Sokaren - 1991 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR7
Volume: 1991 ÅRGÅNG 28
Date: 1991
Price: 30:00 INKL. MOMS
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, an independent magazine for worldview issues, prominently features Tomas Frankell, the driving force behind the new Deva Center in Stockholm. The cover headline, "He leads a spiritual guerrilla in Sweden: Tomas Frankell," sets the tone for an in-depth look at his work and philosophy.

Reportage: Tomas Frankell starts new center: Deva

The main article details the opening of Deva Center, Frankell's third venture after the successful Café Pan and Café Vega. Deva is described as a center for "artistic, cultural, and spiritual development." The opening day featured an exhibition by Linda Gustavson Nameth, a performance by Metin Ardell, and a sing-along led by Ange Turell. The article highlights Frankell's vision of integrating culture and spirituality, aiming to foster creativity and personal growth.

Frankell, now 34, reflects on his journey from his teenage years in the 1970s, through the self-care techniques of the 1980s, to the current era which he sees as a "global awakening." He believes that people have gathered enough inner experience to now "pick the fruit" and address external issues creatively. He likens the current spiritual shift to a "spring flood" that is unstoppable and positive.

Deva's autumn program includes familiar offerings like Rosenterapy, polynesisk akupressur, Kundalini yoga, and A Course in Miracles workshops, alongside a gallery, shop, and vegetarian café. A new initiative is "Inre samling" (Inner Gathering), a non-denominational service led by various spiritual figures. Frankell also envisions a "spiritual, ecumenical festival" in Vasaparken, showcasing tai chi, yoga, and gospel music.

He emphasizes that his work is about helping people connect with their inner will to create and their deepest drive, using tools like yoga and tai chi to foster powerful experiences. Frankell aims to empower individuals by returning authority to them, allowing them to discover their own path and purpose. He sees the current challenge as lowering the level of fear and encouraging people to act from the heart, believing that this can lead to miracles.

Regarding his religious views, Frankell identifies with the Christian perspective presented in "A Course in Miracles," which posits that humans are fundamentally loving beings, and that suffering arises from identifying with a system of guilt. He admits to being an atheist before encountering this teaching.

Discussion on Spirituality and Beliefs

Frankell discusses his personal journey, stating that his search for meaning began not with a quest for God, but through experiences in therapy and self-knowledge that led him to deep experiences of love. He describes his method of prayer as listening honestly inward and waiting for answers, which has fostered trust in a world that is not against him.

He advocates for moving beyond outdated concepts of God, particularly those associated with punishment, and embracing a God of love. He believes that many people still hold a negative view of the world, seeing it as hostile.

Frankell highlights "A Course in Miracles" as a foundational text for his work. He explains that the book, dictated to a female psychology professor over seven years in the 1970s, teaches that we are not born in sin but are loving beings, and that hell is created by identifying with a system of guilt. He recounts a personal crisis in 1981 that led him to "A Course in Miracles" after initially dismissing the book.

He also discusses Kundalini yoga, which he teaches, and its role in disciplining the body, contrasting it with the mental work of "A Course in Miracles." He likens the two to hardware and software development.

Frankell addresses the potential for spiritual movements to go astray, acknowledging that leadership can be corrupting. He stresses the importance of humility and remembering the source of spiritual guidance as being beyond oneself. He believes that true spiritual leadership requires constant vigilance against collective thinking and the temptation of specialness.

Personal Reflections and Encounters

Åsa Freij's Reportage: "Summer Hunt for Awareness"

This section features Åsa Freij's experiences at Wäxthuset, a center for personal development on Väddö. Freij grapples with the challenge of objectivity as a journalist, questioning her own perceptions and the motivations of those involved in self-improvement.

She describes her initial skepticism about Wäxthuset, noting the cost of its courses and the potential for disappointment among participants seeking quick fixes. Freij attends a "body breathing" course led by Colleen Ellis, where she observes a participant named Göran expressing aggression towards an assistant. Freij contrasts Göran's perception with her own positive experience of the assistant, highlighting how subjective perceptions can lead to conflict.

Freij also interviews Kersti Berg, a participant in an advanced course, who shares her struggles with anxiety and inferiority complexes. Berg's experience illustrates how self-improvement courses can offer support and new perspectives, even if they don't immediately resolve all issues.

Arne, a volunteer at Wäxthuset, shares his insights on personal growth, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one's life and seeking genuine connection. He discusses how negative patterns, such as prejudice and dominance, can be projections of one's own insecurities. Arne's journey involved confronting his own harshness and learning to appreciate vulnerability and love.

Kurt Olsson's Testimonial

Kurt Olsson, an industrial designer and volunteer at Wäxthuset, expresses his profound gratitude for the center and its founder, Lena Kristina Tuulse. He describes his first experience with "free breathing" as "fantastic" and credits Wäxthuset with opening up a "whole new world" for him. Olsson sees Tuulse as a unique individual whose imperfections make her relatable and human.

Body Breathing Course

The "body breathing" course is described as a combination of free breathing, massage, and psychology. The report highlights the subjective nature of these experiences, as seen in Göran's negative reaction to an assistant, which contrasts sharply with Freij's positive perception.

Wäxthuset and its Critics

The article touches upon the criticisms and skepticism surrounding Wäxthuset and similar movements. Some participants have felt let down or even harmed by their experiences, while others find profound value. The report emphasizes that the effectiveness of these courses is highly subjective and depends on individual perceptions and expectations.

Other Features

Reportage: "The Art of Thinking"

This section discusses the challenges of clear thinking, referencing books like Rupert Crawshay-Williams' "The Comforts of Unreason" and Alf Ahlberg's "Tankelivets frigörelse" (Liberation of Thought-Life).

• Key points include:
• The difficulty of clear thinking, which requires practice and effort.
• The temptation to avoid new ideas that might disrupt existing beliefs.
• The tendency to accept group opinions without evidence.
• The role of desires and fears in distorting perception.
• The importance of gathering all facts before forming an opinion.
• The dangers of rationalization and selective interpretation of information.

The article also touches on religious skepticism, citing Franklin L. Baumer's work on the history of religious doubt and the search for faith. It explores the tension between skepticism and the human need for spiritual meaning.

Biorytm and Buddhist Publications

Brief mentions of services like personalized biorhythm charts and publications from Buddhasasanaförlaget (Buddha's Doctrine Publishing House) are included.

Tommy Brodd: Clairvoyant Services

Tommy Brodd offers consultations as a clairvoyant and remote viewer, providing guidance on future events and personal development through courses in healing and psychic development.

Reportage: "Alma Nissen Died"

This obituary commemorates Alma Nissen, a pioneer in the health food movement in Sweden, who passed away at the age of 95. Nissen ran the Brandal health home for many years, advocating for natural therapies, garlic, fasting, and a basic diet. She was recognized for her success in treating conditions like Bechterew's disease and herpes, which are often considered incurable by conventional medicine.

Reportage: "Hans Bender Died"

This obituary marks the passing of Professor Hans Bender, an expert in parapsychology who held a professorship at the University of Freiburg. Bender's research focused on spontaneous phenomena such as poltergeists and electronic voice phenomena (EVP), which he attributed to the unconscious influence of living persons.

Reportage: "Crop Circles"

This brief report discusses the mystery of crop circles, noting that while two artists claimed responsibility for creating some figures, this confession does not fully explain the phenomenon, which continues to be an unsolved mystery.

Vattumannen: Esoteric Bookstore

An advertisement for Vattumannen, a Swedish bookstore specializing in esoteric literature, offering books, music, crystals, and other related items.

Discussion: "Competition or Cooperation?"

This section explores the concept of competition, often viewed positively in business for driving quality and innovation. It contrasts this with the importance of cooperation, arguing that a balance between the two is essential for a healthy society.

The article references Alfie Kohn's book "The Case Against Competition," which posits that competition is inherently destructive and leads to more losers than winners. Kohn advocates for cooperation as the foundation for success and well-being.

The Right Livelihood Award 1991

This section announces the recipients of the 1991 Right Livelihood Award, also known as the "alternative Nobel Prize." The awards recognize individuals and organizations working on sustainable development, environmental protection, and social justice. Notable recipients include the MST and CPT in Brazil for their land rights advocacy, the Narmada Bachao Andolan in India for their opposition to the Narmada Dam, and Edward Goldsmith for his environmental activism.

"Move it, old timer!"

This short piece highlights the importance of exercise and physical activity in combating age-related ailments, citing research by Dr. William Evans.

Pyramid Power

A brief mention of pyramid energy and pyramid healing, with contact information for Mikropyramidcenter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of personal growth, spirituality, and alternative approaches to health and well-being. The magazine appears to champion independent thought and critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question established norms and explore diverse worldviews. There is a clear emphasis on self-empowerment, inner exploration, and the potential for positive change through conscious living. The editorial stance seems to favor holistic perspectives, integrating spiritual, cultural, and personal development, while also acknowledging the complexities and subjective nature of these pursuits. The magazine provides a platform for various voices and experiences within the New Age and self-help movements, encouraging dialogue and reflection.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: nr 7, 1991
Date: July 1991
Publisher: Wallin & Dalholm Boktr AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of SÖKAREN, a Swedish independent magazine for worldviews, delves into a variety of topics ranging from philosophical reflections on consciousness and the nature of the universe to critical analyses of popular mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle and UFO phenomena. It also touches upon spiritualism, reincarnation, and parapsychological events.

Articles and Content

"Tankar" (Thoughts) by Sven Magnusson

Sven Magnusson, the editor, presents his personal philosophical ideas about the universe and consciousness. He posits that the universe itself is a conscious, thinking entity, challenging the traditional concept of an external God. Magnusson explores the idea of death as a liberation of consciousness, where the individual self merges with the universal consciousness, or 'Alltet' (the All).

"Bermudatriangeln" (The Bermuda Triangle) by Willy Wegner

Willy Wegner critically examines the popular myth of the Bermuda Triangle. He traces the origins of the myth back to Vincent Gaddis's 1964 article and subsequent books by authors like John Wallace Spencer and Charles Berlitz. Wegner debunks numerous sensationalist claims, pointing out factual inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and the lack of proper research by proponents of the mystery. He highlights the work of Lawrence Kusche, who systematically investigated the alleged incidents and found rational explanations for many of them, concluding that the Bermuda Triangle legend is largely a constructed myth based on poor research and sensationalism.

"Apporter" (Apports) and "Helande" (Healing) by Leo and Lars

This section details personal experiences with parapsychological phenomena, focusing on a man named Leo and his interactions with a medium named Lars. It describes incidents of 'apports' – objects appearing or disappearing inexplicably – and a remarkable case of healing where Leo's eye condition was apparently cured through spiritual intervention. The narrative emphasizes Leo's transformation from skepticism to belief in a spiritual world.

"Solveig och Esko" (Solveig and Esko)

This part recounts the experiences of Solveig and Esko, a couple who met Leo and Lars. They share accounts of strange occurrences, including a hot metal tong appearing and becoming extremely hot, and a glove compartment's contents being forcefully ejected. These events are presented as manifestations of spiritual or psychic energy.

"Knivkastning" (Knife Throwing)

This narrative describes a dramatic incident involving knives appearing and moving inexplicably, causing fear and astonishment. The couple interprets these events not as malicious attacks but as demonstrations of spiritual power, indicating a belief in forces beyond the physical realm.

"Krucifixet" (The Crucifix)

Solveig recounts a personal experience where a crucifix went missing and later reappeared in an unexpected place, accompanied by a message from a deceased woman. This event is presented as evidence of spiritual communication and intervention.

"De förfalskade MJ 12-dokumenten" (The Forged MJ 12 Documents)

This article discusses the alleged MJ 12 documents concerning UFO investigations, presenting evidence that they are forgeries. It points out discrepancies in signatures and suggests that the documents were fabricated to support a particular narrative about UFOs.

"Hjorth är Hjorth" (Hjorth is Hjorth)

This is a critical review of Sune Hjorth's book "Den dolda sanningen om UFO" (The Hidden Truth about UFOs). The reviewer criticizes Hjorth's weak source criticism, his tendency to believe sensational claims, and his conspiracy theories about a cover-up of UFO information by the US government. The review highlights Hjorth's reliance on questionable sources and his misinterpretation of biblical texts.

"I andarnas värld" (In the World of Spirits) by Olle Hjern

This section introduces Olle Hjern's book about Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish scientist and mystic. It discusses Swedenborg's experiences and writings about the spiritual world, contrasting his views with contemporary spiritualist beliefs.

"Människan Pär Lagerkvist" (The Human Pär Lagerkvist) by Birgit Cars

Birgit Cars reflects on the life and work of Swedish Nobel laureate Pär Lagerkvist, based on a book by his son Ulf. The author emphasizes Lagerkvist's complex personality, his struggles, and his ability to articulate the human condition, making him relatable to many readers.

Other Content

The magazine also includes sections like "Tankar" (Thoughts) with short reflections, a list of contents with authors and page numbers, and a "Kontakt" (Contact) section for personal ads. There are also short pieces on vegetarianism, and advertisements for books and spiritual teachings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, spirituality, and alternative worldviews. There is a strong emphasis on critical examination of popular myths and sensationalist claims, particularly concerning UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle, advocating for rational investigation and source criticism. The editorial stance appears to be open to spiritual and parapsychological phenomena but cautious about unsubstantiated claims, encouraging readers to think critically and seek deeper understanding.