Sokaren - 1990 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 6
Volume: 27
Year: 1990
Publisher: Sökaren
Price: 28:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren, an independent journal for life-view questions, delves into spirituality, personal development, and paranormal phenomena. The cover prominently features Sri Chinmoy, an "andlig mästare" (spiritual master), with the headline "Sri Chinmoy – en andlig mästare i vår tid" (Sri Chinmoy – a spiritual master in our time).

Sri Chinmoy: A Spiritual Master in Our Time

Lars Liedström's article introduces Sri Chinmoy as a fully realized spiritual master dedicated to inspiring and guiding individuals towards a deeper meaning in life. Sri Chinmoy's teachings emphasize meditation, self-transcendence, and the pursuit of inner peace and God-realization. Born in Bengal, India, in 1931, he had spiritual experiences from childhood and later joined the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. At age 12, he entered the ashram, engaging in intense spiritual practices, including meditation, poetry, singing, and studying various subjects. He also pursued sports. His spiritual journey led him to experience inner worlds filled with peace and bliss, ultimately achieving self-realization.

In 1964, Sri Chinmoy left the ashram and moved to New York to help others achieve God-realization. He teaches meditation on the spiritual heart, which he considers the quickest and surest path to the goal. He distinguishes between the path of the heart and the path of the mind, favoring the former for its speed and safety. The spiritual heart, located in the center of our being, is where the soul resides, leading to enlightenment.

The article highlights Sri Chinmoy's emphasis on inner peace, stating that achieving it is the "treasure of treasures" and the key to true outer freedom. He leads peace meditations and travels extensively, giving lectures and concerts. His life exemplifies that spirituality is not an escape from the world but a means to transform it. He defines peace not as the absence of war, but as the presence of harmony, love, contentment, and oneness.

Meditation is presented as crucial for a spiritual life, requiring conscious effort to calm the mind while remaining alert. Through meditation, one can connect with infinite peace, light, and joy, ultimately leading to God-realization – the conscious realization of one's unity with God.

Sri Chinmoy's Achievements

This section details Sri Chinmoy's remarkable physical and athletic feats, emphasizing his philosophy of self-transcendence. He believes in the importance of balancing inner and outer development, keeping the body in shape alongside meditation. Sri Chinmoy has excelled in running, tennis, long jump, and javelin. His dedication to pushing his limits is exemplified by his achievements as a marathon and ultramarathon runner.

Following a knee injury in 1985, he focused on weightlifting. By November 1985, he could lift his own body weight (155 lbs / 70.4 kg) with one arm. He attributes his success to willpower and self-discipline, asserting that inner strength gained from meditation can be applied to physical endeavors. He has set world records in one-arm lifting, including lifting 303 1/4 pounds (137.7 kg) in August 1986. Notably, in January 1987, he lifted the heaviest dumbbell ever constructed, weighing 7,063 3/4 pounds (3.2 tons), with one arm after only 19 months of training. These feats, achieved as a vegetarian, challenge conventional notions about strength and diet.

Sri Chinmoy states his purpose is not to set records but to demonstrate the power of inner peace. He sees his journey as guided by God's compassion and guidance.

Reincarnation

The concept of reincarnation is explained as the soul's eternal journey through the physical world to achieve evolution. After death, the soul is reborn into a new body, continuing its development from mineral to plant, animal, and human kingdoms. The article suggests that humans, while more evolved, still retain animalistic tendencies, but will eventually evolve into divine beings.

Meditation According to Brunton

Mona Sundquist's article explores Paul Brunton's meditation method, presented by Anna Bornstein, who has translated several of his books. The core of Brunton's method is the fundamental question, "Who am I?" This inquiry aims to penetrate layers of self – body, emotions, and thoughts – to reach the root of one's being. The process requires concentration and a deep inner longing for the higher self and love.

Anna Bornstein shares her experience, emphasizing that the body is the first layer to transcend, as it constantly changes. The insight "I am not my body" leads to a deeper understanding of self. Life itself then presents situations that reinforce this realization. The next layers to overcome are emotions, which often control our lives, and then thoughts, which shape our perceptions. Reaching the "root of the self" requires yogic abilities.

Bornstein highlights that while the initial stages of meditation can be easy, sustained practice is necessary. She stresses the importance of daily meditation, ideally 30 minutes morning and evening, or even 15 minutes with full concentration. She notes that life's challenges, even pain and illness, can be seen as opportunities for growth and learning, a form of "loving instruction" from life itself.

Near-Death Experience: Bringing Nirvana from an NDE

Professor John Wren-Lewis recounts his near-death experience in Thailand in 1983. Unlike dramatic accounts, his experience involved a profound shift in consciousness rather than out-of-body visions or encounters with angels. He describes a state of "blinding darkness" that was paradoxically the most vibrant and peaceful state he had ever experienced, free from desires and fears. This state revealed an "impersonal" consciousness underlying individual awareness, a universal and self-sufficient awareness.

This experience led him to reinterpret mystical poetry and understand that the "darkness" described by mystics might refer to this underlying consciousness. He found that this state, though not constantly present, profoundly altered his perception of reality, making the ordinary world seem more vibrant and whole. He suggests that this experience, though not always lasting, provides a sense of absolute normalcy and a deeper capacity for engagement with life.

Transcommunication (TK) and Electronic Voice Phenomena (ERF)

Nils-Olof Jacobson's article discusses the history and development of Transcommunication (TK), including Electronic Voice Phenomena (ERF). He traces the origins from early attempts by figures like Thomas Edison and von Szalay to record "spirit voices" using gramophones and wire recorders, progressing to magnetic tape and later, direct voice communication through speakers.

• Key figures and developments include:
• Friedrich Jürgenson: Popularized ERF with his 1964 book "Rösterna från rymden" (Voices from Space).
• Konstantin Raudive: Continued Jürgenson's work, publishing a book in 1968.
• Direct Voice Phenomena: In the 1970s, researchers like Bacci (Italy) and O'Neil (USA) reported direct voices through speakers, enabling dialogues.
• Harsch-Fischbachs (Luxembourg): From 1986, they received clear voices and conducted long dialogues via radio, telephone, and TV.
• Telephone and Computer Communication: Books on "telephone calls with the dead" emerged in the 1980s. Reports of computer disturbances and messages from other eras were also documented.

Jacobson notes similarities between TK phenomena and those from spiritualist séances, including the need for a "medium" with special abilities, the role of emotional engagement, and the occurrence of poltergeist-like activity. He also observes "cross-correspondences" where different mediums receive related messages.

He cites Ernst Senkowski's book "Instrumentelle Transkommunikation" as a comprehensive resource on the subject. Despite the fascinating nature of TK, the field has faced internal conflicts, particularly due to jealousy and criticism within the research community, which has led to a slowdown in advanced research in Europe.

Personal Reflections on Suffering and Growth

Anne Cecilia Pullar's "Vardagsfilosofi" (Everyday Philosophy) section reflects on the concept of "the unpleasantly good." She discusses her past tendency to play the victim and seek sympathy, realizing that this "victim role" drains her life force. A serious gynecological diagnosis prompted her to take responsibility for her health and life, using positive visualization techniques based on the Simonton method. This led to a complete recovery, demonstrating the power of the mind.

Pullar reinterprets suffering not as a sign of life's unfairness, but as "loving instruction." She argues that difficult experiences are essential for developing compassion and preventing arrogance. She concludes that life's ups and downs, when met with a loving attitude and a willingness to learn, make life more exciting and meaningful.

Other Content

• Advertisements: The magazine includes advertisements for books on massage, yoga, and spiritual topics, as well as for a meditation retreat and a bookshop specializing in esoteric literature.
• Courses and Events: Information is provided for upcoming courses and events related to spirituality, meditation, and personal development, including a "Cosmic Women's Day" and a "Fredskonsert" (Peace Concert) by Sri Chinmoy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are spirituality, meditation, self-realization, and the exploration of the paranormal. The magazine appears to have an open-minded stance towards phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, presenting research and personal accounts related to spiritual masters, mediumship, and electronic communication with presumed non-physical entities. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth, inner peace, and the transformative power of consciousness and spiritual practices. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging exploration and understanding of these less-understood aspects of existence.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 6/1986 (dated 1989)
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Paranormala fenomen - kan de bevisas? (Paranormal phenomena - can they be proven?)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1989, features a prominent cover story by Clas Malmberg exploring the question of whether paranormal phenomena can be proven. The magazine also includes articles on alternative medicine, visionary experiences, and book reviews.

Paranormal Phenomena - Can They Be Proven?

Clas Malmberg initiates the discussion by referencing a debate in the magazine 'Forskning och Framsteg' regarding the existence of paranormal abilities. He notes that while science requires repeatable experiments, the core question is whether paranormal phenomena exist at all. Malmberg presents two examples to illustrate his point:

Example 1: Nostradamus

Malmberg details the prophecies of Michel de Notre-Dame (Nostradamus), specifically a quatrain from 1568 that he claims accurately predicted the flight of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in 1791. The prophecy mentions a night flight, two people, Varennes, and a 'Capet' (referring to Louis XVI's later trial name), along with elements of storm, fire, and blood. Malmberg argues that the striking correspondence between the prophecy and the historical event cannot be attributed to mere chance, suggesting it points to precognition.

Example 2: Agneta Uppman's Out-of-Body Experiences

Malmberg recounts an experience described by Agneta Uppman, who claims to have out-of-body experiences. In one instance on March 27, 1983, Uppman perceived a demolished fireplace in her father's apartment in Göteborg. Later, on April 13, 1983, she had a similar experience. It was only in July 1983 that her twin sister Ingela learned from their stepmother, Brita, about extensive renovations that had been ongoing since April, involving balcony replacements and attic work that caused debris to fall, including cement onto the kitchen table. Malmberg posits that this uncanny accuracy in Uppman's visions cannot be explained by coincidence.

Conclusions on Precognition

Based on these examples, Malmberg draws two conclusions: 1) The future is predetermined. 2) Certain individuals, under favorable circumstances, can gain knowledge of future events, which he terms precognition, a paranormal phenomenon.

The Physics of Predetermination

Malmberg then delves into modern physics to explore how precognition might be possible. He references the debate between Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein regarding quantum mechanics. The article highlights Alain Aspect's 1982 experiment, published in 'Physical Review Letters', which suggested that subatomic particles (photons) can interact faster than the speed of light, a finding that seemed to support Bohr's view over Einstein's special relativity. Malmberg discusses interpretations of these findings, including the concept of superdeterminism, where not only matter but also the actions of experimenters are predetermined. He suggests that if free will is an illusion, it resolves the paradoxes presented by Aspect's experiment.

John Bell is quoted discussing the implications of Aspect's experiment, suggesting it challenges Einstein's worldview and potentially supports a superdeterministic universe. Malmberg personally leans towards the superdeterministic view, believing it explains precognition.

Other Interpretations

Gary Zukav's book 'The Dancing Wu Li Masters' is mentioned as presenting other interpretations of quantum mechanics, including the Copenhagen interpretation (no models of reality are possible) and the many-worlds theory.

Malmberg concludes this section by stating his belief that everything is predetermined down to the smallest detail, which makes precognition possible. He quotes Voltaire on fate to support his view.

Debate on Alternative Medicine

A panel discussion titled "Who Shall Decide About Our Health?" is summarized. The debate featured representatives of conventional medicine (Jerzy Einhorn, Thomas Ihre) and alternative medicine (Ove Högberg, Olov Lindahl), along with others. Conventional medicine proponents argued that alternative medicine lacks real effect and relies on suggestion or placebo. They acknowledged that conventional healthcare sometimes fails in providing personal understanding to patients. Alternative practitioners, however, pointed out the significant side effects and risks associated with conventional treatments, arguing that complications from alternative methods are negligible in comparison.

Visionary Experience: The Creation Vision

Ruth Dahlén recounts a profound visionary experience she had on a ski trip in Dalsland, Sweden, in January 1946. While observing a snowflake on a spruce needle, she witnessed the needle dissolve into waves of light, revealing matter as energy. The entire forest transformed into a sea of light, and she perceived herself as a luminous being. She experienced the universe as a "five-dimensional dynamic geometry," where the fifth dimension was Love, acting as a unifying force. This experience led her to question her earthly existence and gain a sense of cosmic awareness, perceiving the Earth as a dark planet with a plea for help.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• "Om företag och livets mening" (The Meaning of Business and Life) by Rolf Österberg: Reviewed by Eva Jagrell, this book is described as a visionary work on a new business philosophy emphasizing personal growth over material gain and advocating for employee ownership.
• "Att skapa hälsa" (Creating Health) by Bernie S. Siegel: Reviewed by Eva Jagrell, this book focuses on the patient's active role in healing, the connection between the psyche and illness, and the concept of "self-healing." It advocates for a more compassionate and holistic approach to medicine.
• "Möte i tystnaden" (Meeting in Silence) by Wilfrid Stinissen: Reviewed by Eva Jagrell, this book is a collection of meditations and reflections on finding inner peace and connecting with the divine through silence and contemplation.
• "Skymningsgästen" (The Twilight Guest) by Lo Qvarnström: Reviewed by Örjan Björkhem, this is described as a mystery novel with a philosophical and theosophical undertone, though the reviewer questions its classification and the author's use of a 'back-cover instruction'.
• "Den levande Buddha" (The Living Buddha) by Daisaku Ikeda: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this is a biographical interpretation of Buddha's life, focusing on his teachings and historical context.
• "Upptäck romantikens mening" (Discovering the Meaning of Romance) by Robert A. Johnson: Reviewed by Björn Nilsson, this book offers a psychoanalytic and cultural-historical analysis of the Tristan and Isolde myth.
• "Drömmen löser problem" (Dreams Solve Problems) edited by Montague Ullman and Claire Limmer: Reviewed by Björn Nilsson, this book explores the use of dreams in group therapy and personal problem-solving.
• "Djurens oförklarliga sjätte sinne" (Animals' Unexplained Sixth Sense) by Dennis Bardens: Reviewed by Lars-Owe Drevius, this book compiles reports of animals exhibiting extraordinary intelligence and psychic abilities.
• "Spegelns tredje sida" (The Mirror's Third Side) by Denis Lindbohm: Reviewed by Eric Carlheim-Gyllenskiöld, this personal account details experiments with psychic abilities, including out-of-body experiences and precognition.
• "Livet. Dess uppkomst och gåta" (Life. Its Origin and Enigma) edited by Joyce Pope: Reviewed by Bengt-Olof Landin, this volume explores the scientific understanding of the origin of life and Earth.
• "Kinesisk massage och akupressur" (Chinese Massage and Acupressure) by Kuan Hin: Reviewed by Ole Pullar Saxe, this book provides a practical guide to Chinese massage and acupressure for health and well-being.
• "Kristallhealing" (Crystal Healing) by Eva Lindell Fors and Tiiu Serenander: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book introduces the use of crystals for healing and spiritual balance.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a section on "Örtläkekonst från antiken återupplivad" (Ancient Herbalism Revived), detailing various herbal teas and their purported benefits. There is also a "Brev" (Letters) section and a "Kontakt" (Contact) section, which includes personal ads and information about upcoming events and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, consciousness, and the intersection of science, spirituality, and personal experience. The magazine appears to be open to exploring phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding, such as precognition, out-of-body experiences, and UFOs, while also engaging with scientific theories like quantum physics. There is a strong interest in holistic health and alternative medicine, contrasting with traditional medical approaches. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives on these complex topics, even if they challenge established paradigms.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: nr 6
Year: 1990
Publisher: Wallin & Dalholm Boktr AB, Lund
Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Focus: An independent journal for life-view issues.

Editorial Principles (Redigeringsprinciper)

The leading article, "Redigeringsprinciper" (Editorial Principles), addresses criticism that Sökaren "binds its own back" by publishing critical articles that draw criticism from those who disagree. The author explains that a cultural journal, unlike popular magazines, should not shy away from controversial topics. While popular magazines aim to keep readers happy to ensure a large circulation, and ideological journals promote a specific message while avoiding opposing views, a cultural journal's strength lies in its ability to question and discuss everything for the reader's benefit. The conclusions drawn are left to the readers themselves.

The article contrasts this approach with hypothetical scenarios: if "Tidskrift för Hälsa" (Health Magazine) regularly published cases of people failing to get healthy with vegetarian diets, its circulation would drop. Similarly, if "Utan Gräns" (Beyond Borders) debated research contradicting spiritualism, or a Christian magazine questioned the resurrection of Jesus, many would leave those movements, reducing the magazines' readership. Therefore, such publications tend to exclusively present information supporting their established views.

Sökaren, however, is presented as a journal not bound by a specific ideology, encouraging questioning and discussion for the reader's benefit. The article also notes the discontinuation of Eileen Caddy's wisdom words, which had been published in Sökaren for years, following a message from Maria Adkinson. A thank you is extended to Maria and Charles Adkinson for their translation and illustrations.

Contents

The issue features a variety of articles and contributions:

• Sri Chinmoy, en andlig mästare i vår tid (Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual master in our time) by Lars Liedström.
• Meditation enligt Brunton (Meditation according to Brunton) by Mona Sundquist.
• Att ta med sig Nirvana från en nära-döden-upplevelse (Taking Nirvana with you from a near-death experience) by John Wren-Lewis.
• Rösterna från rymden, lägesrapport 1990 (Voices from space, status report 1990) by Nils-Olof Jacobson.
• Världens främsta medium? (The world's foremost medium?) by Örjan Björkhem.
• Det obehagligt goda (The uncomfortably good) by Ann Cecilia Pullar.
• Paranormala fenomen – kan de bevisas? (Paranormal phenomena – can they be proven?) by Clas Malmberg.
• Det våras för biologisk medicin (Spring is coming for biological medicine) by Olov Lindahl.
• Vem skall bestämma över vår hälsa? (Who shall decide about our health?) by Olov Lindahl.
• Skapelsevisionen (The creation vision) by Ruth Dahlén.
• Hjärnan avgör vår religion (The brain determines our religion) by Östen Kjellman.
• Karmelgården (Carmel Garden) by Eva Jagrell.
• I kapellet (dikt) (In the chapel (poem)) by Eva Jagrell.

Practical Information

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spirituality, consciousness, the paranormal, and alternative approaches to health and life views. The editorial stance, as outlined in the main article, is one of open inquiry, encouraging critical discussion and allowing readers to form their own informed opinions, rather than adhering to a singular dogma. The journal positions itself as a platform for exploring diverse perspectives on life's fundamental questions.