Sokaren - 1986 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated 1986 and identified as NR 3 of ÅRGÅNG 23, features a cover price of 18:00 including VAT. The cover art is a pastel by Pablo Picasso titled 'Man and Woman' from 1921, accompanied by a caption about philosopher-professor Walter Schubart's desire to unite religion and eros.

Articles

"När bläckhornet sprang sönder" (When the Inkwell Broke) by J. Wainwright Evans

This article recounts a personal experience of Dr. S. Ralph Harlow, a former professor of religion and biblical literature at Smith College. While discussing his deceased sister Anna, with whom he had a pact to send a clear signal from the afterlife, a thick glass inkwell on his desk suddenly shattered with a loud crack. Dr. Harlow and his student were startled. The break was clean, with smooth surfaces, baffling a physics professor consulted by Dr. Harlow. The physicist suggested a sudden vibration could cause such a break, likening it to a glacier cracking from a steam whistle. Dr. Harlow speculates that his sister, Anna, might have used psychokinesis to induce a vibration in a microscopic crack in the glass, causing it to shatter at the precise moment her name was spoken. The article explores the possibility of disembodied intelligences influencing physical objects through psychokinesis (PK), but concludes that definitive proof of life after death remains elusive.

"Tefatens hemlighet: Antigravitation" (The Secret of Flying Saucers: Antigravity) by Donald E. Keyhoe

This piece by Donald E. Keyhoe investigates antigravity as the potential secret behind UFO technology. It begins with an account of a 1965 encounter by the crew of a Flying Tiger Air Lines plane with three large, oval-shaped objects exhibiting extraordinary speed and maneuverability. Keyhoe highlights that six government agencies and numerous private corporations are researching antigravity, with 46 projects underway. He cites experts like Hermann Oberth and William P. Lear, Sr., who believe UFOs utilize antigravity. The article discusses the immense value of antigravity control for space travel, military applications, and aviation, predicting revolutionary changes in transportation.

"Det förhäxade slottet" (The Bewitched Castle) by William Haste

This is a narrative account of a parapsychological investigation at a castle, likely in Sweden, involving mediums and alleged paranormal phenomena. The story centers on the experiences of a woman, Mrs. Anna Schneider, who, along with another medium, Mrs. X, and the castle's owner, Mrs. F., encounters spectral presences and historical reenactments. They identify a spirit as Bengt Algotsson Grip, a historical figure (Duke of Scania and Halland, died 1369), and another as Gustaf, who was allegedly wronged by Grip. The narrative describes apparitions, voices, and automatic writing, culminating in a seance where Bengt Algotsson Grip communicates, confessing past misdeeds and seeking forgiveness. Gustaf also communicates, expressing his vengeful spirit. The article concludes with the castle's subsequent transformation into a nursing home and the apparent cessation of paranormal activity.

"EN AMERIKANSK KULTURREVOLUTION?" (AN AMERICAN CULTURAL REVOLUTION?)

This review discusses Charles A. Reich's bestseller "The Greening of America." The book, written by a Yale law professor, posits the emergence of a new consciousness among American youth, characterized by a rejection of the old, materialistic society and an embrace of a more humanistic, life-affirming culture. Reich argues that this "new consciousness" is spreading rapidly and will eventually transform American society. The reviewer notes the book's repetitive style but acknowledges its significant underlying idea. The review contrasts the "old America" of exploitation and alienation with the "new consciousness" that values individuality, respect, and communal seeking of wisdom. It also touches upon the counter-culture movement and the use of drugs as part of this search for deeper meaning.

"MARTIN BUBER en judisk mystiker i vår tid." (MARTIN BUBER a Jewish mystic of our time.) by Alf Ahlberg

This article profiles the life and philosophy of Martin Buber (1878-1965), a prominent Jewish mystic and philosopher. It highlights Buber's deep connection to Jewish tradition, his unique perspective on Jesus as a great prophet, and his belief in the universal mission of Judaism. Buber's philosophy, particularly his concept of the "I-Thou" relationship, is explained as a call for genuine, dialogical encounters with the world and its inhabitants, contrasting it with the "It-world" of objectification and alienation. The article also delves into Buber's interpretation of Chassidism, emphasizing its focus on hallowing everyday life and the practice of active, serving love as a path to God.

"SAGAN OM JONATHAN MÅS" (The Saga of Jonathan Seagull) by Birgit Lange

This piece reviews Richard Bach's internationally acclaimed book, "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." The story follows a seagull who yearns to fly better and faster than any other, challenging the norms of his flock. The reviewer recounts the book's origin, how Bach was inspired by a voice, and its journey from rejection to bestseller status. The narrative of Jonathan's quest for self-perfection, his banishment, and his eventual enlightenment through advanced flight techniques and spiritual understanding is summarized. The article highlights themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of knowledge, and the idea that true freedom lies in transcending limitations. The reviewer praises the book's profound message and its beautiful presentation, suggesting it is a story for anyone seeking a deeper meaning in life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, the unexplained, and alternative philosophies. There's a strong interest in UFOs and the possibility of advanced technologies like antigravity. Spiritual and mystical experiences are given significant attention, with articles on figures like Martin Buber and concepts like life after death and reincarnation. The magazine also engages with contemporary cultural phenomena, such as the "Greening of America" movement and popular literature like "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," often interpreting them through a lens of spiritual or psychological seeking. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and societal paradigms, encouraging readers to explore deeper meanings and possibilities beyond the material world.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 1973 (nr 8, 1973), focuses on ancient philosophies, spirituality, and the concept of miracles, with a prominent feature on the philosopher Epikuros.

Epikuros: The Wise in the Garden

The main article details the life and philosophy of Epikuros, born in 341 BCE on the island of Samos. Despite a difficult life marked by chronic illness and exile, Epikuros developed a philosophy centered on achieving happiness and tranquility. His core tenets included freedom from fear of the gods, freedom from fear of death, the ability to endure pain, and the attainment of happiness. He believed gods existed but were indifferent to human affairs, and that death was simply the cessation of consciousness, thus nothing to be feared. Epikuros rejected supernatural explanations for the world's creation, embracing Democritus' atomism, and viewed the soul as material, dissolving with the body. He advocated for a life of simple pleasures, finding joy in basic needs like food and drink, and emphasized the importance of contentment and moderation. His philosophy, though initially overlooked, later became influential.

Epikuros also stressed the value of friendship, calling it the greatest gift of wisdom for achieving a blessed life. He believed in mutual care and support among friends, stating that a wise person would not suffer more from their own pain than from a friend's. He lived a simple, secluded life, advising others to 'live in hiding' and avoid political turmoil.

The article notes that Epikuros' philosophy was later misinterpreted as mere hedonism and materialism, leading to negative judgments from some ancient writers. However, his original teachings focused on the simple joys and inner peace found in a life of moderation and friendship.

Stoicism vs. Epicureanism

A comparative section contrasts Epikureanism with Stoicism, two major philosophical schools of the Hellenistic period. While both sought inner peace and self-control, Stoics emphasized virtue, duty, and living in accordance with a divinely ordered universe, viewing life as a role in a cosmic play. They believed in accepting fate and the natural order, including death. Epikureans, conversely, focused on pleasure and the avoidance of pain, seeing the universe as a product of atomic interactions without divine intervention.

Key Stoic figures like Seneca, Epiktetos, and Marcus Aurelius are introduced. Seneca, a wealthy Roman statesman and advisor to Nero, advocated for virtue and detachment from material possessions, even while living a life of luxury. Epiktetos, a former slave, taught that while external events are beyond our control, our inner thoughts and reactions are not, emphasizing self-mastery. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, wrote his 'Meditations' in military camps, reflecting on Stoic principles of duty, reason, and inner resilience.

Skepticism in Antiquity

The issue also explores ancient Skepticism, with Pyrrhon of Elis identified as its founder. Skeptics questioned the possibility of certain knowledge, arguing that for every argument, a counter-argument could be made. Their goal was to achieve tranquility (ataraxia) by suspending judgment and avoiding dogmatic beliefs. The article mentions Sextos Empeirikos as a key proponent, whose writings influenced the development of modern scientific inquiry. While Skepticism challenged the theoretical foundations of other philosophies, the article suggests that the practical aspects of Stoic and Epicurean ethics could still be adopted even from a skeptical viewpoint.

Religion and Eros

Another section examines the relationship between religion and Eros (erotic love). It contrasts the Western tradition's tendency to view sexuality as sinful and separate from religion with ancient and Eastern traditions (like Hinduism and nature religions) where Eros was often integrated into spiritual practices, seen as a divine creative force and a path to unity. Walter Schubart's work 'Religion und Eros' is discussed, arguing that the separation of these two forces is a tragedy for Western culture and that their reintegration is necessary for spiritual renewal.

A Course in Miracles

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the origins and impact of 'A Course in Miracles.' It details how the material was dictated to Dr. Helen Schucman and Dr. William Thetford through an inner voice, and how it was later transcribed and published with the help of Judith Skutch and the Foundation for Inner Peace. The article highlights the transformative power of the Course, its emphasis on forgiveness, and its aim to shift perception from fear to love, presenting it as a 'miracle' in its own right, defined as a creative solution to problems.

Other Topics

The issue also touches upon other subjects, including the philosophical ideas of Parmenides and Zenon (Eleatic school), discussions on consciousness and death, and a review of books related to alchemy, spiritualism, and esoteric sciences. A section titled 'Can one really 'think oneself healthy'?' discusses the role of psychological factors in health, referencing studies and debates on the mind-body connection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of inner peace, self-discovery, the search for meaning, and the intersection of philosophy, spirituality, and psychology. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions, presenting them for the reader's consideration rather than advocating for a single viewpoint. There is a clear interest in how ancient wisdom can inform modern life and address contemporary spiritual and psychological challenges.

This issue of Sökaren, identified as number 3 from 1986 and the 200th issue overall, focuses on the "UFO Front" with a prominent cover story titled "Änglar viska enbart falskhet" (Angels Whisper Only Falsehood) by Håkan Blomqvist. The magazine explores various aspects of spirituality, parapsychology, and critical inquiry into alleged paranormal phenomena.

UFO Contactees and Channeled Messages

The main article by Håkan Blomqvist critically examines the phenomenon of UFO contactees and individuals who claim to receive messages from extraterrestrials through channeling or automatic writing. It highlights cases like Michael Shobek, who believed he acted on divine orders, and Gloria Lee, who founded the Cosmon Research Foundation based on messages from an alleged entity named J.W. from Jupiter. The article discusses how individuals like Allen Noonan received messages from 'Ashtar' from Venus, and how others, such as Andrija Puharich (known for his work with Uri Geller), became involved with mediums like Phyllis Schlemmer, who channeled a being named 'Tom'.

Blomqvist argues that many of these messages are a form of psychological feedback or self-deception, drawing parallels to Swedenborg's warning against believing spirits. He cites George Adamski's insistence on the physical nature of real extraterrestrials and his caution against channeled messages. The article suggests that while these phenomena are fascinating, they are often characterized by 'nonsense, gullibility, and obvious psychopathology' and can be detrimental to genuine understanding.

Music and Spirituality

Another significant section, "ORD OCH TONER" (Word and Tones), explores the connection between music and spiritual development. It features an article on George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff, a spiritual teacher who believed music could 'awaken' people and create 'objective' music. His collaborator, Thomas de Hartmann, is discussed for his musical compositions inspired by Gurdjieff.

The section also introduces Jørgen Mortensen, a music historian who developed 'objective music' or 'chakramusic' intended to influence meditation and spiritual development. His work, described as slow-evolving soundscapes rather than conventional music, aims for psychological impact over aesthetic appeal.

Philosophical and Religious Attitudes

An article titled "Olika attityder till religion" (Different Attitudes Towards Religion) by Paul Kurtz, a philosophy professor and editor of Free Inquiry, outlines three approaches to religious claims: total conviction, militant atheism, and a more nuanced, questioning attitude. Kurtz advocates for the latter, emphasizing religious freedom, honesty, tolerance, and a commitment to truth-seeking.

The magazine also includes a section on "Jagets eld" (The Soul's Fire), a book by Dénis Lindbohm about past lives. It features book reviews on various spiritual and psychological topics, including Lisbeth Gustafsson's "Mysterie-längtan i vår tid" (Mystery Longing in Our Time), Gunnar Hillerdal's "Bönhörelse?" (Answered Prayer?), Emanuel Qvarnström's "Den jordiska komedin" (The Earthly Comedy), Thomas Merton's "Den nya människan" (The New Man), and Alice A. Bailey's "Invigning" (Initiation).

Other Features

Further content includes reviews of books on Buddhism, parapsychology (Örjan Björkhem's "Mystik och verklighet"), and memory techniques (Tony Buzan's "Motionsbok för minnet"). A section on "MAT OCH DRYCK" (Food and Drink) reviews Ann Wigmore's book "Levande föda" (Living Food), advocating for a raw, unprocessed diet. The magazine also includes a "Kontakt" (Contact) section with personal ads and a section titled "Gåvor" (Gifts) listing donations received.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren demonstrates a consistent editorial stance that is critical of unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realm of UFOs and channeled messages, while remaining open to exploring spiritual, psychological, and philosophical questions. The magazine encourages rational inquiry and skepticism, as exemplified by Paul Kurtz's article on attitudes towards religion. It balances this critical perspective with an interest in various spiritual traditions, esoteric teachings, and personal accounts of inner exploration. The recurring theme is the search for meaning and truth, approached through diverse lenses, including critical analysis, philosophical discourse, and explorations of consciousness and music.