting a phenomenon distinct from standard ESP.

Parapsychology and the Scientific Community

The issue touches upon the challenges and progress within parapsychology. It discusses the need for reproducible experiments, the controversies surrounding fraudulent cases (like those of J.B. Rhine and S.G. Soal), and the ongoing debate about the scientific validity of the field. Concepts like the 'ganzfeld' technique and the 'sheep-goat effect' are mentioned as areas of research aimed at establishing more rigorous methodologies.

Alternative Lifestyles and Practices

Beyond the more academic explorations, the magazine features lighter pieces on alternative lifestyles. A report on 'Glad Dans Disco' highlights a drug- and alcohol-free dance event promoting a sense of community and freedom of expression. There is also mention of meditation retreats and workshops, emphasizing their role in personal development and spiritual growth.

Other Topics

Briefly mentioned are discussions on the nature of religion and God, the potential for human longevity through mental control (as proposed by Dr. J.A.S. Sage), and the controversial topic of spontaneous human combustion. The issue also includes listings for various courses, lectures, and events related to astrology, meditation, yoga, and other esoteric subjects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökarguiden revolve around the exploration of consciousness, the potential for human enhancement through unconventional methods (Superlearning, mental control), and the investigation of phenomena that lie beyond the scope of conventional science (UFOs, parapsychology, psychic healing). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting research and experiences from various fields without necessarily endorsing them as absolute truth, but rather as subjects worthy of investigation and discussion. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between the material and the spiritual, the scientific and the esoteric, and in promoting personal growth and well-being through alternative means.

This issue of VETA – ETT SVÅRT ORD (Issue 8, Volume 17, 1980) is a Swedish publication focused on life philosophy and spiritual questions. The cover prominently features the title, emphasizing the complexity and difficulty of the word 'Veta' (to know).

The Nature of Knowing

The lead article, likely an editorial given the 'SM' attribution, delves into the profound difficulty of the word 'Veta'. It argues that 'knowing' is an exclusive and absolute word, easily misused and leading to falsehoods when applied incorrectly. The author stresses that true knowledge requires proof and the absence of alternative conclusions. The article contrasts the human capacity for understanding with the vastness of the cosmos, suggesting that much of what we think we know can be questioned. It critiques religious dogma for claiming absolute knowledge and proposes a confession of not knowing the ultimate reality, while still expressing belief in a guiding, benevolent force and the value of good deeds and love.

Featured Articles and Content

The issue contains a diverse range of articles, including:

• Meditation i Rättvik by Maria Adkinson.
• Nirvana och vår tid by Rune E. A. Johansson, exploring the concept of Nirvana in the modern era.
• Harry Lindquist, positivitetsprofet by Åsa Freij, a profile of Harry Lindquist, described as a 'prophet of positivity'.
• Hjalmar Ekström by Sten Rodhe.
• Löfström, Beskow, Notovitch och Jesus i Ladakh by Bertil Falk, examining connections between these figures and Jesus in the Ladakh region.
• Ny inlärningsmetod by Karl Christiansen, discussing a new learning method.
• Missionären med de helande händerna by Per Sellmann, about a missionary with healing hands.
• Parapsykologin, en hundraårig vetenskap by Adrian Parker, presenting parapsychology as a century-old science.
• Karlis Osis söker dödens hemlighet, an article about Karlis Osis seeking the secret of death.
• Glad-disco i Hälsans Hus by Åsa Freij.
• Dr Sage och den eviga ungdomens hemlighet by Dr Sage, discussing the secret to eternal youth.

Publication Details and Subscription Information

The magazine is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with the address Box 3063, 103 61 Stockholm 3. Contact information includes Postgiro 70 60 47-8 and Bankgiro 372-8128, with a telephone number of 08/69 60 27. Sven Magnusson is listed as the editor and responsible publisher. The magazine is described as an independent publication for life philosophy, allowing diverse opinions to be expressed. Advertisers are solely responsible for their offerings. The issue was printed in Växjö in 1980 by Smålandspostens Boktr. AB. The ISSN is 0038-0504, and the page count is 40. Subscription prices are 68 SEK for a full year (10 issues) and 36 SEK for a half year. Advertising rates are also provided, with small ads costing 15 SEK per column-centimeter, with a minimum charge of 45 SEK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue appear to be the exploration of knowledge, spirituality, and the human condition from various philosophical and psychological perspectives. The editorial stance, as suggested by the lead article, is one of caution regarding absolute claims of knowledge, advocating for intellectual humility and a focus on ethical living and belief in a benevolent universal force, even in the absence of definitive proof.