Sokaren - 1986 No 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated 1986 and identified as Volume 23, Number 8, features a cover story on the passing of astronomer J. Allen Hynek, often called the 'Galileo of UFO research'. The magazine delves into various philosophical and spiritual themes, exploring the nature of truth, critical thinking, and the concept of reincarnation.

The Method of Seeking Truth

The issue begins by posing fundamental questions about how to best approach truth, hypotheses, and teachings, and how to discern true beliefs from false ones. It acknowledges the natural human tendency to both seek and avoid truth, recognizing the role of lies in making life bearable. The article explores the value of truth and the methods for pursuing it.

Several individuals offer their perspectives on determining truth. Philosopher Lars Bergström rejects the idea of relative truth, emphasizing objectivity and consistency as hallmarks of truth, though acknowledging these may not guarantee its attainment. He suggests striving for consistency in one's beliefs and developing theories that explain known facts.

The importance of rational thinking ('förnuft') is stressed, with a critique of unclear and illogical thought processes. The tendency to be swayed by emotions, fantasies, and desires is highlighted, leading to wishful thinking rather than objective analysis. Several books on critical thinking and logic are recommended, including works by Alf Ahlberg, Ernest Dimnet, Alf Nyman, Arne Naess, Sigvard Härnring, Rupert Crawshay-Williams, and Aldous Huxley. The article notes that clear thinking requires significant effort and vigilance against cognitive biases.

It is suggested that our desires can significantly impact our thinking, leading us to avoid uncomfortable truths. The tendency to select arguments that support pre-existing beliefs, rather than seeking opposing viewpoints, is identified as a common pitfall. A lack of understanding of word meanings and their functions can also lead to misunderstandings. The field of semantics is presented as crucial for truth-seekers to avoid misinterpretations.

Crawshay-Williams identifies five key desires that can hinder rational thought: the desire to understand, to be good, for excitement, for self-assertion, and for conformity. The article also discusses how self-suggestion and the influence of language (both flattering and demeaning) can shape our beliefs. Rationalization, the process of finding justifications for pre-determined conclusions, is contrasted with the more effective method of gathering all available facts first.

Perspectives on Truth and Spirituality

Martinus and the 'Off-Reason's Charms'

Per Ragnar contributes by referencing Martinus and his 'cosmic grammar' as a framework for understanding existence. He emphasizes the importance of personal will in seeking a 'grammar of existence' or a 'guru'. The process involves reading various texts, both scientific and spiritual, and testing these against one's own life experiences. The 'bearing power of faith in reality' is presented as the criterion for truth.

A Buddhist Perspective

Jan Bärmark shares a Buddhist perspective, emphasizing that there is no single, definitive answer to the search for truth. He recounts Buddha's advice to the people of Kesaputta, who were confused by conflicting religious teachings. Buddha advised them not to rely on the reputation of the teacher or the logic of the teaching, but to examine whether the teaching leads to beneficial outcomes and away from harmful ones. Bärmark stresses the importance of critical examination, like testing gold, and not stopping at doubt but proceeding to understand the motivations behind one's chosen path.

He suggests that the goal should be to create happiness for all, not just oneself. The inner transformation that comes from applying these teachings is key. Bärmark also highlights the need for a sensitive mind, like a clear mirror, free from ignorance, confusion, lust, desire, envy, and hatred. Truth, he suggests, is found within, like butter in milk or oil in sesame seeds, requiring inner work to uncover.

A Human-Ethical Viewpoint

Gunnar Ståldal, from the Human-Ethical Association, critiques religious texts, particularly the Bible. He argues that many biblical accounts are not historically accurate and that the concept of a vengeful God is logically contradictory. Ståldal suggests approaching religious texts as literature, extracting what resonates and discarding what is harmful. He questions the divinity of Jesus and the authenticity of miracles, attributing them to legend or misinterpretation. He advocates for a scientific understanding of reality, stating that any deviation from established natural laws requires strong evidence from the claimant.

Ståldal views the biblical narratives as testimonies of faith rather than historical records. He suggests that the stories of Jesus can be appreciated as 'images of life' that resonate emotionally, similar to literary works like Hamlet. He finds the Christian assertion of a loving God who condemns some to eternal punishment to be a logical contradiction.

The Concept of Reincarnation

'Rebirth?' - The Case of Dolon Champa Mitra

The issue extensively explores the concept of reincarnation, presenting it as an ancient belief found in Indian religions, ancient Greece, and early Christianity (Gnosticism and Catharism). The article notes a resurgence of interest in reincarnation in the West, as it offers explanations for life's inequalities and perceived injustices.

The belief suggests that our actions, thoughts, and feelings in one life determine our circumstances in subsequent lives. This is contrasted with the Christian doctrine of a single life followed by eternal judgment, which is questioned for its fairness given the varying conditions and lifespans of individuals.

While the idea of reincarnation is presented as ethically appealing, the article emphasizes that its ethical appeal does not equate to its truth. It questions the existence of a benevolent God as a premise for a just universe, suggesting that without such a God, life's inequalities might simply be due to chance.

The argument that geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci must have had multiple lives to develop their talents is discussed and found to be weak. Professor Ian Stevenson's research on cases of children recalling past lives is mentioned as providing support for reincarnation, though Stevenson himself acknowledges the lack of definitive proof. Hypnotic regression cases are also discussed, with the conclusion that they often involve a mix of current memories, fantasies, and potential ESP, rather than clear evidence of past lives.

The article differentiates between Buddhist and Hindu views on reincarnation. Buddhism posits a continuous stream of mental processes rather than a soul, with the desire to live leading to new existences. Hinduism (Vedanta) posits an eternal soul (Atman) identical with Brahman (God), with individual personalities being temporary manifestations. The ultimate goal in both traditions is to escape the cycle of rebirth.

The Case of Dolon Champa Mitra

A detailed case study of Dolon Champa Mitra, an Indian girl who reportedly recalled memories of a past life as Nishith De, a young man who died in 1964, is presented. Dolon made numerous specific claims about Nishith's life, family, and death, many of which were corroborated by Nishith's family. The case was investigated by Professor Ian Stevenson, who concluded that while not definitive proof, it provided significant support for the belief in reincarnation.

Other Perspectives on Reincarnation

Arguments against reincarnation include the lack of memory of past lives, which is countered by the analogy of forgetting early childhood memories. The influence of genetics is also discussed, with the possibility that individuals might choose parents whose genetic makeup is conducive to their soul's needs. The article suggests that reincarnation might be a natural law or a deviation, with some speculating that only those who die prematurely might reincarnate.

'Ord och Toner' (Word and Tone)

This section reviews musical works related to meditation and spirituality. Eberhard Schoener's electronic music album 'MEDITATION' is described as an attempt to capture a 'higher reality' through sounds inspired by Western meditative traditions. His album 'SKY MUSIC MOUNTAIN MUSIC' is also discussed, incorporating natural sounds. The section also mentions Ole Saxe's 'Element-Meditation' cassette, which uses music to explore the four temperaments.

'I mognadens dal' (In the Valley of Maturity)

This piece reflects on Harry Martinson's critique of Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy of despair and 'closed doors'. The author contrasts Sartre's bleak outlook with a more hopeful view of life, drawing on Viktor Frankl's experiences in concentration camps and the poetry of Johannes Edfelt. Martinson's own writings are quoted, emphasizing the acceptance of death with peace and the transformative power of hope, expectations, and dreams. He highlights the 'cosmic solar' as a source of light and inspiration, and the importance of the 'good will' in achieving inner maturity. The author connects this to the concept of finding peace in stillness and the role of art in revealing deeper realities.

'En mystikers vision' (A Mystic's Vision)

This section focuses on the poetry of Anders Apelqvist, exploring his themes of self-discovery, the nature of reality, and the concept of a 'Universal Intelligence'. Apelqvist's work is characterized by a sense of detachment from the material world and a search for a deeper, unified existence. His later writings, presented as prose and lyrical pieces, delve into the idea of a universal consciousness that underlies all of existence. The concept of 'Dr. Mabuse' is presented as an embodiment of this Universal Intelligence, driving evolution through both constructive and destructive forces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for truth, the importance of critical and rational thinking, and the exploration of spiritual and philosophical concepts such as reincarnation and a universal consciousness. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, scientific approach while remaining open to exploring different belief systems and their potential validity. There is a clear critique of dogma and blind faith, advocating instead for evidence-based reasoning and personal experience as guides to understanding.

The magazine seems to encourage readers to question, analyze, and seek deeper meaning in life, presenting diverse viewpoints from philosophers, religious scholars, and individuals with unique experiences. The overall tone is one of intellectual inquiry and a desire to understand the complexities of existence.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 8, 1986
Date: August 1986

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophies and spiritual matters, features a prominent article on the passing of UFO expert J. Allen Hynek, alongside a diverse range of other topics including spirituality, science, and cultural explorations.

J. Allen Hynek: A Pioneer in UFO Research

The lead article, "På UFO-fronten" (On the UFO Front) by Håkan Blomqvist, pays tribute to J. Allen Hynek, who died in April 1986 at the age of 75. Hynek, described as the world's foremost UFO expert and likened to the 'Galileo of UFO research' by Newsweek, had a profound impact on the field. Born in Chicago in 1910 to Czechoslovakian parents, Hynek earned a Ph.D. in astronomy and held professorships at Ohio University and Northwestern University. His early skepticism towards UFOs transformed into a dedicated pursuit of understanding after he was recruited as an astronomical consultant for the U.S. Air Force in 1948.

Initially, Hynek concluded that most UFO reports had natural explanations. However, the wave of UFO sightings in 1952, particularly over Washington, led him to question the official Air Force narrative. He realized that Project Blue Book was largely a public relations effort. A turning point came in 1966 after UFO sightings in Michigan, which prompted a congressional hearing and led to the University of Colorado's UFO investigation (1967-1969). Hynek advocated for a thorough scientific investigation, but criticized the Condon Report, which he felt was biased and focused too narrowly on the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Hynek was part of an 'invisible college' of scientists studying UFOs, a concept also explored in Jacques Vallee's book. His own seminal work, "The UFO Experience" (1972), presented his categorization of UFO reports, including the well-known 'close encounters of the third kind.' In 1973, he founded the Center for UFO Studies. Hynek also consulted on Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," further solidifying his reputation.

While Hynek was open to various theories, he remained skeptical of the extraterrestrial hypothesis due to vast interstellar distances. He speculated about technologies involving mind-matter interaction. His work, particularly "The edge of reality" co-authored with Vallee, explored the intersection of the physical and psychological aspects of UFO phenomena.

Other Articles and Features

New Security Policy: Bertil Falk discusses Lester R. Brown's analysis of global security, arguing that economic strength, not military might, is the key to national security in the nuclear age. Brown suggests that Japan's focus on economic development, free from heavy militarization, positions it for global economic dominance.

Spontaneous Remission: The article touches upon the phenomenon of spontaneous remission of diseases like cancer, citing research by the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) that suggests the role of consciousness and positive emotions in self-healing.

The Power of Prayer: Three American cardiologists, including Randy Byrd, conducted a study suggesting that prayer may have a positive impact on heart patients, leading to fewer complications.

Astrology Under Scrutiny: Shawn Carlson's research, published in Nature, tested the accuracy of astrologers in matching birth dates with personality descriptions. The study found that astrologers performed no better than chance, leading Carlson to suggest that their perceived accuracy might stem from 'cold reading' techniques rather than astrological principles.

• Book Reviews: The magazine features reviews of several books, including:
• "The Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom" and "The Open Labyrinth" by Rachel Pollack, on Tarot.
• "Sunrise," an English-language journal from the Theosophical Society Pasadena.
• "Reincarnation: The Phoenix Fire Mystery" and "Reincarnation: A New Horizon in Science, Religion, and Society."
• "Buddhas stora meditationstal" and "Buddhas tal till Sigala" from Buddhasasanaförlaget.
• "Människan och livsmysteriet" by Per Bruus-Jensen, introducing Martinus' cosmology.
• "A Course in Miracles" by Gerald Jampolsky and Burt Hotchkiss.
• "Det levande ordet" by Eileen Caddy, featuring her 'inner voice' teachings.
• "HemmaFödd" by Per and Monica Frisk, about home birth.
• "Tillbaka till verkligheten" by Håkan Eilert, exploring Japanese spirituality.

• Other Features:
• A section on "SökarguideR" (Seeker's Guide) lists various courses and events related to spirituality and self-development.
• A review of "The Black Bible: Moses Book of Spells and Exorcisms."
• An article discussing the scientology church being ordered to pay 200 million kronor in damages.
• A discussion on the "Rök utan eld?" (Smoke without fire?) case, involving disputed UFO crash evidence.
• A review of "UFO på danska" (UFO in Danish), a bibliography of Danish UFO literature.
• "Footprints on the Path" by Eileen Caddy, a spiritual reflection.

Contact Information: The magazine provides contact details for various organizations and individuals offering spiritual and self-development resources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, the paranormal, and alternative perspectives on life and the universe. The magazine appears to have an open-minded stance, presenting various viewpoints and research findings, even those that challenge conventional scientific or societal norms. There is a clear interest in bridging Eastern and Western thought, as evidenced by the features on Japanese spirituality and the works of mystics like Martinus and Eileen Caddy. The editorial stance seems to encourage personal exploration and critical thinking, inviting readers to engage with complex ideas and discover their own truths.