Sokaren - 1992 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR2
Volume: 1992 ÅRGÅNG 29
Date: 1992
Publisher: Vattumannen Förlag & Bokhandel
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Samhället Findhorn har skapats under ledning av en inre röst (The Findhorn Community has been created under the guidance of an inner voice)

Articles and Content

"Vad är egentligen förlåtelse?" by Curt Jonsson

Curt Jonsson shares a personal anecdote from his high school years where he was bullied. The experience was difficult, but he found solace in friendships. Years later, the former bully apologized, asking for forgiveness. This experience leads Jonsson to discuss the concept of forgiveness, particularly as presented in "A Course in Miracles." He explains that true forgiveness is not about overlooking wrongdoing but about releasing negative emotions and realizing that no one is truly guilty, as the perceived offenses stem from illusions or misunderstandings. Jonsson emphasizes that people, even those exhibiting negative behavior, are ultimately seeking love. He contrasts the common understanding of forgiveness with the deeper spiritual concept presented in "A Course in Miracles," which he believes embodies the original Christian message of love.

"A Course in Miracles"

This section introduces "A Course in Miracles," a spiritual text received intuitively by Helen Shucman, an American psychology professor. Over seven years in the 1970s, she transcribed these messages, which have since reached hundreds of thousands worldwide. The course is described as conveying the unconditional message of love that Jonsson believes was present in early Christianity. The core message is summarized as "Forgive!" but with a caveat that this word can be easily misunderstood.

"I morgonrodnadens tecken" (In the Sign of the Morning Star) by Örjan Björkhem

This piece comments on Nils-Olof Jacobson's reportage on poltergeist phenomena. Björkhem discusses the case of Lars O., who has been associated with alleged paranormal events. Björkhem recounts his own experiences visiting Lars O. and notes that while some phenomena might be explained by trickery, others, like objects appearing or moving inexplicably, are harder to dismiss. He categorizes potential explanations for such phenomena into three hypotheses: all are paranormal, some are paranormal while others have normal explanations, or none are paranormal. Björkhem leans towards the idea that some events are indeed paranormal, citing specific instances like objects appearing suddenly or moving in ways that defy normal physics. He also touches upon the unique duration of the phenomena associated with Lars O., which have reportedly spanned decades.

"Ur 'Resan till friheten'" (From 'The Journey to Freedom') by Eileen Caddy

This excerpt is from Eileen Caddy's autobiography, co-written with Liza Hollingshead. Caddy is a co-founder of the Findhorn community. The text describes her experience of hearing an "inner voice" that guided her life, including a significant decision to leave her first husband and children to be with Peter Caddy. This guidance, which she attributes to God, led to the establishment of the Findhorn community. The excerpt also touches upon the challenges and spiritual tests faced by those who join the community, emphasizing the importance of inner guidance and self-discovery.

"Under ledning av en inre röst" (Under the Guidance of an Inner Voice)

This article discusses Eileen Caddy and the Findhorn community. It highlights Caddy's autobiography, "Resan till friheten" (The Journey to Freedom), and her belief in an inner voice guiding her actions. The article notes that while Caddy attributes this voice to God, her daughter suggested it might be the devil, particularly regarding Caddy's decision to leave her first husband. The text also mentions David Spangler's perspective on Caddy's inner voice, suggesting it is a blend of her own consciousness and a higher source.

"LJUSET ÄR SJÄLENS FÄRG Ψ MINNEN FRÅN EN ANNAN VÄRLD" (Light is the Soul's Color Ψ Memories from Another World)

This is a brief description of a book by Psi-Cirkeln, detailing a person's memories from a past life in a world where magic was as common as electricity. The author claims to have had these memories since childhood and later found someone else who remembered the same past life and person.

"En vit kråka?" (A White Crow?) by Örjan Björkhem

This article is a commentary on Nils-Olof Jacobson's reportage about poltergeist phenomena concerning Lars O. Björkhem, a commentator, shares his own experiences and observations related to Lars O. He discusses the difficulty of definitively proving paranormal phenomena and the potential for trickery. He analyzes the credibility of witnesses and the possibility of psychological suggestion. Björkhem concludes that while trickery may be involved, some events associated with Lars O. appear to defy normal explanations, suggesting a paranormal element.

"Bönens makt" (The Power of Prayer) by Larry Dossey

Larry Dossey, a physician, explores the scientific study of prayer and its effects on healing. He cites research, including a study by Randolph Byrd, which suggests that prayer can significantly improve patient outcomes in cardiac care. Dossey discusses the non-local nature of consciousness, arguing that prayer's effectiveness is not diminished by distance, unlike conventional energy forms. He contrasts directed prayer (asking for specific outcomes) with non-directed prayer (trusting in a higher will), finding the latter to be more effective in scientific experiments. The article also touches upon the concept of the human mind having divine attributes and being non-local.

"Meditationer" by Shakti Gawain

This section advertises a cassette series by Shakti Gawain offering guided meditations and visualization exercises focused on creating an inner sanctuary, connecting with inner guidance, balancing masculine and feminine energies, and expressing creative power.

"Hjärtefrågor - din inre skattkammare" (Heart Questions - Your Inner Treasure Chamber) by Louise L. Hay

This is a description of a book by Louise L. Hay, offering life philosophy, insights, and affirmations to help readers address problems related to health, career, finances, fears, and dependencies.

"Forskningens nya vidder" (New Vistas of Research) - Interview with Professor Alister Hardy

This is an interview with Professor Alister Hardy, a biologist and researcher in parapsychology. Hardy discusses his belief that parapsychological research will eventually lead to the acceptance of consciousness as independent of the physical brain. He speculates about a universal, intelligent force behind the universe and the potential for a collective consciousness in animal species.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" (The Seeker) appears to focus on spirituality, New Age concepts, and the exploration of phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding. Recurring themes include the power of the mind, inner guidance, forgiveness, and the investigation of paranormal events like poltergeists and the effects of prayer. The editorial stance seems open to exploring these topics with a critical yet receptive mind, often referencing scientific studies or personal experiences to support the discussions. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between spiritual beliefs and scientific inquiry, particularly in areas like consciousness, healing, and unexplained phenomena.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1975, focuses on the intersection of the occult and the intellectual, exploring themes of spirituality, psychology, and personal transformation. The cover features a striking image of a bent spoon, symbolizing the bending of reality and the intellectual challenges posed by paranormal phenomena.

The Occult and the Intellectual

Dr. Jeffrey J. Smith, a scholar from Stanford University, delivered a lecture in London in August 1973 on the occult and the intellectual, which was later published in 'Parapsychology Review'. Smith used the example of Uri Geller bending a spoon to illustrate how paranormal phenomena challenge conventional scientific understanding. He argued that phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis should be viewed as a complex whole, suggesting that the current scientific view, which prioritizes the physical, needs revision to incorporate these paranormal aspects. Smith proposed that reality might be far more extensive than currently understood, and that the gap between mind and matter is closing. He advocated for a 'radical empiricism' that accepts phenomena as they are, without rigid divisions between the subjective and objective.

Vedanta: A Conversation with Swami Ritajananda

Swami Ritajananda, the 63-year-old leader of the Sri Ramakrishna Center in Gretz, France, discusses Vedanta and yoga. He describes Vedanta as an insight into the nature of reality, not merely a theory, and yoga as the means to experience it. True freedom, according to Vedanta, is the ultimate goal, achieved by mastering the mind, which is often enslaved by habits and external influences. Swami Ritajananda emphasizes that this mastery is not about withdrawing from the world but about living in it with detachment, accepting both joy and sorrow without being disturbed. Meditation, he explains, is crucial for developing mental control and concentration, leading to personal transformation and the attainment of freedom.

He elaborates on the Vedantic concept of Brahman as the sole reality, with the individual soul (Atman) being identical to Brahman. The perceived world of names and forms is considered illusory because it is transient, while Brahman, the underlying substance, is eternal and unchanging. Swami Ritajananda also touches upon the concept of Ishvara (personal God) and Avatars, explaining that while Ishvara exists as the ultimate reality, the concept of a personal God is relevant for those experiencing duality. Avatars, like Jesus, are seen as divine incarnations that guide humanity towards Ishvara.

Ramakrishna: Who Was He?

This section provides a biographical sketch of Sri Ramakrishna, highlighting his universal approach to religion. He delved into various faiths, including Islam and Christianity, experiencing divine realization through each. Ramakrishna taught that all religions are different paths leading to the same ultimate goal, God. He never asked anyone to convert but encouraged them to follow their chosen path. His disciples, including Swami Vivekananda, were tasked with spreading his message of harmony and spiritual realization.

The text recounts Ramakrishna's profound spiritual experiences, including his immersion in different religious practices and his attainment of samadhi (divine consciousness). It also mentions his final illness and his teachings on the nature of the soul and its connection to the divine.

Illusionists and Parapsychology

The magazine explores the complex relationship between illusionists and parapsychology. It notes that while some illusionists, like Randi, are critical of parapsychological research, others have witnessed and acknowledged genuine paranormal phenomena. The article discusses how the art of deception practiced by illusionists can lead to skepticism towards psi phenomena. It highlights instances where illusionists have been intrigued by parapsychology, and conversely, how parapsychologists have sometimes used their knowledge of tricks to investigate claims of psychic abilities.

C.G. Jung: Life and Work

Barbara Hannah's biography of C.G. Jung is reviewed, offering a complementary perspective to Jung's own autobiography. The review praises Hannah's comprehensive portrayal of Jung, drawing from personal interviews and his own writings. It touches upon Jung's intellectual journey, his exploration of the unconscious, and his contributions to analytical psychology. The review also briefly mentions some personal aspects of Jung's life, including his relationships and his views on various matters.

Walt Whitman

An excerpt from R.M. Bucke's book 'Cosmic Consciousness' offers reflections on the American poet Walt Whitman. The text describes Whitman's deep appreciation for nature, his love for all beings, and his seemingly unique ability to find joy and peace in the world around him. It highlights his non-judgmental attitude and his profound sense of connection to life.

Telepathy

This section discusses the scientific acceptance of telepathy, citing the views of philosophers like C.D. Broad and H.H. Price, who argued that telepathy challenges materialistic theories of consciousness. The article emphasizes the profound philosophical and scientific implications of telepathy, suggesting it could revolutionize our understanding of ourselves and reality.

Eastern Wisdom

A collection of aphorisms attributed to Axel Fredenholm offers guidance on maintaining inner balance, seeking truth, practicing kindness, overcoming fear, and cultivating harmony.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores the boundaries between the rational and the mystical, the scientific and the spiritual. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider phenomena that lie beyond conventional understanding. There is a clear interest in personal growth, spiritual development, and the exploration of consciousness. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives on life's deeper questions, bridging the gap between intellectual pursuits and esoteric experiences.