SÖKAREN

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 6
Volume: 1981
Issue Date: 1981
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 10:00 incl. moms

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1981, explores a range of topics centered around alternative lifestyles, health, and consciousness. The cover story features a report from Masesgården in Dalarna, a health and wellness center emphasizing vegetarianism, yoga, and holistic practices. The magazine includes an interview with parapsychology professor Martin Johnson, who discusses the ongoing debate about the existence of psi phenomena. Other articles delve into the use of hypnosis, particularly in relation to UFO sightings, and present a case study of multiple personality disorder. The concept of cooperation as an alternative societal and economic model is explored, alongside the growing importance of organic farming. The 'New Age' movement and its proponents are also highlighted.

Masesgården: A Week of Holistic Living

The reportage "EN VECKA PÅ MASESGÅRDEN" by Åsa Freij, with photos by Hans-J. Herbst, details a stay at Masesgården, a health and wellness center near Leksand, Sweden. Run by Christer Persson and Laila Gandefelt, the center offers a program focused on vegetarian food, yoga, and the connection between mind and body. The article highlights 'theme weeks' covering topics like psychotherapy, organic farming, meditation, and self-awareness. Various alternative therapies are available, including acupuncture, zone therapy, and chiropractic. The cost for a week's stay, including meals and the regular program, is outlined. Masesgården aims to create a harmonious environment, with emphasis on mindful living and personal growth. The article mentions Anna Bond and Signe Eriksson as guests enjoying the healthy food. The owners, Laila and Christer, believe that a sense of well-being and community is a healing factor, reflected in their careful presentation of meals and organized social gatherings.

Meditation and Self-Awareness at Masesgården

During the reporter's week at Masesgården, a theme course on meditation and self-awareness was led by Anna Bornstein. Bornstein, a Swedish translator of philosopher Paul Brunton, emphasized that change begins from within, and current circumstances are a result of past actions and thoughts. She introduced participants to the practice of meditation, drawing from Brunton's philosophy, which posits that individuals are not their body or thoughts, but something that possesses them. Bornstein stated that even a glimpse of the inner self can fundamentally alter one's values and perspective on life, leading to a more meaningful existence focused on spiritual development rather than material pursuits.

Gymnastics director Lars Kihlman also touched upon the mental aspect of physical exercise, particularly in relaxation techniques. He discussed the power of self-suggestion in achieving remarkable results in sports and even in overcoming physical illnesses.

Health and Alternative Therapies

Sten Elis Karlsson, who works at Masesgården, offers a range of therapies including reflexology, acupuncture, chiropractic, and homeopathy. He advocates for reflexology as a highly effective treatment, though often requiring multiple sessions. Karlsson laments the lack of public awareness regarding reflexology and hopes for future collaboration between licensed doctors and natural healers, with potential insurance coverage for such treatments. He explains reflexology as a form of 'remote effect' where specific points on the body, particularly the feet, are massaged to influence distant organs, based on ancient Chinese medicine principles. Homeopathy, based on the 'like cures like' principle, is also discussed as an effective and non-toxic treatment. Karlsson emphasizes the importance of psychosomatic connections, stating that at least 80% of physical ailments stem from the soul. He believes in a holistic approach, starting with physical treatments and progressing to conversations that help patients understand themselves and the root causes of their problems.

Karlsson's philosophy on healing involves self-reflection and listening to the body's messages. He suggests asking questions like "Why does my back hurt?" or "How can I find balance in my life?" during meditation to receive answers. He also highlights the role of dreams in receiving inner guidance, advising to write down questions before sleep. He stresses that the mind, or psyche, is the body's own healer, and positive, constructive thoughts can promote physical and psychological health. He believes that each cell in the body possesses a form of consciousness that can be influenced by the mind.

Christer Persson and Laila Gandefelt express their hope for a future where health centers like Masesgården are no longer needed, envisioning a society where healthy living is a natural state. They see potential for such centers to evolve into 'power centers' for creative production and meaningful work.

PSI - An Unlikely Reality?

Nils Wiklund interviews Martin Johnson, a professor of parapsychology at Utrecht University, Netherlands. Johnson expresses a nuanced view on the existence of psi phenomena (telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis), stating that it is not definitively settled and warrants serious investigation. He acknowledges the 'Rushton's dilemma,' where the improbability of psi clashes with compelling evidence. Johnson criticizes the approach of some scientists who dismiss psi solely based on its unlikelihood, comparing it to the improbable nature of quasars in theoretical physics. He believes that the scientific community, including organizations like The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), should critically examine such claims. However, he also points out that some parapsychologists have been overly lax and unscientific in their methods, leading to skepticism from mainstream science.

Johnson discusses the concept of falsifiability in science, noting that proving the non-existence of psi is difficult. He suggests that specific hypotheses within parapsychology could be tested through organized collaboration between laboratories. He expresses concern that parapsychology is in a crisis due to a lack of significant progress and repeatability in experiments, which may lead to reduced funding and support from universities and research councils. He highlights Helmut Schmidt's experiments from the early 1970s as particularly well-designed and statistically robust, despite some attempts to replicate them failing. Johnson also mentions the Ganzfeld studies as promising due to their inter-laboratory repeatability, and Rex Stanford's experimental work as providing strong support for the psi hypothesis, provided the data is not manipulated.

Hypnosis: Not a Magic Path to Truth

This section critically examines the reliability of testimony obtained under hypnosis, particularly in the context of UFO investigations. It references the famous Betty and Barney Hill case, where psychiatrist Dr. Ben Simon, who hypnotized them, concluded that their accounts of alien abduction were fantasies. Simon argues that hypnosis is not a "magic path to truth" and that individuals can consciously lie or confabulate under hypnosis. The article also cites research by Alvin H. Lawson, who found that subjects hypnotized to believe they had UFO experiences reported similar accounts to actual witnesses, suggesting that hypnosis can elicit fabricated memories. Martin T. Orne, a recognized authority on hypnosis, states that hypnotic suggestions can lead to the creation of "pseudomemories," where imagined events are perceived as real. Orne emphasizes the need for independent verification of hypnotic testimony and notes that while free recall may be more reliable, detailed questioning can lead to the incorporation of false information. The article concludes that while hypnosis can be a tool, its results must be treated with extreme caution and corroborated by external evidence.

Evelyn's Three Faces: A Case of Multiple Personality

This article presents a case study of Evelyn (a pseudonym), an American woman with multiple personality disorder, treated by psychiatrist Robert F. Jeans. Evelyn exhibited three distinct personality states, each with unique attitudes, memories, and behaviors. The case is compared to "Three Faces of Eve." The article details Evelyn's childhood experiences, including a traumatic event at age 12 that may have contributed to the development of her dissociative states. The personalities, identified as Gina, Mary Solsken, and Evelyn, are described, along with their interactions and conflicts. Gina is portrayed as critical and mentally disturbed, Mary Solsken as effusive and childlike, and Evelyn as a more balanced and mature personality that eventually integrated the others. A "Blind" personality analyses conducted by Osgood, Luria, and Smith revealed significant differences between the states, aligning with Jeans' observations. The article suggests that Evelyn's integration of the other personalities led to her recovery and the resolution of her symptoms. The case highlights the complexity of the human psyche and the potential for healing through therapy.

Cooperation: An Alternative for the New Era

Kai Blomqvist, a researcher and author at the Cooperative Institute, discusses the cooperative movement as more than just a business model but as a conscious, humane worldview. He emphasizes that in cooperatives, users are also owners, fostering a direct connection between utility and ownership. Blomqvist argues that cooperation can be a powerful tool for personal development, as it requires individuals to work together and confront their own limitations, such as egoism and the desire for dominance. He believes that the current capitalist and socialist systems hinder the development of consciousness and promote selfish values. Cooperation, in contrast, is presented as an economic form that does not lead to oppression and encourages genuine values like humanity and community. He highlights the growing interest in cooperative forms, including worker takeovers of struggling businesses and the development of collective housing and community projects. The article mentions examples like the Mondragon cooperatives in Spain and the Israeli kibbutzim, as well as emerging cooperative initiatives in Sweden. Blomqvist sees cooperation as a vital element for a better world, free from injustice, oppression, and war.

Organic Farming: The Only Way Forward

This section argues that organic farming is the only viable path for agriculture, citing the detrimental effects of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on the environment and human health. Garth Youngberg, an expert in organic farming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, presents findings from a recent government study indicating that organic farms are not solely run by idealistic smallholders but also by large-scale farmers achieving positive results without chemical inputs. The study suggests that organic farming can be as profitable as conventional methods, with lower production costs and higher quality produce compensating for potentially lower yields. Youngberg notes a growing fear among farmers regarding the long-term consequences of chemical agriculture. The article also features Nils Nilsson, a farmer from Sweden, who recounts the negative impacts of nitrogen fertilization on his livestock and the environment, linking it to various health problems. Ewout van Alphen, another organic farmer, emphasizes the need for a future-oriented approach to agriculture and society, advocating for a return to biological methods. Gunnar Videgård, a proponent of natural cultivation, urges politicians to take organic farming seriously, highlighting the vulnerability of Sweden's agricultural sector to chemical supply blockades.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around alternative approaches to health, consciousness, and societal organization. There is a strong emphasis on holistic well-being, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment. The magazine appears to champion movements like 'New Age' and organic farming, presenting them as solutions to the perceived problems of modern, materialistic society. The editorial stance is critical of conventional scientific paradigms when they dismiss phenomena like psi, and it questions the reliance on chemical inputs in agriculture. The magazine promotes a worldview that values cooperation, inner growth, and a more conscious way of living, suggesting that individual transformation is key to societal change. There is a consistent thread of seeking deeper truths and questioning established norms, aligning with the magazine's title, 'Sökaren' (The Seeker).

SÖKAREN, Issue 6, 1981, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy, spirituality, and esoteric subjects. This issue features a diverse range of articles, including profiles of spiritual figures, discussions on controversial topics, book reviews, and listings for courses and events.

Articles

Martinus: A Spiritual Visionary

The issue dedicates significant space to Martinus (1890-1981), a Danish spiritual thinker whose cosmic cosmology is explored by Nils Kalén. Martinus, a self-taught visionary, developed a comprehensive spiritual science over sixty years, aiming to provide humanity with a universal understanding of existence. His work, described as a 'spiritual mapping of the universe,' is noted for its logical structure and clarity. The article mentions his extensive writings, including the seven-volume 'Livets bok' (The Book of Life), and his passing at over 90 years old. A memorial service in Copenhagen is described as a celebration of life rather than a somber event. The article highlights Martinus's emphasis on love as the fundamental tone of the universe and his work as a 'Third Testament,' building upon the Old and New Testaments.

The Turin Shroud: A Scientific Debate

An article examines the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. It traces the shroud's history from its first appearance in 1354 to its current location in Turin. The scientific community is divided, with some studies suggesting the image could be an authentic 'photo' of Jesus, while others, like Dr. Walter C. McCrone, propose it's a medieval forgery based on findings of iron oxide, possibly from red ochre paint. The Vatican's refusal to allow carbon-14 dating, which McCrone believes would confirm a 15th-century origin, is noted. Conversely, a group of 32 American scientists argue that iron oxide could be from human blood, supporting the shroud's authenticity. The debate continues, with no definitive conclusion yet reached.

Borgen Förlag: A Publisher of Esoteric Literature

Sven Rosén interviews Jarl Borgen, founder of Borgen Förlag in Denmark, a leading publisher of 'seeker literature' in the Nordic region. Borgen discusses the growth of his publishing house, its commitment to avant-garde topics, and its significant output of books on health, spirituality, and self-improvement. He contrasts the Danish and Swedish markets, noting Denmark's earlier embrace of subjects like yoga and parapsychology. Borgen highlights the impact of authors like Stanislav Grof and Jes Bertelsen, and discusses the challenges of censorship and differing cultural attitudes towards esoteric subjects.

Forced Conversion: Yogindra das's Experience in the USA

Björn Sahlin recounts the harrowing experience of Yogindra das, a Hare Krishna devotee who was held captive and subjected to 'deprogramming' in the USA. After his father's death, Yogindra was lured back to the US by his family, who disapproved of his spiritual path. He was held in a villa for 25 days, monitored by 'deprogrammers' and family members, including a former Catholic nun. The deprogrammers attempted to force him to abandon his beliefs, using psychological tactics and threats. Yogindra's hair tuft and necklace, symbols of his faith, were removed. The article details the methods used, the legal context of such detentions (contrasting with Swedish law), and the financial cost of the deprogramming. Yogindra ultimately resisted and was released when his family's permit expired.

Is Astrology False?

This section presents a critical look at astrology, featuring the views of Professor Åke Wallenquist, an astronomer who argues that astrology is a primitive superstition lacking scientific basis, contrasting it with the empirical methods of astronomy. The article acknowledges that while the heliocentric model and vast cosmic distances should have rendered astrology obsolete, it continues to thrive. It also references research by Gauquelin and Eysenck, which some interpret as providing evidence for astrological correlations, while noting that other studies, like one involving students and personality descriptions, have yielded negative results. The magazine states it approaches the topic without prejudice, seeking to present findings from critical studies.

Jesus in India: A Critical Examination

Per Beskow's book 'Jesus i Kashmir' is reviewed, which critically examines the claim that Jesus survived the crucifixion and died in India. Beskow argues that the historical documents supporting this theory are weak and often based on misinterpretations or fabrications, particularly those originating from the Ahmadiyya movement's founder, Ahmed. The article concludes that while these claims may hold religious significance for believers, they lack historical validation.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• 'Myternas värld' (The World of Myths) by Alexander Eliot: Praised as a richly illustrated and comprehensive collection of myths from various cultures, influenced by Jungian archetypes.
• 'Terapiguiden' (The Therapy Guide) by Joel Kovel: A clear overview of different therapeutic approaches, from psychoanalysis to behavior therapy, offering practical advice.
• 'Zonterapi' (Zone Therapy) by Lis Andersen: A Danish physiotherapist's account of her experience with zone therapy, a complementary health practice.
• 'Vägen till Överjaget' (The Quest of the Overself) by Paul Brunton: Discusses Brunton's philosophical exploration of the self and consciousness, comparing his ideas to Eastern philosophies.
• 'Lilla Anna och livet' (Little Anna and Life) by Anna of Fynn: A children's book described as a profound exploration of life and God through the eyes of a young girl, with a message that resonates with adults.
• 'Jesus i Indien' (Jesus in India) by Per Beskow: Critically examines claims of Jesus's post-crucifixion life in India.

Other Content

• Contact Information: Listings for various organizations, bookshops, and courses related to spirituality, health, and personal development.
• Personal Ads: A section for personal ads seeking connections based on shared interests.
• Event Listings: Information on upcoming courses and workshops, including those on environmental topics, personal development, and meditation.
• Astrology: A listing for a horoscope service and an article on an astrology course.
• 'Människor' (People): A short philosophical piece reflecting on the nature of true humanity.
• 'Profeten' (The Prophet): A humorous cartoon about handwriting analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative lifestyles, personal growth, and esoteric knowledge. It presents a platform for diverse viewpoints, including those that challenge conventional scientific or religious paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to explore different perspectives and form their own conclusions, as exemplified by the approach to astrology and the critical review of 'Jesus in India' claims. There is a clear interest in promoting holistic health, psychological well-being, and a deeper understanding of consciousness and the universe.