Sokaren - 1984 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR10
Volume: 21
Date: 1984
Price: 12.00 inkl. moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1984, features a cover image of a Buddha statue and explores various spiritual, philosophical, and social topics.

HUC-konferens i Norge

The magazine reports on the first Nordic Human Unity Conference (HUC) held at Skjeberg Folkehøgskole in Norway. The HUC conferences aim to promote the idea of human unity and serve as meeting places for like-minded individuals. Around fifty people attended the Nordic conference. The organizers, Kaja Finne and Shannon Larsen, noted a financial loss for the event. Rupert Maskell, a speaker, emphasized that humanity is divine, though people struggle to recognize this due to feelings of guilt. He stated that the conferences are not about promoting specific projects or belief systems but about supporting ideas, providing inspiration, and fostering connections.

Eirik Myrhaug, a Norwegian Sámi engineer turned speaker, discussed the concept of money as symbols for real values, criticizing the current economic system for prioritizing symbols over reality, leading to issues like overproduction crises and food waste while people starve. He also linked this false economic paradigm to nuclear armament and war.

Reportage Åsa Freij

Åsa Freij, the reporter, details her experience at the HUC conference in Norway. She highlights the conference's theme of 'healing of nations' as a personal task, emphasizing individual change as the path to collective healing. She notes that while the conferences aim to support ideas and inspiration, some participants, like Eirik Myrhaug, felt that practical application of these ideas was lacking.

Vetenskap och mystik

Tom Marthinsen, a Norwegian engineer and media personality, presented on 'science and consciousness.' He argued that mysticism can be explained through science, tracing the evolution of our worldview from Darwin and Newton to Einstein and quantum physics. He explained how quantum physics challenges the idea of matter as fundamental building blocks, suggesting a 'void' from which anything can be created, aligning with ancient spiritual concepts of returning to the source.

Ett högre medvetande

Lin Martin, an American healer and psychic teacher, led a seminar on 'higher consciousness.' He explained that everyone has healing and clairvoyant abilities, which he himself discovered. Martin described his process of entering a trance state, which he views as a connection to a higher consciousness or 'God,' enabling him to provide guidance and insights.

Konferenserna i telefonkontakt

The HUC conferences utilized telephone contact to connect with other simultaneous conferences in different countries, including South Africa and the USA, showcasing modern technology's role in global communication.

Eva Moberg: Publicist med hjärta och hjärna

This section profiles Eva Moberg, a journalist and author known for her strong opinions on issues such as nuclear power, nuclear weapons, militarism, and animal rights. She also expresses interest in astrology and New Age movements.

Kvinnor är också människor!

Moberg initially advocated for women's liberation, emphasizing equal rights and responsibilities for men and women, including shared childcare and household duties. She also supported shorter working days for parents with young children.

Mot kärnkraft och kärnvapen

She has been an anti-nuclear activist since 1973, viewing nuclear power as unethical due to the long-term waste problem and nuclear weapons as a form of insanity.

Krig-fred-frågan

Moberg identifies as a pacifist but not a radical one, believing in self-defense when necessary. She criticizes the immense military apparatus and the concept of modern warfare, which disproportionately harms civilians. She argues that the conflict between the two superpowers is often exaggerated and fueled by the military-industrial complex, which needs an enemy to justify its existence and expansion.

Samhället är grundat på förtryck av djur

Moberg is a strong advocate against animal testing and factory farming, criticizing the notion that animals do not suffer as humans do. She points out the hypocrisy in societal attitudes towards animal welfare compared to historical movements against child labor and slavery.

Har astrologin en kärna av sanning?

Initially skeptical of astrology, Moberg changed her view after observing correlations between astrological charts and people's characteristics. While she doubts the predictive power of astrology, she believes there is some truth to its descriptions of personality, suggesting it may become a recognized field of study in the future.

Parapsykologi

Moberg has a more positive stance on the paranormal, though she is critical of sensationalized media portrayals. She acknowledges personal experiences with telepathy and clairvoyance but remains skeptical of Uri Geller's claims, attributing some of his feats to trickery.

Försvarar New Age

Moberg defends the New Age movement, viewing it as a vital and evolving network rather than a rigid ideology. She argues that criticisms of New Age as anti-intellectual or 'flummig' stem from a lack of understanding or a narrow perspective.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: Kosmiska Visionen

This section delves into the philosophy of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French paleontologist, Jesuit priest, and theologian. His worldview, described as having affinities with New Age ideas, posits a universe in constant evolution towards greater spirit and consciousness. He viewed humanity as the most significant expression of this cosmic process, with 'Point Omega' representing the ultimate convergence of consciousness and God.

Teilhard's work, particularly 'Phenomenon of Man,' synthesizes scientific knowledge with theological and mystical insights. He believed in a psycho-physical universe where matter and spirit are interconnected. His ideas suggest that evolution is driven by an internal, psychic force leading towards higher forms of consciousness, culminating in a super-consciousness at Point Omega.

The article notes that Teilhard's writings were controversial and not published during his lifetime by the Catholic Church. His ideas have influenced seekers of spiritual understanding and contributed to the development of a 'Teilhard movement.'

Antroposofin – andevetenskap eller diktning?

This article examines Anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner. It discusses the historical context of spiritual seeking, the rise of movements like Theosophy and Anthroposophy as responses to a perceived spiritual void in modern society. The article critiques Helena Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, as a potentially dishonest figure whose teachings were influenced by existing occult literature. It then introduces Annie Besant, another key figure in Theosophy, and Rudolf Steiner, who initially worked within Theosophy before developing Anthroposophy. The author expresses skepticism about Steiner's claims and his relationship with Theosophy, suggesting a potential overemphasis on his originality and a downplaying of his influences.

Har civilisationen en framtid?

This section features book reviews and discussions on various topics, including the future of civilization, the nature of humanity, and historical mysteries. It includes reviews of books on reincarnation, parapsychology, dreams, yoga, meditation, health, and UFOs.

Den svarta sidan hos hinduismen

Bertil Falk discusses the darker aspects of Hinduism, including practices like ritualistic human sacrifice, the devadasi system (temple prostitution), and the Sati system (widow immolation). While acknowledging Hinduism's tolerance and the existence of positive spiritual paths, Falk warns against uncritically embracing Eastern philosophies without recognizing their potential negative or harmful elements. He also touches upon the dangers of meditation and yoga, citing cases of psychological distress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, and the search for meaning beyond material existence. There is a clear interest in alternative philosophies and movements like Human Unity, New Age, Theosophy, and Anthroposophy, alongside critical examinations of their tenets and historical contexts. The editorial stance appears open to exploring these ideas, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the detailed analyses of Eva Moberg's views, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's philosophy, and the critical look at the darker aspects of Hinduism and the origins of Theosophy and Anthroposophy. The magazine encourages readers to question and explore different perspectives on life, the universe, and humanity's place within it.

This issue of "Folkvett" (Issue 2/84) is published by the Association for Science and Popular Enlightenment, a Swedish organization dedicated to promoting rational thinking and opposing pseudoscience. The magazine's primary focus is to critically examine and debunk various pseudoscientific movements and beliefs, including parapsychology, ufology, astrology, and New Age ideologies.

Critical Examination of Pseudoscientific Movements

The magazine delves into the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, presenting a critical analysis of his work. It questions the scientific validity of his claims, particularly regarding his theories on Atlantis and theosophy. The article highlights the tendency of Steiner and his followers to categorically deny any evolution in his thought, viewing all phases of his development as divinely ordained. The author notes that while Steiner's ideas may have originated from a desire for a meaningful identity, his later writings are seen by some critics as "literary forgeries." The issue also touches upon the practical applications of Anthroposophy, such as Waldorf schools and biodynamic agriculture, while maintaining a critical stance on their underlying principles.

Another significant section is dedicated to the critique of astrology, citing the work of James Randi and Svante Janson, who argue that horoscopes are vague and unscientific. The magazine also discusses the concept of "pseudoskepticism," differentiating it from genuine scientific skepticism, which it champions.

Buddhism in Sweden

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the growth of Buddhism in Sweden. It traces the history of Buddhist interest in the country from the 1920s, highlighting key figures like Kata Dalström, Tao Wei (Marcel Sirander), and Amita Nisatta (Ingrid Wagner). The article details the establishment of various Buddhist organizations and centers, including the Swedish Buddhist Society, The Lotus Buddhist Order, and numerous regional groups. It also provides a list of Swedish literature on Buddhism and discusses the core tenets of Buddhist philosophy, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as explained through the life of Siddhartha Gotama.

Auroville: A Vision of a New Society

The issue features an article by Asa Freij about Auroville, a utopian community in India founded on the principles of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The article describes the author's personal journey to Auroville and her impressions of the community, which aims to create a new society based on spiritual evolution and a supramental consciousness. It touches upon the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, emphasizing the transformation of matter and the emergence of a new human species.

The "Folkvett" Publication

The magazine itself, "Folkvett," is presented as the organ of the Association for Science and Popular Enlightenment. It advocates for reason and scientific inquiry, actively challenging what it perceives as superstition and pseudoscience. The publication aims to educate its readers on critical thinking and to differentiate between established scientific knowledge and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of phenomena like parapsychology, ufology, and astrology, urging readers to rely on evidence-based reasoning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Folkvett" revolve around the promotion of scientific rationalism, the critique of pseudoscientific beliefs, and the exploration of spiritual and philosophical movements from a skeptical yet open-minded perspective. The editorial stance is consistently in favor of critical thinking, empirical evidence, and the ideals of the Enlightenment. The magazine aims to foster an informed public discourse by challenging unsubstantiated claims and encouraging a discerning approach to knowledge.

Sökaren Magazine, Issue 8411 (1985)

This issue of *Sökaren*, a Swedish independent magazine for worldview issues, arrives with the theme "Nu kommer 1985" (Now comes 1985), signaling a new year of spiritual and intellectual exploration. The magazine offers a diverse range of content, from in-depth reviews and personal reflections to practical guides and community announcements.

Pseudokritiker: A Critical Look at Parapsychology

The issue opens with a review titled "Pseudokritiker" (Pseudo-critics), examining *The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology* by Rom Harré and Roger Lamb. The reviewer highlights the dictionary's serious and even sympathetic treatment of parapsychology, noting its coverage of ESP, out-of-the-body experiences, and psychical research. The dictionary acknowledges the existence of thousands of documented cases and the majority of the American population's belief in paranormal phenomena. It also points out the difficulties parapsychology faced in terms of funding and publication due to skepticism. The review emphasizes that the dictionary treats parapsychology as a science, focused on objective investigation rather than belief or superstition, and notes the interest from physicists in explaining phenomena related to human perception.

ZEN-ARBETE: A Path to Inner Peace

A section introduces "ZEN-ARBETE" (Zen Work), described as a non-denominational fellowship for those seriously interested in achieving and maintaining religious states of consciousness without symbols, rituals, or authorities. The practice involves regular, group-based sessions over extended periods. The announcement also mentions an upcoming book, "Att erfara utan fördomar. Skriften om Zen-arbete" by Zen master Toni Packer, founder of the Genesee Valley Zen Center in Rochester, NY.

"SUNRISE": A Theosophical Journal

A brief notice promotes "SUNRISE," an English-language journal from the Theosophical Society in Pasadena. It is available by subscription for 6 issues per year, with a price of 60 SEK. Readers are invited to request a free sample copy.

Meditationskuddar and Other Offerings

Several small advertisements offer practical items for spiritual practice, including meditation cushions in various styles and colors from INGA:s SÖMNADSSERVICE HB. There is also a listing for Trager massage and Rebirthing services.

Humanistisk och Karmisk Astrologi

A course and experience in Humanistic and Karmic Astrology is announced. This week-long program covers the fundamentals of astrology, calculations, and interpretation, incorporating horoscope workshops, and image and drama exercises. The course is held at Lindsbergs Kursgård in Falun from December 29, 1984, to January 5, 1985. The cost is 950 SEK, including food and lodging. Interested individuals are asked to provide their birth data (place and time) for registration.

Anders Fugelstad's "Vidare Visa"

Music critic Nils-Olof Jacobson reviews "Vidare Visa," a new album by Swedish singer-songwriter Anders Fugelstad. This is Fugelstad's first album in seven years, and he is credited with all aspects of its production, including lyrics, music, artwork, and layout, released on his own label, Kungsklippan Records. The music is described as acoustic, with lively, mostly lighthearted, and friendly arrangements, featuring professional musicians and the Fresk Quartet. The album includes a mix of themes, from observations on Swedish life and love songs to reflections on reincarnation and other religions. Fugelstad's lyrics explore the idea of a universal spiritual source, suggesting that all paths lead to the same ultimate reality.

Lawrence Ball and Keith Barnard: Meditational Music

Jacobson also reviews the work of English musicians Lawrence Ball and Keith Barnard, who focus on creating music for meditation and healing. Their work is described as aiming to heal body, mind, and spirit, and to raise planetary vibrations. Ball's music includes piano improvisations and synthesized pieces, while Barnard offers piano performances titled "Healing Music." Both artists emphasize the meditative qualities of their music, which requires attentive listening. Their joint manifesto outlines their vision for serious music and its role in spiritual development. Cassettes of their music are available for purchase.

Sökarguider: A Directory of Spiritual Resources

This section acts as a directory for various spiritual and New Age-related activities and organizations in Sweden. Listings include:

• OM, AUM: Information on New Age films and activities.
• Energivågen: Offering courses and lectures.
• ABUNDANTIA: Providing meditation and bodywork sessions.
• Hokoskop-verkstad: Offering horoscopes and readings by Janne Hallquist and Name Svensson.
• PAN: Featuring lectures by Leon Helge Hjelmeus on topics like "Tidsåldrama" (Time Dramas).
• Koust: A research forum.
• TORA: Offering meditation and courses.
• DEEVA RAJNEESH MEDITATIONSCENTER: A center offering various Rajneesh-inspired meditation programs, including a "Rajneesh Zencounter Celebration" with Swami Anand Rajen and an "Intuition and Consciousness" group led by Ma Anand Raufa. The center also houses the NOAKS ARK Rajneesh store.
• INSTITUTET: Offering a "JUL-Meditation" (Christmas Meditation) from December 20-27.

Synpunkter på New Age: A Discussion on the Movement

This section presents a multifaceted discussion on the New Age movement, drawing from various Swedish publications. It begins by referencing critiques from Sydsvenska Dagbladet and Dagens Nyheter (DN), which question the intellectual rigor and scientific basis of some New Age ideas, labeling them as anti-science and individualistic. The article also includes a defense of "alternatives" by Kaj Håkanson, who suggests that these movements may offer realistic solutions to contemporary problems and that their appeal lies in a potential glimpse of a unified reality. Mats Ewerlöf is quoted as being dismissive of New Age, viewing it as utopian and lacking in class consciousness. The author of this section, however, argues that while New Age may not adhere to strict scientific dogma, it is not necessarily irrational. The emphasis on intuition and speculative thinking is presented as a valid way to seek meaning beyond the limitations of empirical science. The article concludes by suggesting that while rationality is important, it can lead to narrow-mindedness, and that New Age thinking, in its exploration of mystical and speculative ideas, can offer valuable insights.

Book Reviews

• Eva Moberg's "Vad tar vi oss för?": Reviewed by SM, this book compiles Eva Moberg's columns from DN's editorial page between 1976-1982. The reviewer praises Moberg's clear journalistic style and her ability to tackle important subjects, particularly highlighting her satirical pieces.
• "Förvirrad präst" (Confused Priest): SM reviews Torbjörn Freij's book, which is critical of the New Age movement from a Baptist perspective. The reviewer expresses dismay at the book's perceived ignorance and hostility, comparing New Age to Nazism and the Ku Klux Klan without substantiation.
• "Bli rik!" (Become Rich!): This review discusses Napoleon Hill's *Think and Grow Rich*, originally published in English. The book, based on Andrew Carnegie's philosophy, outlines principles for achieving success through positive thinking and goal setting. The Swedish translation is noted to be abridged.
• "Noreas saga" by Marianne Fredriksson: Nils-Olof Jacobson reviews this novel, which draws inspiration from Gnosticism. The story follows Norea, a figure who experiences spiritual development and encounters the limitations of conventional reality. The reviewer praises the book's visionary power and its exploration of archetypal themes, comparing it to Hermann Hesse's *Siddharta*.
• "Onödig bok" (Unnecessary Book): Jacobson also reviews Ian Currie's *Du kan inte dö* (You Cannot Die), a book on death based on research. The reviewer finds the book to be poorly substantiated and tedious due to a lack of critical reflection.

Other Content

• "Kontakt" (Contact): A personal ads section for individuals seeking like-minded connections.
• Modern (Auroville): A brief mention of Auroville.
• Thomasevangeliet: An announcement for the Swedish translation of the Gospel of Thomas.
• Pythagoras Numerologi & Traude Schneider's Relations-Horoskop: Advertisements for numerological and relationship analyses.
• "Footprints on the Path": A quote from Eileen Caddy's work, emphasizing the importance of following one's path and divine guidance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that is open to spiritual exploration, parapsychology, and alternative perspectives, while maintaining a critical yet non-dismissive stance towards various movements and ideas. There is a clear emphasis on personal growth, self-awareness, and the search for deeper meaning beyond conventional societal norms. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging readers to explore new ideas and to question established paradigms, while also providing resources and information for those on a spiritual path. The magazine seems to value thoughtful discussion and the sharing of diverse viewpoints, even when they are critical of mainstream thought or other spiritual movements.