Sokaren - 1994 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1, 1994 (Volume 31)
Date: January 1994
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 45:- incl. VAT

This issue of "Sökaren" is a Swedish magazine focused on life questions, with a prominent feature on Kundalini Yoga in Sweden. The cover displays a group of people meditating, with the headline "Kundaliniyoga i Sverige".

Kundaliniyoga: An Eastern Secret, Now Accessible to Westerners

The main article delves into Kundalini Yoga, describing it as an Eastern secret now available to Westerners. It explains that Kundalini is a cosmic energy, the power of God, which, when rising through the spine, can lead to a significant, though sometimes painful and dangerous, process of elevating consciousness from darkness to light. This is a central tenet in Hinduism, aiming for the ultimate union of the individual soul (jiva) with the Highest Soul (Paramatman), or God, leading to spiritual liberation and the cessation of rebirth.

The article details the concept of "egot's death" as the final stage of human consciousness, merging with the Supreme Consciousness or God, achieved through divine grace and sincere seeking. It emphasizes that this is not a negative "extinction" but the realization of ultimate bliss and self-realization as Paramatman, who is identical with the Universal Self.

Kundalini itself is described as the cosmic energy, God's power, which can be both a blessing and a source of suffering if uncontrolled. When controlled, it leads to enlightenment. The article includes an account by B. S. Goel, who experienced a spiritual crisis and a vision of his guru, Sri Sathya Sai Baba, leading to the opening of his Third Eye and the activation of Kundalini energy.

Goel's experience involved intense depression followed by a divine encounter and guidance to meditate on the point between the eyebrows. This led to the appearance of a red line, then an eye, and finally the realization of God within. The rising Kundalini energy is described as a beautiful white cobra, and the opening of the Third Eye brought visions of various deities.

However, the process of Kundalini activation is not always easy. It can lead to severe difficulties, anxiety, and fear as the old consciousness, built on ignorance, is destroyed and replaced by new knowledge. This journey from untruth to truth is painful, involving the burning away of the old self, but is interspersed with periods of relaxation.

Kundalini can be activated through yoga practices, sometimes spontaneously, which can lead to ecstatic states followed by depression and potential loss of understanding. If activated through yoga with serious intent, it can be a result of divine grace, but the individual may struggle to understand the process, experiencing difficulties, anxiety, and fear. Yet, positive phases follow these challenges, leading to a deeper understanding of divine grace.

Seeing God with the Third Eye is described as a profound spiritual experience, allowing one to perceive God in form, and eventually in formless states. The process of Kundalini activation, while leading to the merging of the individual soul with the Absolute, still involves a state of duality before complete unity is achieved.

Kundalini in Everyday Swedish Life

Another article explores the presence of Kundalini Yoga in Sweden, noting that while it is a dramatic and mystical Eastern phenomenon, it is accessible to Swedes. Tomas Frankell offers a seven-evening course in Stockholm. The article contrasts this with the historical view of Kundalini Yoga as a secret practice reserved for highly developed adepts. It is now more accessible due to the perceived elevation of humanity's general development.

Frankell assures that his method of teaching Kundalini Yoga, when followed precisely, is as safe and beneficial as other yoga forms. He emphasizes the importance of following specific exercises in a set order and with the prescribed intensity. He shares his personal experience of becoming calmer and more centered through regular practice, refuting the idea of violent nervous system experiences.

The article highlights that Kundalini Yoga is more powerful and energy-giving than Hatha Yoga, and can be physically demanding. Some exercises are described as challenging, requiring participants to maintain difficult poses.

Different Paths to God

The magazine also outlines various paths of yoga, all leading to God and the state of samadhi:

• Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and divine love, appealing to emotional individuals. It involves selfless service and love for God and all beings.
• Hatha Yoga: The physical yoga path, involving postures (asanas) for body and mind health, aiming to prolong life and achieve higher development. While often perceived in the West as a health practice, its original purpose was union with God.
• Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom, for those seeking to understand life's mysteries through thought and reflection. It leads to the realization that the individual soul is identical with the Universal Soul (Brahman).
• Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action and duty, for outward-oriented individuals. It involves a continuous struggle against egoism and expressing love for God and the world through actions.
• Mantra Yoga: A meditative practice involving the repetition of mantras (sacred sounds or words) to achieve higher consciousness and union with the Absolute. OM and SO-HAM are mentioned as examples.
• Tantra Yoga: Rejects asceticism, advocating the use of sensory experiences and sometimes ritualistic sexual union to achieve union with God. It embraces the sensual life as a path to liberation and views the body as a tool for the spirit.

The Dangers of Kundalini

An article discusses the potential dangers of Kundalini activation, citing a report in "Läkartidningen" (nr 37, 1984) detailing nine cases of psychosis possibly triggered by Kundalini. These individuals experienced intense energy, religious hallucinations, and later, darkness, emptiness, paranoia, and fear of death. The article suggests that such psychological issues might be better addressed by a guru than by traditional psychiatry.

Lars, a mental health worker who claims to have had his Kundalini activated by his guru B. S. Goel, emphasizes the critical need for guidance from a genuine spiritual master who has undergone the process themselves. He warns that attempting to awaken Kundalini without proper guidance is risky for both student and teacher, as the energy can act unpredictably.

Reincarnation and Past Lives

Professor Ian Stevenson's research on reincarnation is presented, focusing on cases where birthmarks and congenital deformities in children correspond to fatal wounds or conditions of deceased individuals whose past lives the children claim to remember. Stevenson meticulously documents these cases, seeking natural explanations but finding that many instances strongly suggest a connection to past lives.

He notes that children often begin recalling past lives between ages two and seven. In at least 13 out of 210 thoroughly investigated cases, the families of the child and the deceased person had no prior connection, yet the child's memories matched the deceased's life and death. The article acknowledges that these cases are not definitive scientific proof but serve as an indication of the possibility of rebirth.

Mystical Experiences and Spiritual Paths

The magazine also features articles on various mystics and their experiences. It highlights the writings of Thomas R. Kelly, Simone Weil, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, exploring their paths to spiritual union and their contributions to understanding the divine and human evolution.

Richard M. Bucke's concept of "Cosmic Consciousness" is discussed, suggesting a future state of collective awareness that will transcend fear of death and ignorance. The article includes accounts of profound light experiences, such as Martinus's "golden baptism of fire" and Ruth Dahlén's "creation vision," which describe encounters with divine light and universal harmony.

Dag Hammarskjöld's "Vägmärken" (Waymarks) is presented as a testament to his spiritual journey, emphasizing his connection to mystical traditions and his pursuit of divine union through service and self-surrender.

The Unfinished Life

A reflective piece titled "Det olevda livet" (The Unlived Life) contemplates unfinished business, unfulfilled potential, and missed opportunities, suggesting a sense of longing for what could have been. It touches upon the transient nature of earthly joys and sorrows, and the possibility of finding freedom and embracing life's experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, Eastern philosophies (particularly Hinduism and Yoga), and the quest for higher consciousness and self-realization. It presents a worldview that integrates spiritual insights with philosophical inquiry, often drawing from diverse traditions and personal testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various spiritual paths and phenomena, encouraging readers to seek their own understanding and truth, while also acknowledging the potential challenges and the importance of guidance in spiritual practices. The magazine seems to advocate for a holistic approach to life, where spiritual growth is intertwined with personal development and a broader understanding of existence.

This issue of "Stillhetens hav" (Sea of Stillness), dated 1993, is a Swedish publication that delves into a variety of topics including poetry, spirituality, astrophysics, psychology, and ufology. The magazine features contributions from various authors and thinkers, exploring existential questions and alternative perspectives on the universe and human experience.

Poetry and Spirituality

The issue opens with a section titled "Stillhetens hav" by Sverker Arfvidsson, which presents poetic reflections on stillness, the universe, and self-acceptance. This is followed by an extensive article on the poet Nils Ferlin, written by Bengt Petersen. Petersen examines Ferlin's life and work, highlighting his themes of melancholy, compassion, and his unique interpretations of biblical motifs in poems like "Emaus" and "Getsemane." The article also touches upon Ferlin's critique of societal norms and his profound empathy for the marginalized.

Another piece, "Jesu rike," discusses Ferlin's perspective on Jesus and the early Christian community, contrasting it with organized religion. The issue also includes a section on Zen meditation, with an article by Bengt Petersen titled "Zenvägen till upplysning." This article explores the history and practice of Zen in Sweden, its potential for personal development, and its dialogue with other spiritual traditions, including Christianity.

Astrophysics and the Nature of Reality

Astrophysicist Peter Nilson is featured in an article titled "Tiden - en gåta" (Time - a Riddle), where he discusses the nature of time, questioning whether it is an illusion or a fundamental aspect of the universe. He explores concepts of spacetime and determinism, drawing from scientific theories and philosophical contemplation. Another article, "Styr tanke universum eller är det bara slumpen?" (Does Thought Govern the Universe or is it Just Chance?), presents the views of Jan Adrianson, who challenges the materialistic and Darwinian explanations for the universe and life, suggesting that a guiding intelligence might be at play.

Psychology and Human Potential

The issue includes an article titled "Vänster och höger hjärnhalva i balans" (Left and Right Brain Hemispheres in Balance), which discusses the specialized functions of each brain hemisphere and the importance of achieving a balance between logical (left) and intuitive (right) thinking. It touches upon the idea that the left brain is more optimistic, while the right is more intuitive and sensitive. The article "Växa genom kris" (Growing Through Crisis) by Ronald P. Beesely discusses psychologist Michael Butz's view that crises are opportunities for personal growth.

Ufology and Parapsychology

Several articles touch upon paranormal phenomena and ufology. "Drog botar drogberoende" (Drug Cures Drug Addiction) reports on the effectiveness of Ibogain in treating addiction. "Dåligt minne" (Poor Memory) discusses research on the fallibility of human memory. "Ovälkommen forskare" (Unwelcome Researcher) covers the controversy surrounding the appointment of a skeptic to a parapsychology research position. "Det feltolkade Atlantis" (The Misinterpreted Atlantis) by Dénis Lindbohm argues that the legend of Atlantis is a misinterpretation of the fall of Troy. The magazine also features "UFO-Aktuellt," a section dedicated to UFO sightings and related phenomena.

Other Topics

Additional content includes "Musik stimulerar barn" (Music Stimulates Children), discussing the intellectual benefits of music for young children, and "Mijöpartiet" (The Environment Party), highlighting the party's focus on animal welfare. There are also sections featuring quotes from various thinkers and a reader forum with letters and responses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around questioning established scientific and religious paradigms, exploring the mysteries of consciousness, the universe, and human potential. There is a clear inclination towards alternative perspectives, spirituality, and a critique of pure materialism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider different viewpoints and to engage with complex existential questions. The magazine promotes a holistic view of life, integrating elements of science, spirituality, and personal introspection.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1
Volume: 31
Date: April 1994

Sökaren is a Swedish magazine dedicated to spiritual and life questions. This issue, volume 31, number 1, published in April 1994, features a range of articles exploring diverse paths to understanding life's deeper meanings.

Editor's Contribution: "Mitt bidrag"

In his editorial, "Mitt bidrag" (My Contribution), Sven Magnusson, the editor and publisher, expresses his personal commitment to Sökaren, viewing it as his unique contribution to Swedish life and an essential part of his own life-building process. He highlights that the magazine addresses significant life questions in a knowledgeable and engaging manner, aiming to inform, inspire, and sometimes even provoke thought. Magnusson acknowledges the financial challenges facing the publication and appeals for subscriptions and donations to ensure its continued existence. He reassures readers that despite past issues with Energica Förlag, their subscription to Sökaren will guarantee receipt of the magazine and nothing else.

Contents Overview

The issue includes a variety of articles and sections:

• Kundaliniyoga i den svenska vardagen (Kundalini Yoga in Swedish Everyday Life) by Åsa Freij (pages 5-7).
• Olika yogavägar som alla bär till Gud (Different Yoga Paths All Leading to God) (page 8).
• Den vetenskapliga tankens slingriga vägar (The Winding Paths of Scientific Thought) (page 10).
• Möte med mystiker (Meeting with Mystics) by Birgit Cars (page 14).
• Fall som tyder på reinkarnation (Cases Suggesting Reincarnation) (page 18).
• Stillhetens hav (The Sea of Stillness) by Sverker Arfvidsson (page 20).
• Nils Ferlin, grubblande och sökande (Nils Ferlin, Contemplative and Searching) by Bengt Petersen (page 22).
• Tiden - en gåta (Time - A Riddle) (page 24).
• Beundransvärda människor (Admirable People) (page 28).
• Vänster och höger hjärnhalva i balans (Left and Right Brain in Balance) (page 34).
• Zenvägen till upplysning (The Zen Path to Enlightenment) by Bengt Petersen (page 37).
• Styr tanke universum eller är det bara slumpen? (Does Thought Control the Universe or is it Just Chance?) (page 38).

Featured Personalities and Themes

The cover and internal pages highlight several individuals and concepts:

• Mentalskötaren Lars: Featured with the caption "har fått sin kundalini aktiverad" (has had his kundalini activated), suggesting a personal spiritual experience.
• Ralph Lundsten: An artist, depicted admiring "de ljusa och varma" (the bright and warm), possibly referring to his art or spiritual insights.
• Nils Ferlin: A poet whose "djupa livsfrågor" (deep life questions) are mentioned in relation to his poetry.
• "Kosmisk Hälsning från Andromedaren" (Cosmic Greeting from the Andromedan): This intriguing element suggests content related to extraterrestrial communication or channeled messages, aligning with the magazine's exploration of paranormal and spiritual phenomena.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

Sökaren positions itself as a vital publication for those interested in profound life questions, spirituality, and alternative perspectives on reality. The magazine aims to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion on topics ranging from Eastern philosophies and mysticism to scientific inquiry and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open exploration, encouraging readers to engage with diverse ideas and seek their own understanding. Recurring themes include the search for meaning, the nature of reality, spiritual development, and the intersection of science and spirituality. The magazine also seems to have a history of covering paranormal phenomena, as indicated by the mention of the Andromedan greeting and articles on reincarnation.

Contact Information

The magazine's administrative details are provided:

• Address: Vattentornet 3 E ltr, 663 00 Skoghall, Sweden.
• Telephone: 054-51 89 00
• Telefax: 054-51 89 02
• Postgiro: 70 60 47-8
• ISSN: 0038-0504