Sokaren - 1987 No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR9
Volume/Year: 1987 ÅRGÅNG 24
Date: 1987
Price: 20:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren delves into the enigmatic world of psychic surgery and mediumship, posing the central question: "What is really happening here?" The cover image depicts hands engaged in a procedure that appears medical, hinting at the mysterious nature of the phenomena discussed within.

Psychic Surgery: A Philippine Enigma

The magazine begins by highlighting psychic surgery, particularly as practiced in the Philippines, as a profound mystery that has yet to be thoroughly scientifically investigated. It calls for dedicated researchers, drawing parallels to figures like Sai Baba, Ted Serios, and Ian Stevenson, who have studied other paranormal phenomena. The article notes that researchers who have attempted to study psychic surgery have struggled to penetrate its depths.

Early Accounts and Investigations

In the mid-1960s, international press reported on untrained surgeons in the Philippines and Brazil performing operations with spiritual power and minimal aids. Initially, these reports were positive, with doctors attesting to the 'miraculous' work of these "psychic" or "mediumistic" surgeons. However, critical voices soon emerged, leading to a divergence of opinions that persists.

American doctor and parapsychologist Andrija Puharich, known for his work with Uri Geller, studied psychic surgeon José Arigo in Brazil and concluded that Arigo performed genuine paranormal operations, even having a tumor removed from his own arm by Arigo.

Conversely, American parapsychologist Professor Ian Stevenson witnessed psychic surgery in the Philippines and later found that "kidney stones" supposedly removed were ordinary stones. The German magazine Stern also investigated Filipino psychic surgeon Tony Agpaoa, claiming his operations were illusions created with a thin, skin-colored membrane and a blood-like liquid, which laboratory tests showed was not blood. A gallstone supposedly removed was still present.

Dr. Peter Wartenberg, an internal medicine specialist who accompanied Stern's reporters, attempted to feel an incision on a patient being operated on by Tony Agpaoa but found only something resembling plastic film, with no discernible wound edges or internal organs visible.

Despite these skeptical accounts, the article acknowledges that psychic surgery is not easily dismissed. Agpaoa once extracted a tooth with just two fingers, and a Swedish engineer, Leif Olsson, described Agpaoa's ability to perform operations without long sleeves, making it difficult to conceal any trickery.

Swedish Witnesses and Experiences

In 1971, Swedish civil engineers Leif Olsson and Björn Svedinger visited the Philippines after hearing about Tony Agpaoa's miracles. They were initially skeptical but became convinced of his extraordinary abilities after witnessing his operations. Olsson found it hard to believe Agpaoa used a plastic film, given his short-sleeved attire. Svedinger himself was operated on by Agpaoa for an eye injury, reporting improved vision.

Björn Kläppe, another Swede who observed Agpaoa's operations in the early 1970s, offered a critical perspective. He detailed how Agpaoa would seemingly open the body with his hands, producing a blood-like fluid. Kläppe noted that the "blood" was lighter and smelled different from real blood. He observed that Agpaoa used an assistant, often a European girl, to hold cotton around the surgical site. Kläppe also noted that the removed "tissue" varied in shape and size and was discarded. He concluded that no actual surgical intervention occurred, citing the lack of deep wounds, visible organs, or scars. Agpaoa's operations typically lasted 2-3 minutes without anesthesia.

Kläppe also shared his personal experience with Bechterew's disease, which Agpaoa claimed to cure. Despite five interventions, Kläppe reported no improvement.

Bengt Bonaeus's Case

Bengt Bonaeus, a Swedish lecturer, recounted his treatment by Filipino psychic surgeon Marcos Orbito in 1975. Bonaeus suffered from a severe blood clot in his right leg and general malaise. Orbito reportedly removed a 3 dm long "string" resembling a tendon from beneath an old surgical scar and a compress from above the navel, which Bonaeus believed were forgotten during a 1950s operation. Orbito then treated a large blood clot in Bonaeus's heart. Bonaeus reported full recovery, with his leg swelling subsiding and his weight increasing significantly.

André Rönnqvist's Observations

Chiropractor André Rönnqvist hosted Alex Orbito, Marcos Orbito's younger brother, in Stockholm in 1974 for a clinical trial. Rönnqvist was convinced by Alex's operations, which he observed closely. He noted that while the operations appeared to involve entering the body, the exact mechanism remained unclear. Rönnqvist also mentioned that sometimes the healers would place their hands near the body, and material would seemingly fly into their hands without touching the skin.

Azuma and Stevenson's Research

Doctors Nagato Azuma and Ian Stevenson summarized their research on Filipino psychic surgeons in the *Parapsychology Review*. They noted that many seriously ill people traveled to the Philippines for treatment in the 1960s, often receiving positive media attention. However, they also found evidence of extensive fraud. Despite this, they acknowledged that some cases were difficult to explain solely as deception, suggesting the possibility of paranormal healing processes. They observed that psychic surgeons lacked formal medical training but often attributed their abilities to spiritual power. While they found that "kidney stones" were often ordinary stones and other removed "tissue" could be blood clots or other materials, they still considered the phenomenon worthy of further investigation, particularly regarding the possibility of unusual healing forms.

Risks and Skepticism

The article touches upon the risks associated with psychic surgery, including the potential for fraud and the delay of legitimate medical treatment. It also highlights the skepticism of the medical establishment, particularly in the Philippines, where doctors were reluctant to associate with psychic healers.

Mediumship and Channeling: Voices from the Other Side?

The magazine then shifts focus to mediumship and channeling, exploring the question of whether spirits exist independently of mediums or are creations of the mediums themselves.

Defining Mediumship

A medium is described as a person who acts as a conduit for intelligences from another world, conveying messages to the living. These messages can range from simple communications from deceased loved ones to profound spiritual wisdom that forms the basis of new spiritual movements.

Types of Mediumship

Different forms of mediumship are described, including trance (where a secondary personality seemingly takes over the body), automatic writing (where the hand writes without conscious control), clairaudience (hearing inner voices), and clairvoyance (seeing visions).

Notable Mediums and Channelers

Several prominent figures are mentioned:

• Helen Schucman: Medium for "A Course in Miracles," whose work is noted for its philosophical value.
• Ambres: A spirit entity channeled by Sture Johansson, whose teachings have gained followers.
• Gabriele Wittek: A German housewife who channels messages from Christ, leading to the formation of the "Universal Life" movement.
• Alice Bailey: Dictated 19 books on occult and esoteric subjects by a Tibetan Master named Djwhal Khul.
• J.Z. Knight: Channels a being named Ramtha, whose teachings have gained a following in the New Age movement.

Psychological Explanations

A prevailing psychological explanation for mediumship suggests that the "spirits" are temporary "offshoots" of the medium's own psyche – secondary personalities that create an identity and role. This is supported by instances where mediums' "controls" have been exposed as living individuals or where their messages contradict known facts.

Cases of Deception and False Prophecies

The article recounts instances where mediums have been exposed as frauds or have delivered false prophecies. The "When Prophecy Fails" study by Festinger, Riecken, and Schachter is mentioned, detailing a group that believed in an impending apocalypse predicted by a channeled message, leading to drastic life changes that ultimately proved unfounded.

Dorothy Martin's channeling of "Sananda" predicted catastrophic events in December 1954 that did not materialize. Similarly, Ramtha's predictions about an Egyptian pyramid and a future war failed to occur.

Critical Studies of Mediumship

Parapsychologists like Ian Stevenson have studied automatic writing extensively. Stevenson suggests that while some automatic writing may stem from cryptomnesia (forgotten memories) or paranormal knowledge, the idea of direct communication from deceased individuals is not always supported by evidence. He notes that "secondary personalities" often lack the distinctive style of the purported communicator and that their claims are difficult to verify.

Leonora Piper, a renowned medium, was studied by a committee that concluded her "controls" were unconsciously created secondary personalities. The article also mentions Blanche Cooper and the case of "Gordon Davis," who was later found to be alive.

The Nature of Channeled Messages

The article questions the reliability of channeled messages, noting that different mediums describe reality differently and that even purported "enlightened beings" may have fragmented knowledge. It highlights the potential for deception and the disappointment that can result from false prophecies.

Ananda Tara Shan and the "Shan the Rising Light" Impulse

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to Ananda Tara Shan, a Danish-Australian woman who channels messages from beings like Mikael and claims to be a conduit for a new world impulse called "Shan the Rising Light." This impulse is presented as a synthesis of Buddha, Christ, and Ananda Tara Shan's soul, aiming to usher in a new era of spiritual understanding and a new world religion. Her teachings are presented as a continuation of esoteric traditions, but the article notes that her worldview is exclusive, not accommodating other channeled entities.

The Role of Parapsychologists

Parapsychologists like J.B. Rhine shifted their focus from studying mediums as channels for spirits to investigating ESP (extrasensory perception) as a potential explanation for mediumistic phenomena. Rhine concluded that there was no conclusive scientific evidence for survival after death based on parapsychological research.

Automatic Writing: A Deeper Look

Professor Ian Stevenson's views on automatic writing are detailed. He explains that it involves writing without conscious awareness, sometimes with a distinct personality seemingly taking over. Stevenson suggests that the content of automatic writing can originate from the medium's own subconscious, paranormal knowledge, or potentially from deceased individuals. However, he emphasizes that the paranormal explanation is not always the most likely, pointing to cryptomnesia and the possibility of secondary personalities.

Stevenson also discusses the risks of automatic writing, including compulsive writing and the potential for spreading false information if the medium becomes convinced they are channeling a significant entity. He concludes that automatic writing warrants further scientific investigation as it might provide clues about survival after death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren critically examines phenomena often associated with the paranormal, including psychic surgery, mediumship, and channeling. While acknowledging the compelling nature of some accounts and the genuine suffering of those seeking alternative healing, the magazine maintains a skeptical yet open-minded approach. It highlights the lack of rigorous scientific evidence for many of these claims, often presenting psychological explanations or evidence of fraud. However, it also suggests that some aspects of these phenomena remain unexplained and warrant further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging readers to critically evaluate extraordinary claims while remaining open to the possibility of genuine paranormal activity.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1987, features a prominent cover story titled "Eldsjäl - solbränd eller utbränd?" (Enthusiast - sunburnt or burnt out?) by Åsa Freij. The magazine explores a range of topics including psychology, spirituality, esoteric subjects, and scientific investigations into phenomena often considered paranormal.

Burnout: The Enthusiast's Dilemma

The lead article by Åsa Freij introduces Dorothy Been, a Stockholm-based expert on burnout. Been explains that being an 'enthusiast' (eldsjäl) can be stimulating, leading to a 'sunburnt' soul, but can also result in burnout if one gives too much energy. She highlights that individuals in caring professions are particularly susceptible. Been emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout symptoms early, such as feeling overwhelmed and losing perspective. She suggests that recovery often involves engaging in different activities rather than complete inactivity. The article also touches upon the collective stress and apathy seen in society today, linking it to global issues like famine and environmental threats. Been offers practical advice, such as planning transitions between tasks and being fully present in one's actions. She also references Olof Palme as an example of someone who could be present in situations. The concept of self-confidence is presented as crucial for managing difficult situations without self-blame. Physical symptoms of overexertion are also mentioned, including stomach ulcers, migraines, and rashes, with a note that cancer is increasingly seen as having psychological causes.

The Critical Examination of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount

Östen Kjellman presents a critical analysis of Jesus, questioning his status as a role model. Kjellman argues that if one removes the miracles, Jesus' actions are trivial. He dismisses the Sermon on the Mount as not unique, suggesting it was a compilation of common Jewish teachings. Kjellman scrutinizes specific points from the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew and Luke, questioning their practicality and consistency, particularly regarding anger, oaths, and divorce. He contrasts Jesus' teachings with the actions of soldiers in the Finnish Winter War, suggesting a lack of comparable self-sacrifice. Kjellman also critiques the idea of divine authority and the concept of Jesus as 'Son of God,' suggesting that many of Jesus' parables and teachings were already circulating in the Roman Empire and were attributed to him to enhance his status.

UFOs as Modern Myths and Psychological Projections

Håkan Blomqvist discusses Carl Gustav Jung's perspective on UFOs, framing them as modern myths. Jung, a psychologist, was fascinated by UFO sightings and saw them as psychological projections reflecting humanity's need for salvation and wholeness. He interpreted the common disc shape as an archetype, similar to a mandala, representing psychic integration. Jung warned that the appearance of UFOs foreshadowed significant psychological shifts in humanity. Blomqvist also touches upon the work of researchers like George W. Meek and the development of the Spiricom device for communication with the 'other side.' The article highlights experiments in Luxembourg where researchers claimed to capture still images of deceased individuals on TV screens, attributing this to 'Technician's' guidance and referring to these as 'test images.' The article includes images purported to be of deceased individuals and 'astral scenes.'

Other Articles and Features

• "Stimulans är nyttigt för hjärnan" (Stimulation is good for the brain): This short piece reports on research by neuroanatomist Marian Diamond, suggesting that environmental stimulation positively impacts brain development, even in later life, drawing parallels between rat studies and human potential.
• "Ge namn åt en stjärna?" (Name a star?): This brief note discusses the commercial practice of selling star names, which is not recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
• Horoskop!?: An advertisement for Dr. Aseem Singh's personalized horoscopes, promising detailed insights into love, personality, and future prospects.
• Phil Bosmans' "En dag förstörd" (A day ruined): A philosophical reflection on happiness, emphasizing that it is not tied to wealth or possessions but to inner peace and contentment, and the ability to control one's emotions.
• "Deprogrammering är verklig hjärntvätt" (Deprogramming is real brainwashing): This article strongly criticizes the practice of deprogramming, particularly in relation to religious movements like the Krishnarörelsen. The author argues that deprogramming involves kidnapping and coercion, likening it to brainwashing and questioning the legitimacy of such actions in a democratic society. It calls for a healthy debate on religion rather than forceful intervention.
• Book Reviews: Several books are reviewed, including works on Rudolf Steiner, theosophy, numerology, foot massage, and massage techniques. The reviews offer critical assessments of their content, readability, and relevance.
• Advertisements: The magazine includes advertisements for various services and products, such as Reiki courses, psychic development workshops, meditation cushions, esoteric bookstores, and astrological services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the exploration of consciousness, the human psyche, and alternative belief systems. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, including burnout, UFOs, and spiritual practices. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, presenting various perspectives, from scientific skepticism to esoteric beliefs. The editorial stance seems to favor critical inquiry and the examination of subjective experiences, while also cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and potentially harmful practices like deprogramming. The inclusion of book reviews and advertisements suggests a focus on providing readers with resources for personal growth, spiritual exploration, and understanding alternative viewpoints.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 9
Volume: 1987
Date: September 1987
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of 'Sökaren' magazine focuses on the complex topic of deprogramming and extensively explores the philosophical and cosmological works of Martinus. It presents a critical yet informative perspective on spiritual and existential questions, featuring articles, book reviews, and discussions aimed at broadening the reader's understanding of reality and consciousness.

Deprogrammering

The issue opens with an article titled "Deprogrammering" which aims to provide a more complete picture than a previous article in 'Krishnas Värld'. The author argues that many individuals who undergo deprogramming are happy with the outcome and some even choose to pursue deprogramming themselves. The purpose of deprogramming is described as helping individuals think independently by removing religious programming, allowing them to freely seek their own path, even to the extent of returning to a religious group if they deem it appropriate. The article clarifies that deprogramming is not necessarily a violent process, often requiring only good information, rational arguments, and a normal social environment. Spontaneous deprogramming can occur when individuals leave a religious environment and connect with others. The author does not defend deprogramming but seeks to present a realistic view, acknowledging that parents may seek deprogrammers to help their children return to normal thinking. The article concludes by agreeing with a statement on page 31 that a debate about religion is needed.

Taltidning (Audio Magazine)

'Sökaren' is now available on tape for the visually impaired, provided by Faļu kommun. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the editorial office.

Mediumistisk kirurgi – en gåta (Mediumistic Surgery – A Riddle)

This section, marked as 'SM' (likely an abbreviation for 'Sökaren's Magazine' or similar), introduces the topic of mediumistic surgery as a riddle, featuring Tony Agpaoa.

Medialitetens gåta (The Riddle of Mediality)

Under the 'SM' heading, this piece serves as a warning regarding new spiritual movements centered around mediums. The editor expresses a need for caution, advising readers not to be deceived.

Eldsjäl – solbränd eller utbränd? (Enthusiast – Sunburnt or Burnt Out?)

Authored by Asa Freij, this article poses a question about the state of an enthusiast, hinting at potential burnout.

Vad gjorde och sade Jesus? (What Did Jesus Do and Say?)

Authored by Östen Kjellman, this article states that 'Sökaren' critically examines religions.

Att resonera förnuftigt (Reasoning Rationally)

This short piece, marked 'SM', suggests the importance of rational thought.

Genombrott nr 4 (Breakthrough No. 4)

Authored by George W. Meek, this article is titled 'Breakthrough No. 4'.

En dag förstörd (A Day Ruined)

Authored by Phil Bosmans, this is a short piece titled 'A Day Ruined'.

Deprogrammering är verklig hjärntvätt (Deprogramming is Real Brainwashing)

Authored by Per Klason, this article presents a strong stance against deprogramming, labeling it as 'real brainwashing'.

C. G. Jung och tefatsmyten (C. G. Jung and the Flying Saucer Myth)

Authored by Håkan Blomqvist, this article explores the connection between Carl Jung's theories and the phenomenon of flying saucers.

Bokrevy (Book Review)

This book review suggests the idea of introducing reviews from 'Bibliotekstjänsts Bokrevy' to enhance the magazine's coverage of new literature in its areas of interest. It acknowledges that reviews may not always be entirely fair but serve to inform readers about the existence of books.

Footprints on the Path

Authored by Eileen Caddy, this is a book review or excerpt.

Martinus Cosmology and Works

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the works of the Danish philosopher Martinus (1890-1981) and his "cosmic cosmology". The magazine presents 'Livets Bog' (The Book of Life) as the central work in Martinus's collected writings, 'Tredje Testamentet' (The Third Testament). 'Livets Bog' is described as detailing the conditions that guarantee nature's function as a perfect whole, sustaining infinite living beings across micro- and macrocosmic dimensions, all held together by a universal consciousness structure centered in the "I" of beings.

The magazine highlights several of Martinus's books, including:

• Livets Bog: Presented as the core work, explaining the conditions for life's sustenance and the interconnectedness of human life with nature, emphasizing morality and the path to peace through understanding nature's function, which is identical to love. It is available in seven parts.
• Kring Min Missions Födelse: Martinus's autobiography, detailing the events and experiences that transformed his life and led him to describe the cosmic worldview.
• Mänskligheten och Världsbilden: Discusses the limitations of materialistic science and the concept of 'life' as an inner experience and consciousness.
• Den Fullkomliga Födan: Advocates for vegetarianism as the natural and increasingly necessary diet for humans.
• Genom Dödens Port: Explores sleep and death, suggesting death can be a beautiful sunset and a wonderful sunrise into the spiritual world.
• Livets Väg: Describes humanity's journey from darkness to light, with sections on mental prisons and the nature of resurrection.
• Den Eviga Världsbilden: Explains that nature and the universe are based on eternal cosmic principles, representing an 'eternity dimension' beyond time and space, requiring intuition to perceive.
• Vägen till Invigning: Defines humility as self-knowledge and the path to wisdom, discussing requirements for understanding cosmic analyses.
• Vägen till Paradiset: Describes the afterlife as a world built on radiant matter, influenced by thought, and akin to a vacation adapted to individual desires.
• Kosmiska Glimtar: Discusses experiences of ecstatic states and the development of consciousness in the cosmic spiral.
• Påsk: Explores the concept of the world redeemer and humanity, and the message of Easter in the light of spiritual science.
• De Levande Väsendenas Odödlighet: Argues for the fairness of life based on the immortality of all beings and discusses the necessity of spiritual science.
• Kulturens Skapelse: Examines the factors behind human cultural development and the role of life attitude in creating peace.
• Vad är Sanning?: Discusses the declining belief in religious authorities and the increasing reliance on facts, knowledge, and personal experience.
• Den Längst Levande Avguden: Contrasts the concept of a wrathful God with true Christianity, emphasizing tolerance and love, and identifying selfishness as idolatry.
• Bisättning: Views the human body as a universe of microorganisms and discusses the responsibility for our microcosm.
• Kosmiskt Medvetande: Explains that the path to cosmic consciousness involves developing the ability to understand and forgive others, moving from self-interest to loving one's neighbor.
• Bönens Mysterium: Interprets the parable of the prodigal son and explains the function of prayer as a living correspondence with the divine.

The magazine also lists several other books by Martinus, including 'Kosmiska Energier', 'Det Observerande Självet', 'Liv Efter Döden?', 'Slangens Död', 'Vettig Föda', 'Hälsans Trädgård', 'Förkylning – Ett Nödvändigt Ont?', and 'Skiljelinjen'.

Other Articles and Reviews

• Mediumistisk kirurgi – en gåta: Features Tony Agpaoa.
• Medialitetens gåta: A warning about new spiritual movements centered around mediums.
• Eldsjäl – solbränd eller utbränd?: By Asa Freij.
• Vad gjorde och sade Jesus?: By Östen Kjellman, noting 'Sökaren's critical examination of religions.
• Att resonera förnuftigt: A short piece on rational thinking.
• Genombrott nr 4: By George W. Meek.
• En dag förstörd: By Phil Bosmans.
• Deprogrammering är verklig hjärntvätt: By Per Klason.
• C. G. Jung och tefatsmyten: By Håkan Blomqvist.
• Bokrevy: Suggests incorporating reviews from 'Bibliotekstjänsts Bokrevy'.
• Footprints on the Path: By Eileen Caddy.

Book Advertisements and Information

The magazine includes advertisements for various books, primarily related to Martinus's philosophy and other spiritual or self-help topics. Contact information for 'Hälsans Förlag' and 'Erik Åhrberg' (translator) is provided for ordering books and inquiring about courses.

Cover Image

The cover features a blue and white illustration of a globe with a starburst above it, and the text 'REGNBAGSBRON AV TVÅ LÄRJUNGAR' (The Rainbow Bridge by Two Disciples). This likely relates to a book advertised within the issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are deprogramming, the comprehensive philosophy of Martinus (cosmic cosmology), and spiritual/existential inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination and providing diverse perspectives, as seen in the deprogramming article and the mention of 'Sökaren' critically examining religions. There is a clear emphasis on promoting independent thinking, understanding the nature of reality beyond materialism, and exploring spiritual development through Martinus's teachings. The magazine also acts as a platform for book reviews and information on related spiritual literature and courses.