Sokaren - 1991 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1, 1991 ÅRGÅNG 28
Date: 1991
Publisher: Världsbild Förlag
Country: Sweden
Price: 30:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren magazine, a Swedish publication focused on life philosophy and spirituality, features a prominent reportage on Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual master, during his visit to Stockholm. The cover headline poses the question, "Sri Chinmoy – a spiritual master?" The magazine also delves into profound philosophical concepts like 'cosmic consciousness' and explores the spiritual journeys of authors and thinkers.

Reportage: Sri Chinmoy i Stockholm

Nils-Olof Jacobson recounts his experience meeting Sri Chinmoy in Stockholm in October 1990, prior to a 'peace concert' at Konserthuset. Jacobson describes the atmosphere as being filled with disciples from various European countries and the USA. Sri Chinmoy, dressed in traditional Indian attire, engaged in meditation before the interview. The interview, however, was not private, with about fifty disciples and visitors present, all intently focused on the proceedings. Jacobson felt somewhat awkward, and his questions were initially soft-spoken, as Sri Chinmoy spoke quietly. He notes that the concert that evening featured three female disciples singing and Sri Chinmoy playing short, simple melodies on various instruments, interspersed with meditation. He mentions Eva Norén from Uppsala as the main organizer, who has been meditating with Sri Chinmoy for ten years, having transitioned from transcendental meditation.

Jacobson inquires about the meaning of being a disciple of Sri Chinmoy, to which Norén explains it involves striving for self-development and becoming better global citizens, practically involving meditating twice daily. Regarding the disciples' preference for white or light-colored clothing, Norén states it's a reminder of purity, not strict morality, and a way to fill consciousness with positive thoughts.

Norén describes Sri Chinmoy's meditation technique as focusing on the spiritual heart (heart chakra), emphasizing inner peace over prolonged duration. She notes that Sri Chinmoy has held over two hundred free concerts globally, including at prestigious venues like Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.

Ur Sri Chinmoys diktning

Two poems by Sri Chinmoy are presented in both English and Swedish. The first, "Fearless and indomitable you are," speaks of inner strength derived from psychic oneness with the world, not physical, vital, or mental strength. The second, "I simply do," contrasts action with talk and imagination, stating, "I simply do / What many dream of. / I simply do / What others talk about. / I simply become / What others dare not even to imagine." The Swedish translation emphasizes inner peace and self-transcendence.

Reportage: Sri Chinmoy i Stockholm (Continued)

Jacobson continues his report, noting that the concert was well-attended. He mentions that the disciples' fundraising efforts for the events included jumble sales and book sales. He also speaks with other disciples, including a physiotherapist from Finland who travels frequently to meet Sri Chinmoy. The discussion touches upon the disciples' lifestyle, with the general advice being to live alone if one seeks deep spiritual development, unless one already has family responsibilities.

Presskonferens

A press conference the following day is described. A journalist aggressively questions why Sri Chinmoy doesn't compete in weightlifting instead of playing music poorly. Sri Chinmoy responds that his music aims to offer inspiration and speak to the heart, not the intellect, comparing it to appreciating a bouquet of flowers rather than analyzing its components. He emphasizes that the heart seeks unity and love, experiencing beauty and joy, while the intellect measures and divides.

When asked how a non-disciple can find more joy, Sri Chinmoy suggests following the traditional path of prayer and meditation, or connecting with nature. He advises starting with things that bring joy and beauty, like nature, and gradually increasing meditation time. He also states that he meditates during all his activities, including weightlifting, where he felt a profound oneness with the weight.

Ur Sri Chinmoys diktning (Continued)

More of Sri Chinmoy's poetry is presented, with themes of peace, love, life-acceptance, and self-transcendence. One excerpt reads: "Humanity needs peace. / But where is peace? / It is in love. / Where is love? / It is in life-acceptance / And self-transcendence." Another states: "Unhorizoned is our inner peace. / Like the boundless sky, / It encompasses all."

Människosinnets utveckling: Kosmiskt medvetande

This section, authored by Bengt Petersen, explores the concept of 'cosmic consciousness' as introduced by Canadian physician Richard Maurice Bucke in his 1901 book. Bucke theorized different levels of consciousness: simple consciousness (in animals), self-consciousness (in humans, appearing around 300,000 years ago), and cosmic consciousness (a higher state that will eventually be attained by all humanity, overcoming the fear of death and ignorance).

Bucke describes cosmic consciousness as an awareness of the cosmos, intellectual enlightenment, moral superiority, and a sense of immortality. He notes that this state often arises from a sudden luminous experience. The article recounts Bucke's own experience of illumination in 1872, which he described as being enveloped in a fiery cloud, followed by an intellectual revelation of the universe as a living reality, the soul as immortal, and love as the fundamental principle of the world.

Bucke identified historical figures like Buddha, Jesus, and Walt Whitman as having attained cosmic consciousness. He believed that this higher consciousness would eventually transform human society, leading to the disappearance of current religions and the emergence of a new, inwardly-based spirituality. The article also mentions Martinus and Ruth Dahlén as Swedish figures who have described similar experiences.

Det gyllene elddopet

This section features an excerpt from a book by Martinus, describing a profound spiritual experience he called the "golden baptism of fire." He recounts being enveloped in an intensely bright, golden light, experiencing a sense of holiness, purity, harmony, and perfection. He perceived this as the consciousness of God, the ultimate creative force. This experience brought him a deep sense of love and a realization of his oneness with the universe, truth, and life.

Den religiöse Jan Fridegård

Bengt Petersen writes about the Swedish author Jan Fridegård, focusing on his spiritual and religious views. Fridegård, known for his socially critical novels, was critical of traditional Christianity and the established church, which he saw as part of the upper class oppressing the poor. However, he also recognized positive aspects, such as Archbishop Nathan Söderblom's direct engagement with the poor.

Fridegård later became involved with spiritualism in 1948, believing in reincarnation and karma. He found spiritualism to be a more joyful and democratic religion, free from dogmas of sin and punishment. Petersen notes that Fridegård sought to reconcile spiritualism with folk beliefs and saw it as a counterpoint to the rigidities of both established religion and bourgeois culture. Fridegård's spiritualism was compatible with his social engagement, aiming to spread a message of an afterlife based on democracy and justice, and he believed humor was an important element in spiritual understanding.

UFO: Den dolda sanningen om UFO

Sune Hjorth contributes an article discussing UFO phenomena and alleged cover-ups by authorities. He references Dr. Stanton Friedman's claims about overwhelming evidence of extraterrestrial surveillance and the military's efforts to reverse-engineer crashed electromagnetic craft. Hjorth criticizes the magazine's own UFO section for personal attacks rather than addressing the evidence. He mentions the book "Fantastiska resor med UFO" by Ante Jonsson, detailing his alleged encounters and warnings from extraterrestrials about humanity's path towards self-destruction through nuclear war.

Hjorth recounts alleged UFO sightings and encounters, including a specific incident in Gnarp, Sweden. He criticizes the media's dismissive approach to UFO reports, citing the example of a toy balloon explanation for a sighting. He emphasizes the importance of considering contactee accounts, like Ante Jonsson's, to understand the civilization controlling these advanced craft and their intentions.

The article details the alleged crash of an extraterrestrial craft near Aztec, New Mexico, in 1948, and the subsequent secret recovery by the military. It also mentions a recent incident in South Africa where a UFO was reportedly shot down by the air force.

Hjorth discusses the technical aspects of UFO propulsion, citing Daniel Fry's explanation of electromagnetic fields and repulsion effects. He references Wilbert Smith's conversations with President Eisenhower's science advisor about secret UFO projects and the existence of flying saucers.

UFO: Lunatic fringe

This section presents excerpts from a 1975 book by Sune Hjorth titled "Lunatic fringe," which critically examines UFO contactees like Daniel W. Fry and George Adamski. The article questions Fry's claims of a doctorate from 'St Andrew's University,' which is described as a fraudulent institution. It also details criticisms of George Adamski by Carol Honey, who alleges Adamski fabricated aspects of his story and engaged in deceptive practices, including using a post office box for mysterious communications purportedly from 'space people.'

Honey's account suggests that Adamski's claims of visiting Saturn and receiving messages from extraterrestrials were either fabricated or misinterpreted psychological experiences. The article also touches upon Adamski's controversial claims about the Moon being inhabited and his interactions with various UFO organizations.

Books and Publications

Several books are reviewed or advertised:

• Kristendomens hedendom (The Paganism of Christianity) by Nils Kalén.
• Tio Guds bud och Tredje Testamentet (Ten Commandments and the Third Testament) by Nils Kalén.
• Så här är det (This is How It Is) by Nils Kalén, an introduction to Martinus' cosmology for young people.
• Runmagi och Shamanism (Rune Magic and Shamanism) by Atrid Grimsson.
• Syndafloden (The Flood) by Marianne Fredriksson (advertised as a new novel).

CSICOP-konferens

A report on a CSICOP (Committee for Skeptical Inquiry) conference held in Washington D.C. in March-April 1990. The theme was "Critical Thinking and Scientific Literacy." The conference emphasized the need for scientific knowledge to evaluate pseudoscientific claims. Key points included the importance of analyzing problems, treating beliefs as hypotheses, demanding evidence, using logical analysis, acknowledging the fallibility of scientific knowledge, and maintaining an open mind.

Other Sections

• Ur Sri Chinmoys diktning: More poetry by Sri Chinmoy.
• Babajis Kriya Yoga: An advertisement for yoga classes.
• Vattumannen Förlag & Bokhandel: An advertisement for a bookstore specializing in esoteric literature.
• Akta dina djur! (Take care of your animals!) - A brief, somewhat unusual suggestion for mandatory animal care courses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, and alternative philosophies, often contrasting them with established religious and scientific paradigms. There's a strong interest in UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial contact, presented with a mix of belief and critical inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring unconventional ideas and personal spiritual experiences, while also engaging with skeptical viewpoints and scientific analysis, particularly in the context of UFO reports. The publication seems to cater to a readership interested in New Age concepts, esoteric knowledge, and philosophical inquiry beyond mainstream thought.

This issue of Sökaren, dated May 1977, is primarily focused on the theme of 'thinking freely' and its historical and contemporary implications. The cover prominently features a portrait of Voltaire and the headline "Tänka fritt är stort! Fritänkeriets historia" (Thinking Freely is Great! The History of Freethinking), authored by Gunnar Ståldal.

Fritänkeriets historia (The History of Freethinking)

Gunnar Ståldal's extensive article begins by highlighting contemporary instances where freedom of expression is challenged, citing the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses' and the demands from various religious groups to extend blasphemy laws to other religions. He argues that such 'blasphemy paragraphs' are impractical and hinder intellectual exchange.

Ståldal traces the origins of freethinking back to the ancient Greeks, mentioning philosophers like Anaximander, Anaxagoras, Anaximenes, Thales, and Democritus, who sought natural explanations for phenomena. Socrates is lauded for his critical approach and for encouraging his students to question established ideas. The article discusses various Greek philosophical schools, including the Platonic, Stoic, and Epicurean, all of which emphasized the use of reason and critical examination.

The piece then moves to Roman times, highlighting the poet Lucretius Carus and his work 'De rerum natura,' which criticized religion for causing societal harm and advocating for a life free from fear and pain. The Roman Empire's relative tolerance is noted, but also the eventual suppression of dissenting religious groups like Jews and Christians.

The article details the rise of intolerance during the Middle Ages, with the persecution of heretical movements like the Cathars and Albigensians. The Reformation, often seen as a victory for free thought, is presented as a period where new forms of intolerance emerged, with Lutherans and Calvinists persecuting groups like Unitarians and Anabaptists.

Ståldal discusses the Renaissance and the revival of Greek philosophy, mentioning skeptics like Montaigne. He then moves to the Enlightenment, highlighting the influence of Newton and Locke, and the critical writings of French philosophers like Voltaire, who championed tolerance. The article touches upon the condemnation of free thought by papal encyclicals in the 19th century and the rise of secular movements like positivism and the 'Religion of Humanity' championed by Auguste Comte and John Stuart Mill.

The article concludes this section by noting the ongoing struggle for freedom of thought and expression, particularly in relation to religious dogma and societal norms.

Konst och livskonst (Art and the Art of Living)

This section reviews three books related to art and life. "Konstböcker för sökare" (Art Books for Seekers) is the overarching theme.

Hans Vikstens livsböcker (Hans Viksten's Life Books)

This part focuses on the work of artist Hans Viksten, who passed away at age 61. It describes his multifaceted artistic career and his battle with cancer. Two books are highlighted: 'Livsmagi' (Life Magic), a collection of watercolors with his short commentaries, and 'Livshok' (Life Shock), containing drawings, letters, poems, and reflections on his illness. The review emphasizes Viksten's enduring will to live and create despite his suffering, noting his simple yet powerful artistic expressions.

Gyllene speglar (Golden Mirrors)

This review discusses a book titled 'Gyllene Speglar' by American artist Alex Grey. The book features 21 paintings depicting human figures, exploring anatomy, human races, and spiritual structures. The reviewer praises Grey's unique style and the book's comprehensive presentation of his work, noting Ken Wilber's essay on spiritually inspired art. The reviewer expresses hope that an exhibition of Grey's work might come to Sweden.

Engelsk professor i fysik intygar "Geller-effekten"! (English Professor of Physics Attests to the "Geller Effect"!)

This is an interview with Professor John B. Hasted, an experimental physicist from Birkbeck College, London. Hasted discusses his research into paranormal phenomena, particularly the 'Geller effect,' which involves the bending and deformation of metal objects through psychic means. He explains that his interest in the paranormal was sparked by Uri Geller's public demonstrations and his dissatisfaction with modern physics' inability to fully explain natural phenomena.

Hasted describes his experiments, which often involve children, and notes that he has observed metal objects bending at a distance and even disappearing and reappearing in sealed containers. He emphasizes that his research is conducted in a scientific manner, and he has not observed cheating in his experiments conducted in subjects' homes. He theorizes that these phenomena might be related to 'parallel universes' and the concept of 'mind over matter.' He also touches upon the potential connection between paranormal phenomena and UFO sightings, suggesting that UFOs might have a psychic or even physical component.

Tat twam asi

This section explores the Hindu concept of 'Tat tvam asi' (That thou art), which signifies the unity of the individual self (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Three individuals offer their interpretations:

• Swami Narayanananda explains that 'Tat tvam asi' points to the oneness of God and the universe, with God being the sole, all-pervading consciousness. He likens the relationship between God and the universe to that of the sun and its rays.
• Astrid Setterwall-Ängström quotes from the Chandogya Upanishad, illustrating the concept through the father-son dialogue where the father teaches that the subtle essence within all things, including the human body, is the same ultimate reality, which is 'you'.
• Walther Eidlitz discusses the philosophical system of Shankaracharya, who interpreted 'Tat tvam asi' as an equation where Brahman equals Atman, suggesting that only the formless Brahman is real and the perceived world is an illusion. He also contrasts this with the Bhakti-yoga interpretation, which emphasizes the inherent divine nature of beings and their eternal connection to God.

När du är död... (When You Are Dead...)

This short piece recounts an experience of a famous scientist, identified as Carl Gustav Jung, who, while near death, experienced a profound sense of peace and saw visions of wonderful and beautiful things. He reportedly felt he was floating above his body and had a vision of a stone block with the inscription "And this shall be a sign to you of Wholeness and Unity." Jung died peacefully shortly after.

Den gåtfulle Houdini: Illusionist eller medium? (The Enigmatic Houdini: Illusionist or Medium?)

This article delves into the life and abilities of the famous escape artist Harry Houdini, drawing heavily on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's perspective. Doyle, who knew Houdini personally, suggests that while Houdini was a master of natural tricks, he also possessed 'psychic elements' or possibly worked with spirits. Doyle recounts Houdini's astonishing escapes from various confinements, questioning whether they could be explained solely by natural means.

Doyle presents Houdini's own statements about hearing a 'voice' that guided his actions, and his fear of failure if he didn't obey it. The article quotes Captain Bartlett, who describes a conversation with Houdini about his box escape, where Houdini admitted not knowing how he did it and fearing failure. Doyle speculates that Houdini might have had the ability to dematerialize his body, a phenomenon he witnessed during a water tank escape, which he believes was beyond normal trickery.

Despite his public stance against spiritualism and mediums, which he often denounced as fraudulent, Doyle suggests Houdini may have had a complex relationship with the supernatural, possibly using his public persona as a magician to maintain his fame and avoid being labeled a mere medium.

recurring themes and editorial stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the nature of truth, the challenges to intellectual freedom, and the exploration of phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. The magazine appears to champion critical thinking and open inquiry, providing a platform for diverse perspectives on religion, philosophy, art, and the paranormal. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging readers to question established norms and explore unconventional ideas, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach to evidence and claims, particularly in the realm of parapsychology and spirituality.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: No. 1, 1991
Publisher: Wallin & Dalholm Boktr AB, Lund
Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Address: Östra Kanalgatan 18, 65220 Karlstad, Sweden
Phone: 054-11 16 89
Postgiro: 70 60 47-8
Bankgiro: 372-8128
Subscription Price: Full year (8 issues) 220 SEK, Half year 120 SEK.
Advertising Prices: Full page 1,300 SEK, Half page 750 SEK, Small ads 25 SEK per column-cm (minimum 75 SEK).
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of Sökaren, an independent journal for life-view issues, is noted by the editor, Sven Magnusson, to be unusually thin, containing only 32 pages compared to the usual 40. He attributes this to variable manuscript submissions throughout the year and a personal dip in his own work drive. Despite the reduced page count, the issue covers a range of topics including spirituality, philosophy, and UFO phenomena.

Featured Articles and Content

• Sri Chinmoy in Stockholm: Nils-Olof Jacobson, a doctor from Kristianstad who has contributed to Sökaren since 1964, reports on his visit to Stockholm to observe and write about the spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy. Jacobson's idea for the article was approved, and Uppsala doctor Eva Norén provided accompanying photographs. This feature is presented on pages 2-5.

• The Religiosity of Jan Fridegård: Bengt Petersen from Helsingborg submitted an unsolicited manuscript discussing the religious views of author Jan Fridegård. The editor, who was a fan of Fridegård's work in the early 1950s and notes that Fridegård was a subscriber to Sökaren in his later years, accepted the article for publication.

• UFOs and Sune Hjorth: UFO writer Sune Hjorth, who has previously been criticized in Sökaren, is given space to present his views. The editor notes Hjorth's weakness in citing and evaluating his sources. Hjorth's article, titled "Den dolda sanningen om UFO" (The hidden truth about UFOs), appears on page 14.

• Free-Thinking History: Gunnar Ståldal, described as an atheist-humanist brother who occasionally publishes in Sökaren, submitted a well-developed manuscript on the history of free-thinking. The editor finds himself largely in agreement with Ståldal's perspective but questions his assertion that the soul, like the body, is composed of atoms. Ståldal also contributes an article titled "Tänka fritt är stort!" (Thinking freely is great!) on page 20.

• Cosmic Consciousness: Facing a shortage of articles as the printing deadline approached, the editor turned to older issues and his own writings. He decided to compile material on "cosmic consciousness," drawing from his previous writings and R. M. Bucke's book "Cosmic Consciousness." The presentation on pages 6-8 also incorporates insights from philosopher Martinus's account of the cosmic light experience, which initiated his work as a religious thinker. Världsbild Förlag kindly granted permission for this republication.

• Lunatic Fringe: An earlier article on the "lunatic fringe" was also included in this issue to supplement the content, appearing on page 16.

• Critical Thinking and Book Reviews: The issue includes a summary of Paul Kurtz's thoughts on critical thinking and several pages of book reviews. There is also a "Bokrevy" (Book review) section.

• Reprinted Articles: To further compensate for the lack of new material, several previously published articles have been re-photographed from older issues and are presented on pages 32-39.

Specific Content Highlights

• "Kosmiskt medvetande" (Cosmic Consciousness): This section, attributed to "SM" (likely the editor Sven Magnusson), explores the concept of cosmic consciousness, referencing R. M. Bucke and Martinus. It discusses the idea of a universal consciousness and its implications for human understanding.

• "Den religiöse Jan Fridegård" (The Religious Jan Fridegård): Bengt Petersen's article examines the religious beliefs and influences on the Swedish author Jan Fridegård.

• "Den dolda sanningen om UFO" (The Hidden Truth About UFOs): Sune Hjorth's contribution delves into UFO phenomena, though the editor notes concerns about his sourcing.

• "Det gyllene elddopet" (The Golden Fire-Baptism): This entry, attributed to Martinus, likely relates to his philosophical or spiritual teachings.

• "Konst och livskonst" (Art and the Art of Living): An article by Nils-Olof Jacobson, exploring the connection between art and life.

• "Den gåtfulle Houdini" (The Enigmatic Houdini): This piece, attributed to "SM," likely discusses the famous magician Harry Houdini.

• "Engelsk professor i fysik intygar 'Geller-effekten'" (English Professor of Physics Attests to the 'Geller Effect'): Another "SM" contribution, this article likely addresses the controversial claims surrounding Uri Geller and physics.

• "Tat twam asi" (That thou art): This philosophical or spiritual concept is presented, also attributed to "SM."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren positions itself as an "Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor" (Independent journal for life-view issues). The editorial stance, as evidenced by the editor's notes, is one that values critical thinking and open discussion, even when disagreeing with contributors (as seen with Sune Hjorth and Gunnar Ståldal). The journal appears to cover a broad spectrum of unconventional thought, including spirituality, philosophy, and paranormal phenomena like UFOs, while maintaining a skeptical yet open approach. The editor's personal reflections on content creation and his acknowledgment of the need for more rigorous sourcing highlight a commitment to quality and intellectual honesty. The inclusion of various philosophical and spiritual concepts, from Sri Chinmoy to Martinus and discussions on 'cosmic consciousness,' indicates a broad interest in exploring different perspectives on existence and reality.