Sokaren - 1983 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR8
Volume: 20
Date: 1983

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into various aspects of personal transformation, spirituality, and belief systems. It features articles on firewalking, voodoo rituals, and a comprehensive discussion on atheism.

Firewalking: A Path to Liberation?

The cover story and subsequent articles explore the practice of firewalking, led by instructors Tolly and Peggy Burkan. Tolly Burkan, an expert in human effectiveness and sensitivity development, offers workshops designed to help individuals overcome fear and limiting beliefs by walking on glowing coals. The articles detail the experience of participants in a firewalking event near Stockholm, highlighting the psychological and spiritual aspects of the practice. Tolly explains that fear is 'False Evidence Appearing Real' and encourages participants to focus on their feet rather than their intellect. He shares anecdotes, such as the story of a man pursued by lions and a strawberry, to illustrate the power of focused attention. The event involves a ritualistic preparation, including singing and the lighting of a fire, culminating in participants walking across a bed of glowing coals, which are measured to be around 650°C.

Several participants share their experiences. Some find it a powerful, transformative event that expands their perceived limits, while others choose not to participate, feeling it is not their path. The article also touches upon the scientific explanation for firewalking, suggesting that new systems of glands in the brain, influenced by positive thoughts, play a role in enabling people to withstand the heat.

Voodoo in Haiti and Other Practices

The cover image and a brief mention in the text highlight a voodoo ritual in Haiti in 1982, where a man is shown biting a piece from a glowing stick. This is presented as a more extreme example of confronting the physical than firewalking.

Further exploration of 'peak experiences' includes accounts of firewalking in London in 1976 by a yogi named Kumar, who walked a 10-meter coal path. The article also references a voodoo ceremony in Haiti where participants engaged in more intense practices, including eating raw chicken heads. These examples are contrasted with the Swedish firewalking experience, prompting reflection on whether such practices are a shortcut or a detour to liberation.

Atheism: A Factual Description

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an article by Gunnar Ståldal, a lecturer and theologian, on atheism. Ståldal argues for a factual and objective description of atheism, free from the negative stereotypes often associated with it by religious writers. He notes that a recent survey indicated that atheists outnumber theists among young people in Sweden. Ståldal defines an atheist as someone who does not believe in God, emphasizing that there is no single 'atheist worldview.' He critiques common religious arguments for God's existence, such as the cosmological and teleological proofs, and discusses the historical development of atheism, influenced by scientific advancements and philosophical reasoning.

Ståldal also examines the teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament, finding them impractical for modern life and questioning the validity of Christian dogma, particularly the concept of eternal punishment. He advocates for treating religious texts as historical documents in education and for balancing religious instruction with education on atheism and secular philosophies.

Personal Development and Spirituality

Pratima Bergman, who runs 'Livsglädje,' discusses her work in personal development, including courses on rebirthing, meditation, and positive thinking. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices to shape one's reality. Pratima shares her personal journey, including her past involvement with the Bhagwan movement and her eventual departure.

Peggy Burkan, Pratima's wife and co-instructor, speaks about her work in helping people achieve self-insight and connect with 'God.' She explains that true growth comes from experiencing the essence of light and love within, and that limiting beliefs often stem from a desire for external validation. Peggy introduces the concept of 'rebirthing' as a method for emotional and spiritual release.

The magazine also features 'Nytänkarna,' an organization that promotes new thinking in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and science. The group, founded by five women, aims to spread awareness of holistic perspectives and encourage personal development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around self-discovery, overcoming limitations, and exploring different belief systems. The magazine presents firewalking as a tool for personal growth and confronting fear, while also critically examining religious doctrines and advocating for a rational, fact-based understanding of atheism. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse perspectives on spirituality and personal development, encouraging readers to question their beliefs and explore new paths to self-understanding. There is a clear emphasis on the power of individual choice and the creation of one's own reality.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 8, 1983
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1983, explores a variety of spiritual, psychological, and philosophical themes, with a particular focus on meditation and its integration into different belief systems.

Zen and Christian Deep Meditation

The lead article, "Zen och kristen djupmeditation" by Sten Rodhe, details the introduction of Zen meditation to Sweden in the early 1970s by Hans Hof and Wilfrid Stinissen, who established the Rättviks Meditationscentrum (RMC). Initially, RMC aimed for religious neutrality, but a working group formed in 1975 sought to integrate Zen practices into a Christian context, eventually becoming the "Ecumenical working group for Christian deep meditation." The article discusses the challenges of naming this practice and highlights its focus on inner prayer and silent resting in God, drawing inspiration from Eastern traditions while remaining distinctly Christian. It also mentions other centers for Christian deep meditation, such as Sigtunastiftelsens Refugium.

Metaphysics and Worldviews

"Livsåskådning och metafysik" by Magnus Silfverstolpe examines the role of metaphysics in understanding reality and knowledge. It critiques logical positivism's dismissal of metaphysical inquiry and discusses the importance of metaphysical questions in theology and religion. The article also reviews Sten Philipson's dissertation, "A Metaphysics for Theology," which challenges traditional dualism and proposes a new framework for understanding reality, emphasizing ethics as a key criterion for a valid metaphysical system.

New Age and Personal Development

"Fran Peavey vill få oss att kämpa för vår arts överlevnad" by Åsa Freij introduces Fran Peavey, an "ambassador" from San Francisco who works to raise awareness about global threats and inspire action for humanity's survival. Peavey utilizes methods like comedy and group work to help people overcome emotional paralysis and apathy. The article also touches upon the work of Anders Ekströmer and his publishing house "Livskraft," which focuses on "New Age" literature aimed at awakening inner potential and promoting personal growth.

Group Consciousness and Consensus

"Gruppmedvetenhet" by Åsa Freij discusses the concept of group consciousness as a high stage of development, exemplified by the Findhorn community. Kay Tift, a group dynamics expert, shares methods for fostering high group consciousness, emphasizing individual responsibility and the power of "consensus" in decision-making. The article contrasts primitive groups, reliant on strong leadership, with mature groups where individual initiative thrives and members feel valued.

Book Reviews and Spiritual Exploration

Several book reviews are featured:

• Alice A. Bailey's works: A review of a brief introduction to Bailey's extensive writings on occultism and esoteric knowledge, emphasizing her goal of bridging the physical and spiritual worlds.
• "Religion, psykologi – var finns sambandet?": A collection of interviews from Svenska Dagbladet exploring the relationship between psychology and religion, questioning the relevance of traditional religious forms and the limitations of purely psychological approaches.
• Rudolf Steiner's "Wie kann die seelische Not der Gegenwart überwunden werden?": A review of a lecture by Steiner on overcoming the spiritual distress of the present era through the development of a "consciousness soul" and "spiritual science."
• Jörgen Peterzén's "Magi: En resa i myt och verklighet": A critical review of a book on magic, noting its superficial treatment of the subject and its reliance on outdated historical perspectives.
• Björn Sjövall's "Bröllop": A review of a play about Emanuel Swedenborg, focusing on his experiences of the spiritual world and themes of male-female relationships and the meaning of work.
• "Fred i öst och väst": A review of a book on peace, highlighting the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the potential for global destruction, while also discussing the role of peace movements.

Other Features

The magazine also includes a section on "Kontakt" (Personal Ads), a listing of courses and seminars on various spiritual and philosophical topics, and a "Sökarguiden" (Search Guide) featuring advertisements for related books and events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the search for meaning in a modern, often secularized world. There is a clear interest in bridging Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, integrating psychological insights with religious practice, and fostering a deeper understanding of consciousness and reality. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse spiritual paths and critical inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with complex philosophical and existential questions.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 8, 1983
Publisher: Prinkipo, Stockholm
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 102:- for a full year (10 issues)
Cover Headline: Envar sin egen religionsstiftare (Everyone their own religion founder)

Articles and Content

Envar sin egen religionsstiftare (Everyone their own religion founder)

The main article, written by an anonymous author (indicated by 'SM' and the self-description 'lat och bekväm välfärdssvensk' - lazy and comfortable welfare Swede), outlines a personal philosophy for a new religion. The core tenet is the worship of the universal consciousness, the spiritual substance that constitutes the consciousness of all living beings, referred to as "brahman" in Vedanta and "atman" in its individual aspect. The author posits that "You are this divine spirit. You are holy. Your essence shall be revered." This religion advocates for venerating the spirit that permeates and exists within everything, rather than any external "God" or enlightened human master. The practice of this religion is described as an attitude and a value system that can foster peace, compassion, and love among people and between humans and animals. The author, while having ideas for scriptures and a vision, chooses not to pursue them due to a preference for a comfortable lifestyle, keeping the vision within their heart.

Other Featured Articles:

• Att gå över glödande kol (Walking over hot coals) by Pratima Bergman and Monica Seilitz (pages 2-4).
• Vaddå? Glödande kol? (What about it? Hot coals?) by Per Sellmann (pages 5-7).
• Peggy Burkan undervisar (Peggy Burkan teaches) by Pratima Bergman (pages 8-9).
• Pratima, medmänniska (Pratima, fellow human) by SM (pages 10-12).
• Nytänkarna (The New Thinkers) by SM (pages 13).
• Ateism (Atheism) by Gunnar Ståldal (pages 14-19).
• Zen och kristen djupmeditation (Zen and Christian deep meditation) by Sten Rodhe (pages 20-21).
• Livsåskådning och metafysik (Worldview and metaphysics) by Magnus Silfverstolpe (pages 22-23).
• Fran Peavey vill få oss att kämpa (Fran Peavey wants us to fight) by Åsa Freij (pages 24-25).
• Anders Ekströmer, förläggare (Anders Ekströmer, publisher) by SM (pages 26-27).
• "Och Gud är med i alla sammanhang” ("And God is with us in all contexts") by Birgitta Fries-Ossiann (pages 28-29).
• Gruppmedvetenhet (Group consciousness) by Åsa Freij (pages 30-33).
• Jan Fridegård, författare och spiritualist (Jan Fridegård, author and spiritualist) by Peter R Meyer (pages 34-35).

UFO Section

This section includes a description of a UFO sighting. The object is characterized as having a disk shape, red color, and being large. Its behavior was observed as hovering, and it exhibited high speed and altitude. No electromagnetic effects or physical trace evidence were reported.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

SÖKAREN presents itself as an "Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor" (Independent journal for questions of worldview). The content spans a wide range of spiritual, philosophical, and existential topics, including alternative religions, meditation practices (both Eastern and Western), atheism, and metaphysical discussions. The inclusion of a UFO report suggests an open-minded approach to phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific or religious frameworks. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives on life's meaning and purpose, encouraging readers to explore their own worldviews.