Sokaren - 1998 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 4, 1998, årgång 35
Date: August 1998
Publisher: Sökaren
Price: 50:- inkl moms
Cover Headline: DET GUDOMLIGAS INKARNATION

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into a rich tapestry of spiritual, philosophical, and critical topics. The cover features Astrid Nyström's artwork, 'DET GUDOMLIGAS INKARNATION'. The magazine explores themes of symbolism, reincarnation, UFO phenomena, and critiques of New Age movements, alongside scientific and philosophical discussions.

Articles and Features

"I myternas och symbolernas rike" (In the Realm of Myths and Symbols) by Astrid Nyström

This section, accompanied by Astrid Nyström's artwork, explores various symbolic representations. The article discusses the legend of the Holy Grail, its origins, and its Christian interpretation, highlighting the journey of Parsifal. It also delves into the symbolism of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge, connecting it to concepts like life force, wisdom, and Kundalini energy. The artwork 'Jesus' is analyzed for its symbolism of the cross, spiral, and Tree of Life, emphasizing openness and purity. The 'Ave Maria' artwork is presented as a tribute to Mary, celebrating her role as the mother of God and a symbol of divine incarnation, with a prayer for her return and guidance.

"Journalistik" (Journalism) by Sven Magnusson

Editor Sven Magnusson reflects on the role of journalism, emphasizing the importance of presenting a balanced and honest picture to readers. He notes that writers with specific beliefs often have a different view of their task. Magnusson also touches upon the 'new age' movement, suggesting that while it may be characterized by emotion and intuition, it often lacks scientific rigor. He encourages readers to seek information from diverse sources, including skeptics, to form their own informed opinions. He criticizes the 'new age' movement for its lack of critical questioning and its tendency towards 'upbuilding literature' that reinforces existing beliefs.

"Återföds vi?" (Are We Reborn?)

This section introduces the theme of reincarnation, highlighting Jenny Cockell's case, where she claims to remember a past life as Mary Sutton. The article mentions Joe Nickell's skeptical investigation which attempts to provide a natural explanation for Cockell's memories, but the magazine suggests Nickell's critique may be superficial. It also introduces Dr. Ian Stevenson, a leading researcher in reincarnation, and his work on birthmarks correlating with past-life deaths.

"UFO, new age och förnuftets kris" (UFO, New Age, and the Crisis of Reason) by Håkan Blomqvist

Håkan Blomqvist critically examines the New Age movement, arguing that it represents a crisis of reason. He criticizes authors like Rauni-Leena Luukanen and Sune Hjorth for promoting ideas that devalue intellectualism and scientific research, often relying on channeled information or conspiracy theories. Blomqvist points out the anti-intellectual stance prevalent in some New Age circles, where intuition is prioritized over empirical evidence. He also highlights the potential for such beliefs to lead to social and political consequences, citing examples of antisemitic rhetoric found in some New Age literature. The article discusses the concept of the 'inner knowledge path' versus the 'outer knowledge path' (science) and warns against the dangers of subjectivism and purity syndromes within these movements.

"Livets mening" (The Meaning of Life) by Kerstin Stina Carlsson

This article discusses E. F. Schumacher's book 'Det goda arbetet' (The Good Work), exploring his ideas on the meaning of life and the importance of 'work with human dimensions.' Schumacher's critique of modern society's pursuit of material wealth and technological advancement is highlighted. The article outlines Schumacher's three tasks for human life: learning from society, becoming self-directed, and ultimately dying to the ego to be guided by the divine. It contrasts the 'inner knowledge path' with the 'outer knowledge path' and suggests that New Age ideas, when viewed deeply, contain echoes of ancient wisdom.

"Prigogine och tidspilen" (Prigogine and the Arrow of Time) by Erland Lagerroth

Erland Lagerroth introduces the work of Nobel laureate Ilya Prigogine, who challenges the deterministic, static view of the universe proposed by Newton and Einstein. Prigogine's theories on 'dissipative structures' and 'self-organizing systems' suggest that the universe is dynamically creative and that time plays a crucial role in this process. The article explains how Prigogine's work, rooted in thermodynamics, offers a new perspective on complex systems, including life itself. It notes that Prigogine's ideas are controversial within the scientific community, with some physicists like Per Bak dismissing them.

"Har hon levt förut?" (Has She Lived Before?) by Joe Nickell (translated and commented)

This piece presents Joe Nickell's skeptical analysis of the Jenny Cockell reincarnation case. Nickell argues that Cockell's memories of a past life as Mary Sutton can be explained by hypnosis and the power of suggestion, rather than actual reincarnation. He points out inconsistencies in Cockell's accounts and suggests that her 'memories' are likely confabulations influenced by the hypnotic state and the information she received during her investigation. The article includes commentary that questions Nickell's thoroughness and suggests the case remains intriguing.

"Kritik" (Critique) section

This section contains several critical reviews and analyses:

• Rauni-Leena Luukanen and Sune Hjorth: Håkan Blomqvist's critique of their work, highlighting their promotion of anti-intellectualism, conspiracy theories, and potentially antisemitic ideas.
• E. F. Schumacher: Kerstin Stina Carlsson's discussion of his ideas on the meaning of life and 'good work,' emphasizing his critique of modern materialism.
• Ilya Prigogine: Erland Lagerroth's exploration of Prigogine's scientific theories on time, chaos, and self-organization, and the controversy surrounding them.
• Jenny Cockell Case: Joe Nickell's skeptical analysis of the reincarnation claims, with counter-commentary suggesting the case warrants further consideration.
• Fascism: A critique of the underlying themes of exclusion and superiority found in some New Age and spiritual movements, drawing parallels to historical fascist ideologies.

Book and Event Announcements

The magazine includes advertisements and announcements for books such as Margot Anand's 'Kärlekens mystik' (The Mysticism of Love), Caroline Myss's 'The Energetic Healing' videos, and Alice A. Bailey's 'Från intellekt till intuition' (From Intellect to Intuition). It also promotes workshops on Sacred Geometry and the Merkaba, and the magazine 'Alphaomega'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are the exploration of life's deeper questions, the nature of consciousness, and the search for meaning. The magazine adopts a critical yet open stance, presenting diverse viewpoints, including those from spiritual traditions, scientific inquiry, and skeptical analysis. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking and the dangers of unexamined beliefs, particularly within the New Age movement. The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced approach that integrates intellectual rigor with spiritual exploration, while cautioning against dogmatism and pseudoscience. The magazine encourages readers to engage with complex ideas and to form their own informed conclusions.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 4/1998
Issue Date: 1998
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Sökaren magazine explores a variety of topics related to spirituality, the paranormal, and alternative lifestyles. It features in-depth articles on reincarnation, UFO phenomena, Satanism, and various spiritual practices, alongside book reviews and reader contributions.

Reincarnation and Past Life Memories

The lead article, "Minnen hos barn antyder reinkarnation" (Children's Memories Suggest Reincarnation), presents the research of Professor Ian Stevenson from the University of Virginia. Stevenson's extensive work, detailed in a 2268-page publication, investigates cases of children who claim to remember previous lives. These cases are particularly prevalent in cultures with strong beliefs in reincarnation, such as in South Asia and among Shiites in Lebanon and Turkey, but also occur in Europe and North America. Stevenson emphasizes that while many such cases go unreported, his research has documented numerous instances.

The article highlights that evidence for reincarnation often comes from children's statements, which can be unreliable due to the passage of time. However, in a few cases, researchers were able to investigate shortly after the child began speaking about a past life. Stevenson's work also includes photographic evidence of birthmarks and deformities in children that correspond to fatal wounds from their previous incarnations, offering objective proof.

Children typically begin speaking about past lives between the ages of 2 and 4, with memories fading by ages 5 to 8. These children often speak with intense emotion and may struggle to differentiate between their past and present lives. They frequently recall their death in the previous life, especially if it was violent, and express a desire to reunite with their former families. Researchers can sometimes solve these cases by identifying a deceased individual whose life matches the child's descriptions.

Behavioral patterns and phobias in these children are often linked to their past lives. For example, a child who remembers drowning might fear water, while one who recalls being shot might have phobias related to firearms or loud noises. Stevenson notes that in some instances, children remember a past life as a person of the opposite sex, exhibiting personality traits associated with that gender.

Stevenson concludes that reincarnation is the best explanation for the strongest cases of reincarnation-type phenomena, though he acknowledges that other explanations might exist.

Case Study: Ma Myint Myint Zaw

A prominent case featured is that of Ma Myint Myint Zaw, born in 1973. About a month after her birth, her mother noticed a round birthmark on her left foot, leading her to believe Ma Myint might be the reincarnation of her deceased son, Maung Pho Zaw. Maung Pho Zaw died at the age of four from a snakebite. His uncle, U Tha Hla, had accidentally burned the snakebite wound with a cigarette while trying to treat it, a folk remedy for snakebites. Despite medical efforts, Maung Pho Zaw died the following day.

Two to three months after Maung Pho's death, a neighbor dreamt of him as a disembodied spirit trying to find his way home, and his father also dreamt of him returning home. Shortly after these dreams, Ma Myint's mother became pregnant.

As a toddler, Ma Myint began speaking about her life as Maung Pho, pointing to her left foot and describing the snakebite. She also showed a clear preference for boys' clothing and exhibited masculine traits, such as a boyish gait. This behavior continued into her school years, where she initially sat with the boys, causing a protest from a school inspector. A compromise was reached, allowing her to wear girls' clothes on inspection days. Ma Myint continued to wear boys' clothes, and her masculine behavior persisted until her mid-teens. She began menstruating at 17 and married at 18, becoming a mother of two. Her behavior then became more feminine, adapting to her roles as wife and mother. By 1996, when researcher Jürgen Keil interviewed her, only minor traces of masculinity remained.

Both U Tha Hla and U Kyaw Tint confirmed to researchers the similarity between Maung Pho's snakebite and burn marks and the round birthmark on Ma Myint's foot. The birthmark was described as slightly indented and about one centimeter in diameter when Ma Myint was twelve years old.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

The magazine also touches upon UFO phenomena, with a review of Clas Svahn's book "UFO-mysteriet" (The UFO Mystery). Svahn, president of UFO-Sverige, presents a factual and critical account of Swedish UFO observations and crop circles. The book suggests that a UFO phenomenon exists that is difficult to explain, with some witnesses reporting seeing spacecraft. Svahn remains skeptical of extraterrestrial explanations for most crop circles, suggesting that while some are natural phenomena, others, particularly the complex "pictograms," may be man-made hoaxes.

Another article discusses the debate surrounding the "Bibelkoden" (The Bible Code), a book by Michael Drosnin that claims to have found hidden coded texts in the Torah using computer analysis. While Drosnin is confident in his findings, critics argue that such patterns can occur naturally in any sufficiently large text and can be found using specific statistical methods.

Spirituality and Personal Development

Several articles explore spiritual paths and personal growth. "Det sanna jaget" (Your True Self) discusses Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the concept of Brahman as the underlying reality of all existence and Atman as the individual soul's identity with Brahman. The article references Antoinette Roberson Varner, known as Gangaji, who teaches the principles of Ramana Maharshi and Papaji, encouraging self-inquiry to realize one's true nature as pure consciousness.

An advertisement promotes a light and sound stimulation system called "Orion" for relaxation, mental training, and ESP development. Another section highlights "Konsten att Älska" (The Art of Loving) by Barry Long, a book that explores the nature of love and relationships.

Satanism

"Präst i anti-kyrkan" (Priest in the Anti-Church) profiles Carl Abrahamsson, a priest in the Church of Satan. The article explains that the Church of Satan's view of Satan is not the Christian one of evil, but rather as a creative force within humanity. The philosophy emphasizes individual will and self-reliance, with the motto "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law." The article clarifies that the Church of Satan does not have physical churches or active recruitment, and membership requires a fee. It also touches upon the interpretation of concepts like "evil" and "strength" within the Church of Satan's framework.

Book Reviews

The "Bokfloden" (Book Flood) section features reviews of several books:

• "Att leka med elden" (Playing with Fire) by Karl-Erik Nylund, a critical review of a book on sects from a Christian perspective.
• "Credoguiden. Uppslagsbok för sökare" (Credo Guide. A Searcher's Encyclopedia) by Gunilla Haglindh, described as a naive and inaccurate encyclopedia of New Age terms.
• "Nära-dödenupplevelser" (Near-Death Experiences) by Wolfgang Weirauch, a collection of interviews about NDEs.
• "Bibelkoden" (The Bible Code) by Michael Drosnin, reviewed for its claims about hidden codes in the Torah.
• "Att se det fördolda. Om new age och ockultism inför millennieskiftet" (Seeing the Hidden. On New Age and Occultism Before the Millennium), an anthology edited by Owe Wikström, with mixed reviews for its various contributors.
• "Inre rikedom" (Inner Richness) by Sarah Ban Breathnach, a book offering daily reflections for self-esteem and harmony.
• "Emotionell befrielse genom regression" (Emotional Liberation Through Regression) by Jan Erik Sigdell, a book on regression therapy, critically reviewed for its selective use of evidence.
• "Religion - myter och ritualer" (Religion - Myths and Rituals) by Arvid Hvidtfeldt, a scholarly overview of religions.
• "Meditation" and "Meditationshandboken" (Meditation Handbook) by David Fontana, recommended guides to meditation.
• "Mental träning" (Mental Training) by Michiko J. Rolek, a concise guide to mental exercises.
• "Några fakta om buddhismen" (Some Facts About Buddhism) by Gunnar Gällmo, presenting Buddhism as an insight rather than a belief.
• "Frigörande meditationsövningar" (Liberating Meditation Exercises) by Stephen H. Wolinsky, offering Indian self-knowledge methods.
• "UFO-mysteriet" (The UFO Mystery) by Clas Svahn, a factual account of UFOs and crop circles.
• "Vägen till hälsa" (The Path to Health) by Elionor Levy and Tom Monte, a practical guide to strengthening the immune system.
• "Inkans återkomst" (The Return of the Inca) by Elizabeth B. Jenkins, a narrative of a spiritual journey in the Andes.
• "Ingenting i den här boken är sant, men det är precis så det är" (Nothing in this book is true, but that's exactly how it is) by Bob Frisell, a review of a book on sacred geometry and cosmic theories.
• "Alice Baileys 17:e bok på svenska" (Alice Bailey's 17th Book in Swedish), a review of a book on meditation and consciousness development.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a "Läsarforum" (Reader Forum) with letters from readers, a section on "Sökarnyheter" (Searcher News) reporting on various events and statistics, and advertisements for spiritual services and products.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are reincarnation, UFOs, spirituality, New Age beliefs, and personal development. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, with a critical yet non-dismissive approach to paranormal claims and alternative belief systems. The magazine provides a platform for diverse perspectives, including scientific research, personal testimonies, and philosophical discussions, while also offering practical advice and resources for spiritual seekers. There is a clear interest in exploring the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life, and in understanding the human search for meaning and self-realization. The reviews often provide a critical assessment, balancing the presented information with established knowledge or alternative viewpoints, indicating a desire to inform readers rather than simply promote specific beliefs. The magazine seems to cater to a readership interested in exploring the less conventional aspects of human experience and consciousness.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 4/1998
Date: April 1998
Language: Swedish
Country: Sweden

Editorial: The Scatterbrained Seeker and New Age Candy

The editorial, titled "Den tankspridde sökaren och new age-godiset" (The Scatterbrained Seeker and New Age Candy), critically examines the New Age movement's approach to knowledge and belief.

Lack of Critical Thinking

The author argues that critical evaluation is largely absent within the popular New Age movement, leading to a lack of genuine philosophers. Instead, individuals in the New Age tend to evaluate based on subjective feelings and personal resonance ('does it feel right?') rather than objective criteria. If a belief aligns with their existing worldview or desires, it is readily accepted and integrated into their personal belief system.

This subjective approach is contrasted with the critical inquiry characteristic of scientific methods. The author notes that New Age adherents often find the path of critical examination to be inconvenient or leading nowhere, preferring to "feel" what is true and let their hearts decide.

Abundance of Courses, Scarcity of Critical Thinking

The editorial highlights the proliferation of New Age courses covering a vast array of topics, from numerology and crystal healing to reincarnation therapy and channeled messages. However, it laments the apparent absence of courses dedicated to teaching critical thinking skills, suggesting that such a course would be beneficial for New Age enthusiasts to avoid falling into intellectual traps.

The author poses a rhetorical question about the value of these practices, likening them to "candy" that might be appealing but could lead to negative consequences if consumed excessively without proper discernment, using the analogy of cavities in teeth.

The Role of the "Seeker"

The piece calls for "New Age thinkers" who can critically assess different teachings, point out weaknesses and absurdities, and identify what is credible or true. The author suggests that the current "seekers" are more like "scatterbrained fumblers" than true thinkers. A genuine seeker, like a scientific seeker, needs to think correctly and avoid errors in reasoning.

Response to Criticism

The author addresses a hypothetical critic, "Den fånige Magnusson" (The foolish Magnusson), asserting that New Age thinkers are capable of deep thought, even if it is sometimes "crooked." They claim to be positive thinkers, open to truth without preconceived notions, comparing themselves to flowers opening to life-giving rain. The author criticizes the tendency of such critics to dismiss new ideas simply because they are new or interesting.

Personal Stance on Criticism

The author clarifies their own position, stating they are not a skeptic. They acknowledge that some might find them overly uncritical for discussing figures like Fritjof Capra, Amit Goswami, Andrew Cohen, Ian Stevenson, Aldous Huxley, and concepts like vedanta, atman, and brahman without immediate criticism. However, they assert that they do not refrain from criticism where it is warranted. When relevant critical viewpoints emerge on a topic, they will address them.

Conclusion

The editorial concludes by acknowledging individual differences and encouraging readers to continue pursuing what enriches their lives. The author playfully notes that their own "candy" includes the topics they have mentioned, such as the figures and concepts discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This editorial strongly advocates for critical thinking and intellectual rigor, particularly within the context of spirituality and personal development movements like New Age. The author's stance is one of measured critique, aiming to encourage discernment rather than outright rejection of all New Age ideas. The piece emphasizes the importance of evidence, reasoned arguments, and intellectual honesty, contrasting these with subjective feelings and unexamined beliefs. The underlying theme is a call for a more mature and critical approach to seeking truth and personal growth.