Sokaren - 1994 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 4, 1994 (Årgång 31)
Date: 1994
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on 'life questions,' features Jakob von Uexkull on its cover and prominently within its pages. The magazine delves into various aspects of human experience, psychology, and parapsychology, with a strong emphasis on humanitarianism and alternative perspectives.

Jakob von Uexkull: The Man Behind the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'

The lead article introduces Jakob von Uexkull, a Swedish-German stamp dealer who established the Right Livelihood Award. The award, often called the 'alternative Nobel Prize,' was created to recognize and support individuals and organizations tackling critical global issues such as environmental degradation, poverty, and oppression. Von Uexkull, a former Member of the European Parliament for the Green Party, felt that the traditional Nobel Prizes were too narrow in scope and did not adequately address these pressing problems. He initially proposed the idea to the Nobel Foundation but was unsuccessful, leading him to fund the award himself by selling his stamp collection in 1980. The Right Livelihood Award Foundation continues to receive donations, enabling it to award significant sums annually to recipients whose work promotes sustainable living and addresses societal challenges. The article highlights the award's prestige, noting it is often valued more highly than the Nobel Prize in developing countries. Von Uexkull expresses concern about the world's governments' failure to implement sustainable policies and criticizes the materialistic focus of wealthy nations. He believes that the award supports practical solutions and inspires hope for a better future.

The article also details the 1993 Right Livelihood Award recipients, including Vandana Shiva (India) for her work on environmental and social justice, Arna Mer-Khamis and the organization Care and Learning (Israel) for supporting children affected by the occupation of Palestine, ORAP in Zimbabwe for promoting self-determined development, and the Dann sisters (North America) for their fight for indigenous land rights. A comparison is drawn to the Nobel Prize, with the Frankfurter Rundschau questioning whether the Right Livelihood Award better upholds Alfred Nobel's spirit by addressing immediate human needs.

Von Uexkull also established an annual prize for Estonia, supporting its post-Soviet revival, stemming from his family's historical ties to the country. He reflects on the 15 years of the award's operation, noting its growing respect and impact. Despite the award's success, he expresses sadness that the overall situation in the world has not improved significantly.

Spiritual Emergency: Diagnosing Our Time's Prophets

This section, written by Marianne Blom, explores the concept of 'spiritual emergency,' a term coined by Stanislav and Christina Grof. The article argues that modern society tends to pathologize unusual states of consciousness that were once considered sources of spiritual knowledge. It contrasts the respect given to prophets and visionaries in pre-industrial cultures with their marginalization in contemporary times. The Grofs' book, 'Spiritual Emergency: When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis,' is discussed, highlighting that such states, including peak experiences, visions, and near-death experiences, are natural parts of spiritual development and should not be automatically labeled as mental illness unless organic causes are present. The article mentions the formation of the Spiritual Emergence Network (SEN) in the USA to support individuals undergoing these experiences and suggests a similar network is needed in Sweden. It touches upon the shift from organized religion to personal spirituality and the challenges of navigating these experiences without falling into dogma or societal pressures.

Stina's Near-Death Experience: A Seeker's Fate

This personal account by 'Stina' details her transformative journey following a profound emotional experience during a dream course in August 1989. This event, which she describes as a 'spiritual emergence,' led to a temporary loss of contact with normal reality, a state diagnosed as reactive psychosis by medical professionals. She recounts being medicated and the subsequent struggle to withdraw from the medication, which led to a severe depression. Stina emphasizes her recovery and her belief that her experience, though initially labeled as a psychosis, was a 'spiritual emergency' that ultimately led to a new dimension in her life. She highlights the importance of understanding such phenomena and criticizes the medical system's tendency to pathologize them. She also references the Grofs' work and the concept of 'spiritual emergencies' as potential catalysts for personal growth.

Reincarnation and Karma: Did Jesus Preach Them?

This article critically examines the claim that Jesus preached reincarnation and karma. The author argues that there is no evidence in the Gospels to support this, stating that Jesus's teachings focused on the coming judgment and the Kingdom of God. The article refutes common arguments used to link Jesus's words to reincarnation, such as the reference to John the Baptist as Elijah, explaining it as a specific Jewish belief about prophets rather than a general reincarnation doctrine. It also addresses the passage where disciples ask about a man born blind, explaining Jesus's response as a rejection of both the disciples' premise and any implication of reincarnation. The article clarifies that the Council of Constantinople in 553 AD condemned the doctrine of the pre-existence of the soul, not reincarnation itself, as it was not a prevalent belief in early Christianity. It concludes that while reincarnation is a concept that warrants open consideration, claims linking it to Jesus's teachings are not supported by biblical evidence.

Humanistic and Ego-Transcending Psychology

This section provides an overview of different schools of psychology. It begins by outlining the four main currents: behaviorism, psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and transpersonal psychology. Humanistic psychology, pioneered by Abraham Maslow, focuses on the study of psychologically healthy individuals and their potential for growth and self-actualization. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling 'life-enhancing' needs such as personal growth, creativity, and meaning. The concept of 'peak experiences' (maximalupplevelse) is discussed as a core element, representing moments of profound unity and self-awareness that are seen as common to all religions. Transpersonal psychology is presented as an extension of humanistic psychology, exploring transcendent experiences and the transpersonal dimensions of the psyche, including spiritual paths, inner growth, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The article briefly touches upon various therapeutic approaches stemming from these fields, including encounter therapy, Gestalt therapy, analytical psychology (Jung), and psychosynthesis (Assagioli).

'Near-Death Experiences Are Important' - Kenneth Ring in Sweden

This article features an interview with Professor Kenneth Ring, a leading researcher on near-death experiences (NDEs). Ring states that millions have had NDEs, which profoundly affect them, though he does not claim they prove life after death. He notes that NDEs are remarkably similar across cultures and backgrounds, suggesting a common human experience. While skeptics attempt to explain NDEs through neurological or biological factors, Ring believes these explanations are insufficient to account for all aspects of the experience. He expresses particular interest in how NDEs impact individuals and their spiritual outlook. The article also touches upon ongoing research into NDEs experienced by blind individuals, finding similarities to those of sighted people, and discusses the potential for NDEs to reduce the fear of death and foster a greater appreciation for life.

Insights on Miracles - A Course in Miracles

This section presents excerpts from Curt Jonsson's book 'Psi-spåret' (The Psi-Trail), which explores the teachings of 'A Course in Miracles' (ACIM). Jonsson describes his profound personal connection to ACIM, a text dictated to Helen Schucman by a voice claiming to be Jesus. He emphasizes that ACIM teaches that miracles are natural expressions of love and are not supernatural events. The article explains that miracles occur when our thinking is in harmony with the underlying order of the universe and that we all have the power to perform them. Jonsson shares his personal journey of translating and interpreting ACIM, highlighting its message of self-worth and the illusion of separation from God and creation. He also recounts personal experiences and experiments related to 'psi-trails' and dowsing, demonstrating how these phenomena can be used to locate lost objects, suggesting that miracles are a natural part of our existence when we align with love and truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of personal transformation, spiritual growth, and alternative perspectives on human consciousness. There is a clear emphasis on humanitarianism, with the Right Livelihood Award serving as a central example of practical idealism. The editorial stance appears to favor open-mindedness towards unconventional experiences, such as spiritual emergencies and near-death experiences, and encourages critical yet compassionate examination of these phenomena. The magazine promotes a holistic view of human well-being, integrating psychological, spiritual, and parapsychological insights. The articles often feature personal narratives and research findings that challenge mainstream scientific or societal views, advocating for a deeper understanding of human potential and the nature of reality.

This issue of "Sökaren" from 1994, identified as issue number 4 and published in 1994, is a Swedish magazine focusing on spiritual, esoteric, and parapsychological topics. The cover headline, "Vi hör samman med allt i ett meningsfullt universum" (We are connected to everything in a meaningful universe), sets the tone for the issue, which features a prominent article on the scientific and spiritual aspects of Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Articles and Features

Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its Effects

The magazine dedicates significant space to TM, highlighting its widespread use in Sweden and presenting preliminary results from an American study suggesting TM can reduce crime and accidents. The article details the physiological benefits of TM, such as deep relaxation, reduced oxygen consumption, and lower blood pressure. It also cites research comparing TM meditators with non-meditators, indicating better health outcomes and lower rates of various illnesses among meditators. The practice is described as easy to learn, with participants receiving a personal mantra. The cost of learning TM is mentioned, with a portion of the fees supporting local and international TM organizations and research.

The "Maharishi effect" is discussed, referencing a large-scale experiment in Washington D.C. where 4,000 meditators gathered. Preliminary results suggest a decrease in crime and accidents during the period. The article clarifies that TM is not Hinduism, despite its origins in Vedic tradition, emphasizing that the Vedic philosophy is ancient and universal, aiming for a transcendent consciousness accessible to all.

Psi-Spår and Parapsychology

A feature titled "Psi-spår till flera föremål" (Psi-tracks to several objects) describes an experiment where a person with dowsing abilities located hidden objects using 'psi-tracks'. This concept is further explored in a review of Göte Andersson's book "Psi-spåret," which posits that a 'thought-track' can be followed with a dowsing rod to find lost items or beings. The article notes that this phenomenon is still controversial in scientific circles.

Sai Baba Controversy

The magazine addresses the controversy surrounding Sai Baba, the Indian guru known for materializing objects. It recounts a TV recording from August 1992 that allegedly showed Sai Baba's assistant secretly passing him a gold chain, suggesting a trick. Professor Erlendur Haraldsson's investigation into the matter is detailed, concluding that the film quality is insufficient to definitively prove fraud, and media reports may have exaggerated the findings.

Spiritual and Esoteric Themes

Several other articles touch upon spiritual and esoteric themes:

• "Dikter av Birgit Cars": A collection of poems titled "Avsked" (Farewell), "Tom Stad" (Empty City), "På Gatan" (On the Street), and "Tröst" (Comfort), exploring themes of loss, memory, and solace.
• "Bortom Barriären": A book about "Impossibilities and Magical Processes."
• "Det Blå Ljuset": A section detailing healing treatments and courses offered by Eivor Hansson, with testimonials praising the energy and healing effects.
• Anna Bornstein and Mysticism: An interview with Anna Bornstein, a proponent of mystical philosophy and translator of Paul Brunton. She discusses her life, her work with Mandala magazine, and her advocacy for meditation and spiritual exploration. Her current life in Bullaren, Bohuslän, and her work with her husband Torgny Greveby are also mentioned.
• Paul Brunton's Wisdom: Excerpts from Paul Brunton's teachings are presented, focusing on insight, the unity of spirit and matter, and the nature of the absolute reality.
• Carl Gustav Jung on Sri Ramana: A quote from Carl Gustav Jung discussing the concept of identifying the Self with God, particularly in the context of Sri Ramana's teachings.
• "Star People" and "Star Journeys": Kristina Wennergren is featured for her work guiding "star journeys," where participants in a relaxed state believe they visit other planets and have past lives there. The article discusses the concept of "Star People" as individuals with extraterrestrial origins and lists characteristics associated with them. The magazine also includes a critical perspective on these experiences, suggesting they might be products of suggestion and altered states of consciousness rather than actual memories.
• "Brevväxling mellan Gud och djävulen" (Correspondence between God and the Devil): A fictional exchange where the Devil argues for his role in shaping the world through egoism and natural laws, while God emphasizes love, development, and a meaningful universe.
• Håkan Snellman's Lecture: A report on a lecture by Håkan Snellman, a docent in theoretical physics, titled "Naturvetenskapen och människans andliga dimension" (Science and humanity's spiritual dimension). Snellman critiques the materialistic worldview of modern science, arguing for the need to integrate spiritual dimensions and purpose into our understanding of the universe. He advocates for a worldview that emphasizes interconnectedness, responsibility, and the search for meaning.

Book Reviews and News

• "Bokfloden" (Book Flood): Reviews of "Vit Magi" (White Magic) by Marina Medici and "Psi-spåret" by Göte Andersson.
• "Sökarnyheter" (Seeker News): This section includes various short items:
• A discussion on the Nationalencyklopedin's entry on clairvoyance, acknowledging statistical support but scientific controversy.
• A critique of hunting from "Djurens Rätt!" (The Animals' Right!).
• A piece questioning Nostradamus's prophecies, suggesting they are vague and open to interpretation.
• News about "Sökaren" magazine losing funding from the Swedish Arts Council.
• Information on various educational courses in astrology, numerology, and other esoteric fields.
• A mention of Benjamin Creme's book "Maitreyas Mission."
• A review of "Det stora uppdraget" (The Great Mission) by Mikael Ranerås and Nina Matthis, which is defended against a critical review by "Sven Magnusson" (SM).
• A piece titled "Marina Munk är inget medium" (Marina Munk is not a medium), refuting SM's classification.
• A section titled "ORDSKIFTE" (Word Exchange) featuring a debate between Sven Magnusson and Mikael Ranerås Matthis & Nina Matthis regarding the book "Det stora uppdraget."
• A quote from D. H. Lawrence.
• A brief mention of "Tidskrift om magnetterapi" (Journal of Magnetotherapy).
• Information about the new magazine "Ljusåret" (The Year of Light).
• A quote from Rabindranath Tagore.
• A note about "Sai Babas fusk obevisat" (Sai Baba's fraud unproven).
• A piece on "30 år till sökarnas tjänst" (30 more years in the service of seekers), reflecting on the magazine's history and Sven Magnusson's role.

Letters and Contributions

• "Levnadskonst" (Art of Living): A call for reader contributions on how to live a good and meaningful life, especially during difficult times.
• "Gåvor till stödfonden" (Gifts to the Support Fund): A list of donors and their contributions to the World Rainforest Foundation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that integrates spirituality, esotericism, and personal development with a critical examination of established scientific and societal norms. There is a strong emphasis on the search for meaning, the limitations of purely materialistic perspectives, and the importance of intuition and inner experience. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and phenomena, while also encouraging critical thinking and personal investigation. The magazine champions the idea of a more holistic understanding of reality, one that encompasses both the material and the spiritual dimensions of existence. There is a recurring theme of challenging established paradigms, whether in science, religion, or societal structures, and advocating for a more conscious and spiritually aware approach to life. The "Sökaren" magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these alternative perspectives and fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

This document is the September 1994 issue (Volume 31, Issue 4) of the Swedish magazine "Sökaren," a publication focused on life questions. The magazine is published by SÖKAREN, with Sven Magnusson serving as the editor and publisher. The cover prominently features the headline "Betydelsen av empati" (The Significance of Empathy) and includes portraits of Jakob von Uexkull, Carl Gustav Jung, and Kenneth Ring.

Contents Overview

The issue contains a variety of articles and features:

• Jakob von Uexkull: An article (page 2) questions whether Jakob von Uexkull is more significant than Alfred Nobel, accompanied by a photo by Per Frisk.
• Marianne Blom: Discusses how we diagnose contemporary prophets (page 5).
• Stina: Reflects on "En sökares öde" (A Seeker's Fate) (page 6).
• SM: Explores whether Jesus preached reincarnation and karma (page 8).
• SM: Examines "Humanistisk och jag-överskridande psykologi" (Humanistic and Self-Transcending Psychology) (page 10).
• Göran Brusewitz: Reports on Kenneth Ring's visit to Sweden (page 14).
• Curt Jonsson: Offers "Insikter om mirakler" (Insights into Miracles) (page 16).
• Göte Andersson: Writes about "Tankens spår" (The Trail of Thought) (page 18).
• Eva Sanner: Discusses how TM (Transcendental Meditation) could lead to a better society (page 22).
• Åsa Freij: Features Anna Bornstein (page 28).
• Correspondence: A "Brevväxling mellan Gud och djävulen" (Correspondence Between God and the Devil) is presented (page 32).
• Ordskifte: A discussion or debate section (page 34).
• Lennart Lidfors: Explores the theme "Vi hör samman med allt i ett meningsfullt universum" (We Belong Together With Everything in a Meaningful Universe) (page 38).

Lead Article: The Significance of Empathy

The main article, "Betydelsen av empati" (The Significance of Empathy), written by SM (likely referring to Sven Magnusson or an editorial piece), delves into the nature of evil and goodness. It posits that human history is marked by evil deeds, and philosophers and common people have long pondered its essence.

The article begins by framing empathy as a core concept. It defines goodness as actions that benefit others and oneself, and evil as actions that harm others and oneself, acknowledging that both exist in varying degrees. The root of evil is identified as the experience of "you are not me," while the root of goodness is the insight that "you are like me."

Everyday occurrences like angry words or idle gossip are presented as forms of "small evil," which are part of our environment. Similarly, offering help or kind words are examples of "small goodness," which is related to "great goodness."

"Small goodness" is equated with kindness, and "small evil" with malice. Empathy is described as the ability to feel oneself into another person's consciousness, which is fundamental to goodness, while the inability to do so leads to evil.

The article asserts that all individuals are both good and evil, and in favorable circumstances, our evil is only the "small evil." The crucial task for humanity is to develop the capacity for empathy, as it forms the basis for good relationships and a functional society.

A highly developed culture, the text argues, must place empathy at the center of its way of life and art of living. As empathy increases, lovelessness and evil decrease, while love and goodness grow. Empathy enables people to understand each other across all divides – nationality, race, wealth, and social status. This understanding is deemed invaluable and should be a standard part of school curricula.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the cultivation of empathy as a fundamental human virtue essential for personal well-being and societal harmony. The editorial stance appears to be humanistic and philosophical, encouraging introspection and the development of interpersonal understanding. Themes of psychology, philosophy, and the nature of human consciousness are recurrent, as suggested by the inclusion of figures like Jakob von Uexkull, Carl Gustav Jung, and Kenneth Ring, and the exploration of topics such as miracles, self-transcendence, and universal interconnectedness.