Sokaren - 1982 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR5
Volume: 19
Date: 1982
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1982, delves into various facets of personal development, societal change, and alternative perspectives. The cover prominently features the headline "NYANDLIGHETEN - VART TOG DEN VÄGEN?" (New Spirituality - Where Did It Go?), indicating a central theme exploring the decline or transformation of the new spirituality movement.

Nyandligheten - Vart Tog Den Vägen? (New Spirituality - Where Did It Go?)

This extensive article by Björn Sahlin, a former initiator and chairman of Religiöst Forum, reflects on the rise and fall of the 'new spirituality' movement in Sweden during the 1970s. Sahlin recounts his experiences organizing and participating in Religiöst Forum, an association of various new religious communities. He describes the initial enthusiasm and the desire for inter-community understanding, but also the growing resistance from established religious institutions, conflicts with authorities, and negative media campaigns. These factors, along with internal problems, led to increasing isolation and sectarianism among the new communities. The article details how the initial broad cooperation within Religiöst Forum fractured as some communities prioritized solidarity with their own groups over spiritual fellowship. Sahlin notes that while the movement aimed to challenge the secularized society and its established religious structures, the institutional networks proved more resilient than anticipated. He also touches upon the ideological differences that emerged within the movement, mirroring trends in the broader left-wing movement, and how the initial enthusiasm waned towards the end of the 1970s.

Sahlin contrasts the 'new spirituality' with the broader youth movement, where spiritual experiences were often integrated into a holistic worldview encompassing politics, religion, science, and art. He suggests that the youth movement's approach was more about impulse and thought experiments than strict doctrines, with personal experience valued over religious dogma. However, he observes that some new religious communities were quite reactionary and aligned with societal norms, using the youth movement primarily for recruitment. The article concludes that the 'new spirituality' as a vibrant, unifying force has died, with the remaining communities now operating in the periphery of society. Sahlin reflects on his own development, moving from a practical revolutionary stance influenced by liberation theology to a personal spiritual path that emphasizes inner understanding and social responsibility.

Kerstin Nordin: New Age-konsult

Kerstin Nordin, presented as a 'New Age consultant,' shares her journey from atheism to a belief in higher consciousness and spiritual development. She describes feeling a profound emptiness and dissatisfaction in her life despite outward success, which led her to seek meaning within herself. Nordin recounts a 'primal experience' and a subsequent vision of herself as a 'ball of light,' a part of a greater divine intelligence. This experience led her to embrace concepts like reincarnation and a holistic understanding of God as 'everything.' She emphasizes the importance of developing higher consciousness through inner work and exercises, aiming to overcome negativity and weakness. Nordin now works to integrate 'new age' ideas into the business world, encouraging companies to take greater social responsibility and for individuals to develop their creativity and holistic perspective. She believes Sweden can serve as a 'laboratory' for new societal development, influencing other countries.

Sheldon Litt: Gestaltterapi med människan i centrum (Gestalt Therapy with the Human at the Center)

This article introduces Dr. Sheldon Litt, an American psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in Gestalt therapy. Litt, who has taught at universities in New York and now resides in Sweden, offers individual, family, and group therapy. The piece describes a group session led by Litt, emphasizing his approach of focusing on the 'here and now' and encouraging direct experience rather than extensive analysis of the past. Litt challenges traditional psychological methods, advocating for a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, viewing therapy as a pedagogical process of development for both. He critiques psychoanalysis and behaviorism for their limited views of human nature. The article highlights Litt's emphasis on emotions as vital aspects of life and his belief that love-based relationships can resolve most problems. Through an exercise involving a 'hot seat' and an empty chair, Litt guides participants to confront their anxieties and aggressions, encouraging them to identify the physical sensations associated with these emotions and to express them directly.

Åke Lindgren: Se upp för geografiska retzoner! (Watch Out for Geographical Retzones!)

Åke Lindgren, an engineer, discusses the impact of 'geographical retzones' on health. He explains that these zones, often associated with earth radiation, can negatively affect living organisms. Lindgren cites research from Germany where doctors consider these zones when diagnosing and treating illnesses. He notes that old cultures may have recognized these zones, and that building on them was forbidden in ancient China. Lindgren suggests that modern housing developments can inadvertently be built on such zones, leading to health problems. He emphasizes that while a healthy lifestyle is important, it may not be enough to counteract the effects of retzones. The article also touches on the importance of a holistic approach to health, aligning with 'New Age' descriptions of the 'new human.'

Ambjörn Naeve: Vill vända upp och ned på gammalt ekonomiskt tänkande (Wants to Turn Old Economic Thinking Upside Down)

Ambjörn Naeve, an engineer, presents a critique of the current economic system, particularly its reliance on exponential growth and interest rates, which he likens to a 'cancer cell.' He advocates for a shift towards local production and shared knowledge, arguing that information, unlike material goods, increases when shared. Naeve criticizes the patent and copyright system for hindering the dissemination of vital information and calls for a move towards smaller-scale production systems to address energy concerns related to long-distance transportation. He stresses the urgency of addressing energy problems, advocating for solar energy and a mindset of living within the Earth's natural income, rather than exploiting its resources.

Björn Örtenheim: Expert på alternativ energi, chockade och gav hopp (Expert on Alternative Energy, Shocked and Gave Hope)

Björn Örtenheim, an expert on alternative energy, presented his film "There is a sunrise every morning" at the 'Livsfestivalen' (Life Festival). The film highlighted the alarming increase in global military spending, which he stated was rising by two billion dollars per day. Örtenheim contrasted this with the vast potential of alternative energy sources, particularly solar power, and pointed out that a mere five percent of global military expenditure could solve world hunger. He also depicted the stark contrast between wealthy individuals and starving populations, and warned of environmental degradation due to resource depletion and pollution. Örtenheim showcased examples of his inventions, including an electric moped, and emphasized the importance of learning from nature and developing sustainable energy solutions.

Other Sections

Gud i Drömmar (God in Dreams): A call for individuals who have experienced divine revelations through dreams to contact Gunnar Hillerdal for research purposes.

Biljett till Himlen (Ticket to Heaven): A review of a Canadian film depicting a young man's entanglement with a cult-like organization and the subsequent deprogramming process, raising questions about the ethics of such interventions.

Du Vet... (You Know...): A short poem by Svea Sandberg.

Gyalwa Karmapa död igen (Gyalwa Karmapa Dead Again): An announcement of the death of the 16th incarnation of Gyalwa Karmapa.

Smekande tyngdlöshet (Caressing Weightlessness): A poem by Eva Jagrell.

Hälso- och kulturfestival för Martinskolan (Health and Cultural Festival for Martinskolan): A report on a festival held to support Martinskolan, a waldorf school facing financial difficulties. The event featured artists, authors, and speakers discussing health, culture, and alternative education.

Flytta sängen och bli frisk! (Move the Bed and Get Well!): This section reiterates the importance of Åke Lindgren's findings on 'geographical retzones' and the impact of sleeping locations on health.

Regnbågens bokhandel (Rainbow Bookstore): A listing of books available from the bookstore, focusing on New Age, spirituality, and alternative health topics.

Sökarguiden (Seeker's Guide): Advertisements for various events and courses related to spirituality, yoga, tantra, and personal development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes themes of personal transformation, spiritual seeking, holistic living, and societal change. There is a strong emphasis on alternative perspectives in psychology, health, economics, and spirituality, often contrasting these with mainstream approaches. The magazine appears to advocate for a more conscious, responsible, and interconnected way of living, encouraging readers to question established norms and explore inner potential. The editorial stance seems to be one of openness to new ideas and a critical examination of societal structures, particularly in economics and religion. There's a recurring concern for environmental sustainability and the impact of human actions on the planet and individual well-being.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated '199' (likely 1990), features a diverse range of articles exploring alternative lifestyles, spiritual movements, and scientific investigations into phenomena often associated with the 'New Age' movement. The cover headline, "Mansdominansen är en orsak till världens kaos" (Male dominance is a cause of the world's chaos), sets a tone of critical analysis of societal structures and spiritual balance.

Nyby: An Alternative Community

The issue opens with an article by Åsa Freij about 'Nyby,' a concept for a Swedish alternative community presented by Ingvar Nilsson, a teacher of economics, and Anders Wadeskog, author of "Växtverk" (Growth Work). Their core message is to halt economic growth, which they deem unnecessary. Nilsson, who also worked with economist Katarina Höök on the project "Omsorg om framtiden" (Care for the Future), discusses the lessons learned from past alternative experiments in Sweden. Key challenges identified include the mismanagement of finances, over-reliance on external goods, lack of clear ideological contours, and resistance from established large corporations and trade unions. Nyby is envisioned as a community of six small villages, each housing around 5,000 inhabitants in communal living spaces with integrated farming, aiming for 90% self-sufficiency in food. The community would focus on fulfilling basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, with work primarily serving these purposes. Nilsson also touches upon the issue of wages, suggesting a maximum ratio of four times the lowest salary and advocating against overtime work.

The Brahma Kumaris Movement and Raja Yoga

Another significant feature introduces a new spiritual movement with Indian origins, represented in Sweden as a form of Raja Yoga taught by Prajapita Brahma. Jayanti, a yogi and representative of the movement, explains that Brahma, a wealthy Indian, received a revelation about pure Raja Yoga. The movement, which has a significant female following and leadership, aims to address the imbalance caused by historical male dominance. Brahma believed that women, trained in roles of tolerance and sacrifice, were ideal for spiritual leadership. He gifted his fortune to establish a fund to spread this teaching, emphasizing the need for women to be respected as equals. The movement's core teaching focuses on soul consciousness, helping individuals realize their true identity as beings of light, free from gender, race, or religious labels. The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, founded with Brahma's legacy, has centers worldwide, including a small one in Stockholm. The teaching is free, aiming to foster inner peace and an "spiritual revolution" to combat the world's chaos, which they attribute to aggression, egoism, and desire.

Gauquelin's "Astrology": Remarkable Research Results

Sven Rosén reports on the research of Michel Gauquelin, a psychologist and statistician who investigated the link between planetary positions at birth and personality. Gauquelin's early work, which suggested correlations between certain planets (Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Moon, Venus) and career choices for prominent individuals, was initially met with skepticism. However, he later refined his methods, claiming to have found more robust statistical links that could describe an individual's character based on their birth data. Gauquelin proposed a theory that fetuses are sensitive to changes in Earth's magnetic field, which are influenced by planetary positions. These planetary influences, he argued, affect the fetal hormonal signals that initiate birth, thus determining the birth time based on the child's unique body chemistry and inherited temperament. The article outlines Gauquelin's five "planetary temperaments": Moon (extraverted, changeable), Jupiter (extraverted, stable, ambitious), Venus (charming, friendly, passive), Mars (energetic, warlike), and Saturn (reserved, introverted, diligent). Gauquelin's work is presented as a departure from traditional astrology, focusing on genetic predispositions rather than predetermined fate.

Tibetan Tummo Yoga: Raising Body Temperature

Bertil Falk writes about the phenomenon of Tummo yoga, practiced by Tibetan naljorpas (yogis) to raise their body temperature through meditation and visualization. The article references historical accounts, including that of the 11th-century poet and yogi Milarepa, and the explorer Alexandra David-Neel, who documented and practiced Tummo. A recent scientific study involving six American researchers and three Tibetan naljorpas in India provided empirical evidence for this ability, with one practitioner increasing their finger and toe temperature by 8.3 degrees Celsius. The study, published in Nature, suggests that the physiological changes are a byproduct of religious practice, potentially involving vasodilation triggered by visualization of the deity Vajra Yogini. The article also touches upon the manual for generating Tummo, as described by W. Y. Evans-Wentz, and notes its connection to Hatha Yoga.

Other Features

Krishna Consciousness

A section details the Krishna movement in Sweden, celebrating the anniversary of Krishna's appearance. It describes the practices of devotees, including chanting Hare Krishna mantras, wearing Vedic clothing, and maintaining a vegetarian diet. The article highlights the movement's spiritual leader, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and his teachings, which emphasize devotion to Krishna as the path to happiness and liberation. The article also notes the movement's critical stance towards atheism and science, as expressed in their publication "Krishnas Värld."

Anders B-son Johansson

An update on Anders B-son Johansson, a former lecturer in alternative therapies in Stockholm, reveals he has moved to Los Angeles, California. He is now involved in polarity therapy, Indian astrology, and real estate, and plans to pursue a doctorate in a "new age" subject. Johansson expresses that the spiritual climate in California is more advanced than in Sweden.

Farmen's Other Side

A letter from a former member of the American commune 'The Farm' criticizes the idealized portrayal of the community in the magazine 'New Age.' The author, Kathy Platz, alleges that behind the facade of Stephen Gaskin's ideology lie hardships, illness, and neglect, including instances of indifference to deaths and the suffering of children.

I Ching: The Book of Changes

The issue reviews the Swedish translation of the Chinese classic I Ching, or the Book of Changes. The article highlights its ancient wisdom, attributed to figures like Confucius and Lao-tse, and its use as a practical oracle for guidance and predicting the future through hexagrams. The review notes its influence on thinkers like C. G. Jung and Hermann Keyserling.

Alice Bailey and Esoteric Classics

Alice Bailey's books, considered classics of esoteric literature, are discussed. Her writings, allegedly received through telepathic contact with a Tibetan lama, Djwal Khul, are presented as a continuation of esoteric wisdom following Helena Blavatsky's Theosophy. The article mentions Bailey's concept of the "white magician" and the development from the "lower self" to the "higher self" or soul.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative lifestyles, personal development, and critical examination of societal norms. There's a clear interest in movements that challenge mainstream Western thought, whether through Eastern spiritual traditions, alternative economic models, or unconventional scientific research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these areas, often presenting research and viewpoints that question established paradigms, while also offering critical perspectives on some of these movements, as seen in the critiques of The Farm and the traditional astrology.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 5, 1982
Publisher: Smålandspostens Boktr. AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Headline: KRIG-FRED-FRÅGAN (The War-Peace Question)

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish journal for questions of worldview, delves deeply into the critical issue of war and peace in 1982, with a particular focus on the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.

The War-Peace Question (Krig-Fred-Frågan)

The editorial opens by addressing a reader's critique of the magazine's 'political stance' on the war-peace issue. The reader draws a parallel between Nazi Germany's expansion and the current Soviet pressure, quoting Vladimir Bukovskij who dismisses 'nuclear war hysteria' and 'anti-war hysteria' as akin to discussing matters with a 'hysterical old woman'.

The editorial acknowledges that the current situation is not directly comparable to Hitler's era but stresses the unparalleled danger of nuclear war, which could eradicate all human life and lead to the death of civilization, even if not all life perishes. The consequences include devastating local catastrophes and radioactive fallout. The editorial argues that nuclear war is a far worse threat than a communist takeover, as a communist world, while undesirable from a Western perspective, would still allow for the continuation of humanity, science, technology, and culture, offering a possibility for societal improvement. In contrast, a nuclear war could make rebuilding impossible.

The editorial identifies humanity's predicament as being caught between the arms race of two antagonistic political systems and the threat of a communist world order dictated by Bolshevist ideology. It states that no strategy seems to effectively address both the threat of war and the threat of dictatorship simultaneously. However, it highlights the crucial importance of groups working on the war-peace issue, being 'peace activists', who might eventually find a path to peace or make the desire for peace so strong that disarmament becomes natural.

The piece concludes by emphasizing the need to underscore our longing for peace, our desire for self-fulfillment, happiness, and the flourishing of family life, science, art, literature, music, and spiritual life. It calls for creating an atmosphere where peace is natural and war is unnatural, advocating for the emergence of a 'new human being' across all nations.

Featured Articles and Contributors

The issue includes a variety of articles exploring different facets of personal and societal well-being, often with a spiritual or New Age perspective:

• Björn Sahlin questions the path of 'New Spirituality' ('Nyandligheten').
• Kerstin Nordin, a New Age consultant, discusses 'Meeting – an opportunity'.
• Birgitta Fries-Ossiann also contributes to the theme of 'Meeting – an opportunity'.
• Åsa Freij writes about a 'Health and Culture Festival for Martinskolan' and offers practical advice on 'Moving the bed and getting healthy!' She also covers 'Gestalt therapy with Sheldon Litt' and profiles Sheldon Litt as a 'humanistic psychologist'. Additionally, she reports on the 'Life Festival in Frescati'.
• Per Sellmann presents 'The Seeker's Guide' and features 'Anders B-son Johansson'.
• SM (likely the editorial team) discusses the 'Krishnarörelsen' (The Hare Krishna movement).
• Sven Rosén examines Gauquelin's 'astrology'.
• Bertil Falk explores 'Tibetan Tummo-yoga'.

Editorial Information

The magazine is identified as an independent journal for questions of worldview ('Oberoende tidskrift för livsåskådningsfrågor'). The editor and publisher is Sven Magnusson. Contact information includes an address in Stockholm and phone numbers. Subscription prices and advertising rates are listed. The magazine was printed by Smålandspostens Boktr. AB in 1982.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the profound anxieties of the Cold War era, particularly the threat of nuclear annihilation, juxtaposed with a strong undercurrent of New Age philosophy, personal growth, and alternative spiritual practices. The editorial stance is one of deep concern for global peace, advocating for a proactive approach to achieving it through the development of a more evolved, peace-oriented humanity. While acknowledging the political dangers of communism, the primary existential threat is identified as nuclear war, which is seen as fundamentally more destructive to human civilization than any political ideology.