Sokaren - 1998 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1
Volume: 35
Date: January 1998
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on life questions and spirituality, delves into a variety of topics, with a central theme of dialogue between different belief systems and explorations of the spiritual and unknown.

Cover Story: Harry Månsus and the New Age Movement

The cover prominently features Harry Månsus, a Baptist pastor and author, who is also responsible for Bromma-Dialogen in Stockholm. The headline, "Harry Månsus räcker ut en hand mot new age-rörelsen: Låt oss lära av varandra!" (Harry Månsus reaches out a hand to the New Age movement: Let us learn from each other!), signals the magazine's focus on bridging divides. Månsus was awarded Sökaren's 'klokpris' (wise prize) in 1997 for his work in fostering dialogue between Christian and New Age circles. The article highlights his efforts to create a space for understanding and mutual learning, emphasizing that while he may not agree with all aspects of the New Age movement, he advocates for respectful engagement.

Dialogue and Understanding

An article titled "Kristen tro och new age" (Christian faith and New Age) by Jan Torberntsson reports on a program at Bromma-Dialogen where proponents of New Age discussed issues with Christians. Harry Månsus is presented as a key figure in bridging these two worlds, advocating for a friendly dialogue and fair representation of different viewpoints. He has written a book, "Den kosmiska katedralen" (The Cosmic Cathedral), which offers his perspective on the ideas within major New Age movements. The magazine notes that while some in the church are curious about New Age, many remain indifferent or negative, viewing it as deceptive. Bromma-Dialogen, established by Månsus, has become a meeting place with several branches in Stockholm, aiming to create a neutral ground for discussion.

Right Livelihood Award

The magazine dedicates significant space to the Right Livelihood Award, often called the "alternative Nobel Prize." The report by Åsa Freij details the 1997 ceremony where five individuals from four continents received awards for their contributions to a sustainable future. These recipients include:

• Joseph Ki-Zerbo (Burkina Faso): Honored for his work as a historian and activist in Africa.
• Mycle Schneider (France) and Jinzaburo Takagi (Japan): Recognized for their collaboration and fight against the dangers of plutonium.
• Michael Succow (Germany): Awarded for his efforts in protecting unique ecosystems and natural areas.
• Cindy Duehring (USA): Recognized for her courage and advocacy regarding the health risks of chemical exposure.

The founder, Jakob von Uexkull, is mentioned for establishing the award to recognize contributions that truly benefit humanity. The ceremony was held in the Swedish Parliament, emphasizing the importance of human rights.

Mediumship and Spiritualism

An interview with Robert Hahn, a doctor and professor, and his wife Marie-Louise Hahn, a medium, discusses their book "Klara svar från andevärlden" (Clear Answers from the Spirit World). Marie-Louise describes her process of channeling messages, stating she acts as a "channel" for the "Holy Spirit." Robert, a scientist, explains his initial skepticism and how the logical coherence and high intelligence of the messages convinced him. They emphasize that the messages highlight the importance of spiritual thinking and the existence of spiritual forces, contrasting it with a purely materialistic worldview. They also touch upon the concept of spiritual hierarchy and the idea that suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual development.

Other Spiritual and Philosophical Explorations

Several other articles explore different facets of spirituality and belief:

• "Meditationer av Paul Brunton" (Meditations by Paul Brunton) offers excerpts from the writings of the influential author, focusing on themes of spiritual development, humility, and inner peace.
• "Jag är en kanal" (I am a channel) by Elisabet Broomé discusses the experience of being a channel for spiritual guidance.
• "Indiskt religiöst tänkande" (Indian religious thought) provides insights into Hindu philosophy.
• "Du stora Internet" (You great Internet) touches upon the role of the internet in disseminating spiritual ideas.

UFOs and the Paranormal

The magazine includes discussions on UFO phenomena. An article titled "Närkontakt med UFO" (Close Encounter with a UFO) reviews a book by Eva Olsson and Tony Eckardt, who claim to have telepathic contact with extraterrestrials and believe they have solved the UFO mystery. The article also touches upon the skepticism surrounding UFO sightings and the scientific community's attempts to explain them through natural phenomena or psychological factors. Another piece, "Besvärande okunnighet" (Troubling Ignorance), discusses the views of skeptics like Sven Ove Hansson regarding parapsychology, while also acknowledging the existence of psi phenomena and the ongoing research in the field.

Near-Death Experiences and Afterlife

"Efter döden" (After Death) by Melvin Morse explores near-death experiences and the concept of an afterlife, suggesting that these experiences offer hope and a positive outlook on death. The book "Inte rädd för att dö" (Not Afraid to Die) by Dannion Brinkley is also reviewed, detailing his experience of being struck by lightning, developing psychic abilities, and overcoming the fear of death.

New Age Research

An article titled "New Age undersöks" (New Age is being investigated) reports on academic research into the New Age movement in Sweden. Liselotte Frisk's study reveals that the movement attracts a significant number of educated individuals, predominantly women, and that belief in reincarnation, life after death, and contact with the deceased is widespread. The research also indicates a growing interest in vegetarianism and the question of life's meaning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative belief systems, and the search for meaning. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a desire to foster understanding between different worldviews, as exemplified by the cover story on Harry Månsus and the coverage of the Right Livelihood Award. The magazine encourages critical thinking while remaining open to phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific explanation, such as mediumship and UFOs. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between traditional religious beliefs and newer spiritual movements, as well as in the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1/1998, features a diverse range of articles focusing on paranormal phenomena, spiritual concepts, and alternative lifestyles. The cover prominently highlights the death of Adolf Homes, a key figure in instrumental transcommunication (ITK), and includes a personal account from Nils-Olof Jacobson.

Censorship and Authority

The "Läsarforum" section opens with a discussion on censorship in libraries, where purchasing decisions and reader access are influenced by committees and perceived 'authority' figures. The author criticizes the idea that a single person's opinion can dictate what the public reads, especially concerning topics like the supernatural.

The Nävsjö Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Nävsjö incident, a UFO sighting from 1972. The article revisits witness testimonies, noting discrepancies and evolving accounts over time. Christer Janson's revised statements are contrasted with earlier ones, and Sten Lindgren's more detailed description of a craft and an entity is presented. The commentary by Håkan Eriksson further elaborates on the differing descriptions of the event, including the appearance of a 'being' and the visual phenomena experienced by the witnesses. The author explores two interpretations: one suggesting projection of fantasies onto ordinary light, and another acknowledging the possibility of the UFO phenomenon influencing observers' perceptions.

Adolf Homes: A Life in ITK

The lead article by Nils-Olof Jacobson details the passing of Adolf Homes, an ITK experimenter from Rivenich, Germany, who died on October 5, 1997. Homes reportedly had regular contact with entities from other dimensions via radio, computer, and television since 1988. The article recounts his collaboration with Friedrich Malkhoff and Maggy Harsch-Fischbach, noting periods of tension and eventual reconciliation. A particularly striking event described is a phone call received by Malkhoff from Homes' voice shortly after his death, reporting severe pain and the presence of a young man who had been shot. This is followed by confirmation from Homes' wife, Rosi, of his death and a similar phone call she received. The article also mentions a confirmation from 'Swejen Salter', a trans partner, who explained Homes' whispering voice as an adaptation to the apparatus.

'Skjoldungs' Story: An Encounter with Olof Palme

A narrative titled "Skjoldungs' berättelse" (Skjoldung's Story) recounts an encounter with a man named Olof Palme, who claims to have been shot and is seeking to inform the world he is still alive. The story, purportedly dictated by 'Richard Francis Burton' (a past life of the narrator), describes Skjoldung finding Palme injured near his village of Hleidra. Palme is taken in and recovers, eventually leaving to seek "Sommarlandet" (Summerland). The story touches upon themes of reincarnation and spiritual realms.

Philosophical Explorations: Vedanta, Samadhi, Nirvana

The magazine features in-depth articles on Indian religious thought. "Atman-Brahman" explains the core concepts of Vedanta, emphasizing the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). It discusses the teachings of Shankara and the phrase "Tat twam asi" (That thou art). "Samadhi: Forening med det Eviga" (Samadhi: Union with the Eternal) explores the concept of Samadhi as a state of profound inner enlightenment and unity with the Absolute, citing Ramakrishna and Swami Muktananda. "Nirvana: Ett i väst ofta missförstått begrepp" (Nirvana: A Concept Often Misunderstood in the West) clarifies Nirvana as the cessation of the cycle of rebirth and the merging with Brahman, contrasting different interpretations within Hinduism, including those of the Krishna movement.

Hypnosis and Personal Development

A section on "Videokassetten Hypnos-Terapi-Spiralen" promotes a video cassette designed to enhance self-confidence, alleviate pain, aid in quitting smoking, weight loss, and overcoming phobias. It describes hypnosis as a waking dream state and outlines various phases of its application. Testimonials from users highlight its effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety.

Alternative Lifestyles and Resources

The magazine lists various websites and organizations promoting healthy and alternative lifestyles, including those focused on vegetarianism, environmentalism, and animal rights. It also features "Rinkesta Slott", a retreat and knowledge center offering courses and personal development programs.

Books and Media

Advertisements showcase books and videos from "Shekinah Media" on UFOs and spiritual communication, as well as a book club called "LIVSENERGI" offering books on personal growth, spirituality, and alternative methods. The "LIVSENERGI" book club promotes a "Snabbhets-Premie" (Speedy Premium) offering a free CD with relaxation music for new members.

Editorial Stance

The "Ord från redaktören" (Editor's Word) section reflects on humanity's place in the cosmos, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for future evolution. The editor poses questions about our identity, purpose, and the trajectory of human development, suggesting a future where beings treat each other with kindness and respect, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life. The historical narrative of human conflict is contrasted with an optimistic vision of a coming, better humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren strongly emphasizes the exploration of the unknown, both in terms of paranormal phenomena and spiritual/philosophical truths. There is a consistent theme of seeking deeper meaning, personal growth, and understanding the nature of reality beyond the material. The editorial stance appears open to unconventional ideas and experiences, encouraging critical yet open-minded inquiry into topics such as UFOs, ITK, and Eastern spiritual traditions. The magazine serves as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion on these subjects, often presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions.

This document is an advertisement insert for Bokklubben LivsEnergi, a book club published by Egmont Richter AB. The insert, titled "EXTRA!", offers a "SNABBHETSPREMIE!" (Speed Premium!) for new members who respond within 10 days. The offer includes two books for 29 SEK each, and a complimentary CD-skiva (CD) valued at approximately 140 SEK with the first monthly book. A postage and packing fee of 29.50 SEK is applied to this initial offer. The insert is dated with an issue identifier "IX 10" and a response deadline of "980430", indicating a publication date around April 1998.

Membership Benefits and Terms The core of the advertisement details the benefits and terms of joining Bokklubben LivsEnergi. Members are offered a new book approximately ten times a year, with the main book presented in the club's member magazine. Members can choose not to purchase a book or to select an alternative. There is no obligation to buy a specific number of books, and membership can be cancelled at any time in writing. A key feature highlighted is the return policy: members have 10 days to return an unwanted book in a stamped envelope. The club also emphasizes the ease of cancellation, mentioning an order telephone available 24/7, and the option to fax or call.

Featured Books and Music The special offer includes the option to purchase "LÄKEÖRTER I KRUKA" (Herbs in a Pot), book number 001, for 149 SEK. The complimentary CD is described as featuring "The Sounds Of Nature Tropical Tradewinds" and is intended to provide a relaxing and harmonic sailing experience, encouraging readers to "Slappna av och reflektera!" (Relax and reflect!).

Testimonials The insert includes testimonials from two members, Kerstin Holm (Mässarrangör - Event Organizer) and Kristina Jansson (Lektör - Proofreader/Editor). Kerstin Holm praises the diversity of LivsEnergi, stating it helps her stay updated on various topics relevant to her job where she meets many people. Kristina Jansson appreciates the books for being interesting and enriching for personal development.

Ordering Information A clear "BESTÄLLNINGSKUPONG" (Order Coupon) is provided, requiring the subscriber to fill in their name, address, postal code, and city. It also includes a section for a guardian's signature if the applicant is under 18. The coupon reiterates the offer details, including the CD premium and the postage/packing fee. A separate "SVARSPOST" (Reply Mail) section is included for the return address to Malmö.

Additional Information Important notes at the bottom of the coupon state that the offer is valid until "980430" and is limited to one per household. The club reserves the right to substitute items if they are out of stock. The contact information for Bokklubben LivsEnergi, Egmont Richter AB, is provided as 205 75 Malmö, with a telephone number 040-38 06 80.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The primary theme of this insert is a direct marketing campaign for a book club, emphasizing a limited-time offer to attract new members. The editorial stance is promotional and persuasive, aiming to highlight the value and flexibility of the LivsEnergi book club. Key selling points include low introductory prices, a valuable free gift (CD), no purchase obligation, easy cancellation, and a satisfaction guarantee (return policy). The overall tone is encouraging and focuses on personal enrichment and relaxation through books and music.