Sokaren - 1983 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR5
Volume: 20
Year: 1983
Price: 12:00 incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1983, features a prominent cover story on "Människan på jorden i ISAAC ASIMOVs perspektiv" (Humanity on Earth from Isaac Asimov's Perspective). The cover also highlights interviews with Shali Parsons, James Robertson, and Edward de Bono.

Människan på jorden i Isaac Asimovs perspektiv

The article, drawing from Isaac Asimov's book "Katastrof?" (Catastrophe?), explores potential threats to humanity's existence. Asimov categorizes these threats into five degrees, ranging from the destruction of the entire universe to the collapse of civilization to a primitive level. He argues that while many distant threats like the sun's eventual death or cosmic collisions exist, the most significant and immediate danger to humanity is humanity itself, particularly through nuclear warfare. Despite the potential for self-destruction, Asimov maintains an optimistic outlook, believing in humanity's capacity to minimize risks through intelligence. The article touches upon various hypothetical disasters, including the sun's heat death, cosmic egg collapse, asteroid impacts, and cosmic radiation, but dismisses the likelihood of alien invasion. It also discusses the threat of ozone layer depletion and new diseases, concluding that humanity's own actions, especially the potential for nuclear conflict, pose the greatest existential risk.

Shali Parsons: - I Sverige sker fantastiska förändringar!

This section features an interview with Shali Parsons, a representative of Briarpatch, a U.S.-based association of small businesses focused on quality of life, joy, and ethical practices over profit. Parsons believes Sweden is undergoing significant and positive changes, being 5-10 years ahead of other countries in its economic thinking. He highlights the Swedish interest in Briarpatch's philosophy and notes that Swedes are becoming more aware of the finite nature of Earth's resources and the limitations of the growth model. Parsons emphasizes the importance of honesty, responsibility, and genuine quality of life, aligning with a trend of increasing 'internally directed' individuals.

Edward de Bono: vill lära oss tänka i sidled

This reportage introduces Edward de Bono, an expert on creative thinking, who advocates for 'lateral thinking' – a method of approaching problems from new angles. De Bono argues that traditional logic is insufficient for creativity and that people, especially intelligent ones, often get trapped in established thought patterns. He illustrates this with the example of a strangely designed wheelbarrow, showing how children can be more creative in finding uses for it than adults. De Bono believes that teaching creative thinking should be a fundamental part of education, as it is crucial for problem-solving and innovation. He also touches upon the 'intelligence trap,' where high intelligence can sometimes hinder open-mindedness.

Religion och psykoterapi möts i förlåtelse

This article summarizes a lecture by Barbara Findeisen, an American psychologist and reincarnation therapist, on the intersection of religion and psychotherapy, focusing on forgiveness. Findeisen explains that forgiveness is not about asserting superiority or holding onto grudges, but about releasing the past and letting go of the need for retribution. She emphasizes that true forgiveness is unconditional and frees both the forgiver and the forgiven. Findeisen draws parallels between religious and therapeutic goals, both aiming for liberation and self-discovery. She posits that 'God' is an experience of unity and community, and that lack of forgiveness hinders our connection to this divine energy. She also shares personal anecdotes and exercises to illustrate the power of forgiveness in healing physical and emotional ailments.

Ny syn på arbete

James Robertson, an alternative economist and author, presents a new perspective on work and unemployment. He argues that the traditional view of work as solely paid employment is outdated. Robertson believes that 'unemployment' in the sense of lacking paid jobs is actually beneficial, as it frees individuals to engage in meaningful activities within the informal sector, such as childcare, home economics, and community work. He advocates for a basic income to support these activities and reduce bureaucracy, promoting a shift towards a more holistic and sustainable economy.

Intervju med LARISSA VILENSKAYA

This interview with Larissa Vilenskaya, a former Soviet parapsychology researcher now based in the U.S., offers an insight into the field in the Soviet Union. Vilenskaya describes the widespread interest in parapsychology, particularly in healing and reincarnation, despite the official materialistic ideology. She explains that the lack of spiritual outlets and the limitations of the healthcare system drive public interest in non-traditional methods. Vilenskaya shares her personal journey into parapsychology, starting with telepathy experiments and moving into research on healing abilities. She notes that while official research exists, much of the interest, especially in reincarnation, stems from unofficial investigations by individuals like herself and Barbara Ivanova.

MAHATMA GANDHI

This section reflects on the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi to resolving global tensions. It highlights his philosophy of truth and non-violence as tools for national liberation and international harmony. Gandhi's approach is described as a synthesis of individual and collective morality, advocating for honesty, non-deception, and the rejection of violence for political, economic, or ideological reasons. His emphasis on universal love and service to humanity transcended narrow nationalism, making him a spiritual leader revered worldwide. The text quotes various figures, including J.H. Holmes, C.F. Andrews, General Smuts, and Louis Fischer, who attest to Gandhi's profound impact and his vision of a world united by truth and non-violence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of human potential, societal change, and alternative perspectives. There's a strong emphasis on challenging conventional thinking, whether in economics, problem-solving, or understanding human existence. The magazine promotes a forward-looking, optimistic stance, suggesting that humanity has the capacity to overcome its challenges through new ways of thinking and living, often drawing inspiration from spiritual or philosophical traditions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unconventional ideas and a belief in the power of individual and collective transformation.

This issue of "Sökaren" magazine, dated 1983, is dedicated to exploring themes of spirituality, humanitarianism, and the nature of consciousness. The cover story, "Vår älskade Dadaji" (Our Beloved Dadaji), written by J.P. Vaswani, offers a deeply personal portrait of a spiritual leader named Dadaji (Sri T.L. Vaswani), emphasizing his profound compassion, simple living, and unwavering dedication to serving the poor and all sentient beings. The magazine also features extensive articles on Albert Schweitzer, his philosophy of "reverence for life," and his humanitarian work in Africa. Other significant sections include an examination of scientific skepticism towards parapsychology, an investigation into alleged cases of spontaneous human combustion, and reflections on altruistic love and spiritual growth.

Dadaji: A Beacon of Compassion

J.P. Vaswani's tribute to Dadaji paints a picture of a saintly figure who embodies unconditional love and self-denial. Dadaji's life is characterized by his simple attire, minimal eating habits, and his practice of giving away his possessions to those in need. The author recounts Dadaji's time in prison for a social-religious cause, where he showed immense empathy towards fellow inmates, viewing them as brothers. Dadaji's compassion extends beyond humans to animals and even plants, as he refuses to pluck flowers, believing they have families. His daily prayers are filled with pleas for mercy for the oppressed and suffering. The article highlights Dadaji's belief that there are no sinners, only manifestations of God at different stages of evolution, and that those who suffer are closer to the Kingdom of Love. His message is one of awakening, sharing, and living a life of service, urging people to "work while the day is," not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others.

Albert Schweitzer: Reverence for Life

An article by Agne Windmark details the life and philosophy of Albert Schweitzer, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Schweitzer, a physician, theologian, and philosopher, dedicated his life to serving humanity, particularly the sick and impoverished in Africa. The article emphasizes his commitment to his ideals, formed in his youth, and his belief in the power of ideals when united with a transformed human being. Schweitzer's "reverence for life" principle is presented as the foundation of his ethical outlook, calling for compassion and solidarity with all living beings. His work in Lambarene, Africa, is described as a testament to his dedication, where he established a hospital and treated thousands of people. The article also touches upon his intellectual pursuits, including his doctoral studies and his philosophical work, "Culture and Ethics."

Scientific Skepticism and Parapsychology

A report by James McClenon discusses a survey conducted among the scientific elite (members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science) regarding their views on ESP and parapsychology. The findings reveal a significant level of skepticism, with only 29% believing in ESP. However, a majority (69%) consider parapsychological research legitimate, indicating a nuanced view rather than outright dismissal. The article notes that younger scientists showed a higher belief in ESP than older ones, and certain disciplines, like anthropology and psychology, exhibited lower belief rates compared to fields like pharmacy and engineering. The sources cited by scientists for their opinions range from newspaper articles and personal experiences to academic journals and books.

Investigating Spontaneous Human Combustion

Bill Nilsson's article, "Var inte rädd för självförbränning!" (Don't be afraid of self-combustion!), critically examines alleged cases of spontaneous human combustion. The author, referencing ufologist Philip Klass, investigates several dramatic accounts, including three men allegedly turning to ash simultaneously on different continents in 1938. Klass's research uncovers inconsistencies and a lack of verifiable evidence, such as the non-existence of the ship "SS Ulrich" in maritime records and the anachronism of a Volkswagen being involved in an incident in 1938. While one case of a truck driver burning to death in a fire is confirmed, the circumstances differ significantly from the "spontaneous combustion" narrative. The article concludes by suggesting that such dramatic stories may not be entirely factual.

Altruistic Love and Spiritual Growth

An excerpt from Pitirim A. Sorokin's book "Altruistic Love" explores the concept of altruism as a vital force for human well-being and societal progress. Sorokin argues that ethical creation is paramount in the current era, more so than scientific or technological advancements. He highlights that altruistic individuals tend to live longer and experience greater happiness. The article also touches upon the work of spiritual teachers like Lama Yeshe, who emphasizes the importance of joy, laughter, and living in harmony with nature and oneself. The concept of "mindful living" and the cultivation of positive thoughts are presented as pathways to inner peace and fulfillment.

Other Features

The magazine also includes a section on "Äkta Horoskop" (Real Horoscope) offering astrological consultations, and a listing of various courses and events related to holistic health, yoga, astrology, and dance. The "Sökarguiden" (Search Guide) section provides contact information for various organizations and services in the spiritual and New Age communities. A brief mention of the controversy surrounding L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology is also present, highlighting declining membership and legal challenges.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" revolve around the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, the importance of compassion and service, and the exploration of consciousness and the human potential. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages critical thinking while remaining open to spiritual and paranormal phenomena. It promotes a holistic approach to life, integrating personal growth with social responsibility and a deep respect for all forms of life. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting self-awareness, ethical living, and a broader understanding of the universe beyond conventional scientific paradigms.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Number 5, 1983
Date: May 1983
Publisher: Sven Magnusson (Editor and Publisher)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: Annual subscription (10 issues) 102 SEK, Half-year subscription 54 SEK.

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish independent magazine for life philosophy issues, is marked by a significant "shortage in the manuscript box" (Brist i manuslådan), as indicated by the cover headline. The editor, Sven Magnusson, explains that despite production plans and promises from contributors, only about 25 out of 40 promised articles were received in time for issue number 5. This situation led to the necessity of reprinting older articles to fill the pages.

Editorial Content

Brist i manuslådan (Shortage in the Manuscript Box)

The editorial details the challenges faced in producing the current issue. The editor notes that while the magazine is published regularly, occasional delays occur. For issue number 5, the planned deadline in early March saw a significant lack of incoming manuscripts. While some regular contributors, like Åsa Freij, submitted their work, many others did not. The editor himself contributed some material, but his other duties limited his writing time. To compensate, he selected four notable articles from the magazine's 1960s archives: one on Gandhi, one on Dadaji, one on Albert Schweitzer, and a short piece on Sorokin. He acknowledges that many current subscribers may not have read these before, given the subscriber base has changed significantly since the 1960s.

The editor expresses surprise that so few individuals with valuable insights are eager to publish in Sökaren, suggesting they should be glad to share their thoughts in a Swedish magazine for truth-seekers. He describes the process of soliciting articles as difficult, with promises often unfulfilled or delayed, indicating a lack of sufficient interest.

He questions whether future contributors will show greater enthusiasm, as there are few remaining articles from the 1960s that haven't already been reprinted in books or previous issues. He also mentions that he is not yet ready to reprint from the 1970s issues and considers reducing the publication frequency from 10 issues per year to eight due to economic reasons, as only nine issues were published in the last three years.

The editor concludes by stating that there are many individuals whose writing could enrich the magazine, and he hopes this editorial might serve as an incentive for them to contribute.

Table of Contents and Featured Articles

The issue features a diverse range of articles, with several written by Åsa Freij:

• "Människan på jorden i Isaac Asimovs perspektiv" (Humanity on Earth in Isaac Asimov's Perspective) by SM (Editor).
• "Shali Parsons från Briarpatch" (Shali Parsons from Briarpatch) by Åsa Freij.
• "Edward de Bono om lateralt tänkande" (Edward de Bono on Lateral Thinking) by Åsa Freij.
• "Barbara Findeisen om religion och psykoterapi" (Barbara Findeisen on Religion and Psychotherapy) by Åsa Freij.
• "James Robertson om ny syn på arbete" (James Robertson on a New View of Work) by Åsa Freij.
• "Sovjetisk paravetenskap" (Soviet Parapsychology) by D. Scott Rogo.
• "Mahatma Gandi" by Sri Devadoot Vidyarthi.
• "Vår älskade Dadaji" (Our Beloved Dadaji) by J. P. Vaswani.
• "Han lärde oss vördnad för allt liv" (He Taught Us Reverence for All Life) by Agne Windmark.
• "Att studera altruistisk kärlek" (Studying Altruistic Love) by SM.
• "Upplösning" (Dissolution) by Lama Yeshe.
• "L. Ron Hubbard" by SM.

Editorial Stance and Contact Information

Sökaren positions itself as an "independent magazine for life philosophy issues" (Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor). The editor and publisher is Sven Magnusson, located at Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad, Sweden. The contact telephone number is 054/11 16 89.

Subscription prices are listed as 102 SEK for a full year (10 issues) and 54 SEK for a half-year. Payment can be made via Postgiro (70 60 47-8) and Bankgiro (372-8128).

Advertising prices are also provided: Full page 1,000 SEK, half page 600 SEK, and small ads at 20 SEK per column-centimeter (minimum 60 SEK). Prices do not include VAT.

The magazine is printed by Prinkipo in Stockholm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren, based on the table of contents and the editorial, include philosophy, spirituality, parapsychology, and the exploration of human potential and societal issues. The magazine appears to cover a broad spectrum of thought, from scientific perspectives (Isaac Asimov) to spiritual figures (Mahatma Gandhi, Dadaji) and alternative thinkers (Edward de Bono, L. Ron Hubbard). The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor, is one that values intellectual and spiritual contributions and seeks to foster a community of writers and readers interested in exploring profound questions about life and existence. There is a clear emphasis on encouraging reader participation and a desire to bring diverse perspectives to the forefront, even if it means revisiting past content due to a current lack of new submissions.