Sokaren - 1999 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 3, Årgång 36
Date: May 1999
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), a Swedish magazine for existential questions, features a diverse range of articles exploring spirituality, consciousness, paranormal phenomena, and philosophical debates. The cover art by Bo Bengtson visually represents the theme of religious institutions enclosing God and excluding people from direct experience.

Innestängd Gud och utestängda människor (God Enclosed and People Excluded) by Bo Bengtson

Bo Bengtson, an artist and writer, presents his "idea paintings" that aim to convey spiritual messages. He believes that religious institutions, with their dogmas and doctrines, create barriers that prevent people from experiencing a direct relationship with God. Bengtson uses art as a primary medium to express his thoughts, believing it can communicate more profoundly than words. He contrasts the confinement of institutional religion with the freedom found in spiritual growth and a direct connection with a loving God.

Andrew Cohen vill avmystifiera upplysning (Andrew Cohen Wants to Demystify Enlightenment) by Peter Jansson

Peter Jansson profiles Andrew Cohen, an American spiritual teacher who aims to demystify the concept of enlightenment. Cohen's message emphasizes that enlightenment is not a distant goal but a concrete state achievable through sincere effort. His teachings are characterized by intellectual sharpness and a focus on the absolute, often critiquing traditional religious dogma. Cohen's own spiritual awakening at 16 was spontaneous, leading him to experience the unity of all existence. He stresses the importance of intention and will in the pursuit of enlightenment, advocating for a direct experience of the absolute rather than adherence to rituals or blind faith. Cohen's approach is seen as controversial due to his critical stance on some established spiritual leaders and his emphasis on the ego's dissolution.

Lektioner från ljuset – vad vi kan lära oss av nära-dödenupplevelsen (Lessons from the Light – What We Can Learn from Near-Death Experiences) by Kenneth Ring

Kenneth Ring, a professor emeritus in psychology, discusses the insights gained from near-death experiences (NDEs) and how they can inform our daily lives. He focuses on the 'life review' aspect of NDEs, where individuals re-experience their entire lives, often from multiple perspectives. Ring highlights the profound empathy and understanding gained during this process, where one feels the consequences of their actions on others. He uses the example of Tom Sawyer, who relived the pain he inflicted on others during a fight, to illustrate the powerful lesson of experiencing one's own actions from the victim's viewpoint. Ring emphasizes that this life review is not a punishment but a process of learning and understanding, facilitated by unconditional love from a 'light being'. He also touches upon the universality of this experience, suggesting that even those who have committed terrible acts, like Hitler, would undergo a similar review.

Är psi-spåret den förmedlande länken vid paranormala fenomen? (Is the Psi-Track the Connecting Link for Paranormal Phenomena?) by Göte Andersson

Göte Andersson proposes the 'psi-track' as a potential explanation for paranormal phenomena such as telepathy and clairvoyance. He describes his research using dowsing rods to detect these 'psi-tracks', which he believes are energy channels connecting individuals or objects. Andersson's experiments suggest that these tracks are not electromagnetic in nature and can persist for some time after they are created. He also explores the possibility that plants may possess consciousness and experience suffering, drawing parallels to animal sentience and raising ethical questions for vegetarians and vegans.

Dör Tibet med Dalai lama? (Will Tibet Die with the Dalai Lama?) by Hans Granqvist

Hans Granqvist examines the political future of Tibet, particularly in light of the Dalai Lama's age. He discusses the complex relationship between Tibet and China, the Dalai Lama's role as a spiritual and political leader, and the challenges posed by Chinese policies. Granqvist notes that while China has improved living standards in Tibet, there are concerns about the erosion of Tibetan culture and religion. The article also touches upon the historical context of the Chinese occupation and the ongoing struggle for Tibetan autonomy.

Är det rätt att åsamka växter lidande? (Is It Right to Cause Suffering to Plants?) by Bertil Falk

Bertil Falk raises ethical questions about the consumption of plants, inspired by recent research suggesting that plants may possess consciousness and experience suffering. He draws parallels to the arguments of militant vegans who object to animal suffering and consumption. Falk references ancient Jain philosophy, which had strict rules regarding the consumption of living things, and questions whether modern vegetarianism adequately addresses the potential suffering of plants. He also mentions research on plant communication and 'cannibalistic' plant behavior, suggesting that the ethical landscape of food consumption is more complex than often assumed.

Other Articles and Features

• Bokfloden (Book Flood): A section featuring reviews of various books.
• Läsarforum (Reader Forum): A section for reader correspondence.
• Tänkare och sökare (Thinkers and Seekers): An editorial piece by Sven Magnusson, commenting on the articles in the issue, including those on Andrew Cohen, Kenneth Ring, and Göte Andersson.
• Book Reviews: Several book reviews are included, such as "Änglar" (Angels), "Nära-dödenupplevelser" (Near-Death Experiences), "Makten som skapar och förgör" (The Power that Creates and Destroys), and "En bok om reinkarnation och reinkarnationsterapi" (A Book on Reincarnation and Reincarnation Therapy).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" revolve around the nature of consciousness, spirituality, and the human search for meaning. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical inquiry into religious and spiritual beliefs, advocating for direct experience and personal insight over institutional dogma. There is a strong emphasis on exploring the frontiers of scientific and philosophical understanding, particularly in areas like parapsychology and the nature of existence. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to question, explore, and seek deeper truths beyond conventional frameworks.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 3/1999
Date: March 1999
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated March 1999, offers a diverse range of articles and book reviews focusing on parapsychology, spirituality, and the paranormal. The cover features a review of James P. Carse's book 'Ändligt och oändligt spel' (Endless and Infinite Game), described as a 'strange book' by reviewer Gunnar Martin Aronsson.

Book Reviews

'Ändligt och oändligt spel' by James P. Carse: Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book is critiqued for its aphoristic style and what the reviewer perceives as a lack of clear definitions and a tendency to reduce human experience to questionable generalizations. The reviewer finds the book's arguments to be a 'hodgepodge of incomprehensibilities' that lead nowhere.

'Prevention av självmord' (Suicide Prevention): This review by Gunnar Martin Aronsson expresses concern over the book's 'cloudy view of humanity' and its uncritical approach to source material. The reviewer criticizes the book for viewing individuals as biological machines and for its reliance on chemical treatments and electroshock over psychotherapy. The review also notes the book's inclusion of summaries for English-speaking readers, newspaper clippings, and numerous typos.

'Tidigare livs läkande kraft' (Past Lives Healing Power) by Brian L. Weiss: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book details Weiss's work with past-life regression therapy. The reviewer highlights Catherine's remarkable recovery from phobias and anxiety after undergoing hypnotic regression, which led her to recall past lives. The review also mentions Weiss's other books and the therapeutic potential of regression, noting that it can be almost miraculous for some patients.

'Många liv, många mästare' (Many Lives, Many Masters) by Brian L. Weiss: Mentioned in the review of Weiss's other work, this book chronicles his experiences with Catherine.

'Kärlek liv efter liv' (Love Life After Life) by Brian L. Weiss: Also mentioned, this book explores shared past lives of two patients.

'Vi vanliga odödliga' (We Ordinary Immortals) by Ylva Cronstedt: This review by Nils-Olof Jacobson discusses Cronstedt's book on reincarnation, noting her strong conviction in its reality and her methods of helping clients experience past lives, including those as animals and plants. The review also touches upon her husband Arne Groth's work with dowsing.

'Den vise VD:n' (The Wise CEO) by Karl-Erik Edris: Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book is described as a hybrid essay and dialogue exploring management and business ethics. The reviewer finds the ideas interesting but not entirely new, comparing the book's structure to Ken Blanchard's work. The reviewer questions the credibility of the CEO character, Viktor Laudén, and notes a repetitive pattern in the dialogue between Viktor and Johannes (presumably Edris's alter ego).

'Kärlek till livet' (Love for Life) by Ing-Marie Rydeman: Reviewed by Ing-Marie Rydeman herself, this book shares 47 life experiences, emphasizing the message of embracing life and finding joy. The book is described as a 'smorgasbord' of life's offerings.

'Nyreligiositeten i Sverige' (New Religiosity in Sweden) by Liselotte Frisk: Reviewed by SM, this academic perspective on new religiosity in Sweden is found to be 'boring' and 'lifeless' by the reviewer, who prefers a more engaging presentation. The review notes that common concepts in 'Energivågen' magazine included healing, meditation, crystals, and energy.

'Att bli sedd' (To Be Seen) by Christer Gudmundsson: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book reflects on everyday life and relationships, exploring how people see or fail to see each other. The book is described as a small, 'airy' volume with thoughtful illustrations.

'Se igenom döden' (See Through Death) by Barry Long: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book offers a direct and open perspective on death. The reviewer praises Long's simple and direct writing style, which avoids being overly sentimental or vague. The book discusses preparing for death, the experience of dying, and the possibility of merging with divine consciousness.

UFO-Sverige

'Fakta om UFO' (Facts about UFOs): Compiled by C. Göran Norlén and Clas Svahn, this illustrated work is presented as a concise overview of the UFO subject, covering global phenomena, theories, images, conspiracy theories, research, crop circles, and close encounters. It is described as a serious, research-oriented publication.

Articles and Features

'Konstig bok' (Strange Book): This section likely refers to the review of James P. Carse's book.

'Färre självmord!' (Fewer Suicides!): This section likely refers to the review of 'Prevention av självmord'.

'Tidigare livs läkande kraft' (Past Lives Healing Power): This section discusses Brian L. Weiss's work and books on past-life regression.

'Svenska erfarenheter' (Swedish Experiences): This section touches upon Swedish experiences with hypnotic regression, referencing the reviewer's own past attempts.

'End of Science?' by John Horgan: Reviewed by Nils Tarras-Wahlberg, this article discusses Horgan's thesis that empirical natural science has reached its end, with major discoveries like evolution, genetics, relativity, and quantum physics marking the culmination of scientific inquiry. The reviewer challenges this view, citing alternative theories and ongoing research.

'Roswell, Projekt Mogul och debatten' (Roswell, Project Mogul and the Debate): This article by Håkan Eriksson examines the Roswell incident, presenting the US Air Force's explanation involving Project Mogul and radar reflectors. It also includes skepticism from researchers like Kevin Randle, who point out the lack of a documented link between Project Mogul and the crash. The article also discusses Robert Galganski's experiments which failed to support the Mogul theory.

'Ditt sjätte sinne' (Your Sixth Sense) by Eva Moberg: This article explores paranormal phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition, referencing Dean Radin's book 'The Conscious Universe'. It discusses the scientific evidence for these abilities and the challenges in their study.

'Martin Johnson, professor i parapsykologi' (Martin Johnson, Professor of Parapsychology): An interview with Martin Johnson by Viveka Lindgren. Johnson, a retired professor of parapsychology, shares his experiences and views on paranormal phenomena, including his skepticism towards spiritualism and poltergeist activity, while acknowledging the scientific evidence for psi phenomena.

'Andlig Ekologi' (Spiritual Ecology): This section advertises courses and a one-year training program in spiritual ecology, nature experiences, and shamanism.

'Tankar' (Thoughts): This section contains short, reflective pieces titled 'Osynlig gäst' (Invisible Guest), 'Till Kerstin', 'Gränsen finns kvar' (The Border Remains), 'Över gränsen' (Across the Border), 'Gåtfull tystnad' (Mysterious Silence), 'Dimman' (The Fog), 'Stegen' (The Steps), and 'Förbjudet område' (Forbidden Area).

'Yoga Tantra' and 'Håå Kursgård': These sections advertise yoga and meditation courses and retreats, including a Kriya Yoga course and a teacher training program.

'Mirakelkursen' (Miracle Course): This section promotes a course based on 'A Course in Miracles', offering seminars and study groups.

'Sökarnyheter' (Seeker News): This section contains brief news items, including the passing of Olle Jönsson, known for his paranormal demonstrations, and Claude Thorlin, known for his work with electronic voice phenomena (EVP).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and the paranormal. There is a clear interest in presenting research and evidence for phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, while also maintaining a critical and skeptical perspective, as exemplified by the reviews and the interview with Martin Johnson. The magazine seems to advocate for an open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and explore alternative perspectives. The inclusion of book reviews, personal accounts, and advertisements for courses and events related to spirituality and self-development suggests a readership interested in personal growth and exploring the deeper mysteries of life and consciousness.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 3/1999
Volume: 40
Date: March 1999
Publisher: Regnum
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren prominently features the upcoming Ängsbacka Festivalen 99, a significant event dedicated to personal and spiritual development, running from July 2nd to July 8th. The magazine also includes advertisements for Regnum's light and sound stimulation systems.

Regnum Products

Regnum is presented as a company specializing in light and sound stimulation, aiming to provide information and expertise for customers selecting such systems. They offer two main products:

Orion Light and Sound System

This is described as a powerful and user-friendly light and sound system with 23 built-in sessions. It is suitable for various applications including relaxation, mental training, meditation, creative visualization, ESP development, and language learning. The Orion system includes a control unit, LED light glasses, stereo headphones, a manual, and an adapter cable for tape and CD players. A CD with music samples is also included. The price is 1695 SEK, down from the original price of 1995 SEK. Contact information for orders and inquiries is provided, including a 24-hour order phone number (0920-22 67 22 or 070-325 57 22) and a postal address in Luleå.

Sacred Ground Music and Frequencies for Meditation

• This is a four-cassette program designed to guide users to the 'elusive' Theta state. Over a four-week period, the program aims to balance, organize, and strengthen the brain's electromagnetic energy. The cassettes offer:
• Cassette 1: Frees linear thinking, improves intuition and creativity.
• Cassette 2: Harmonizes the mind and body with the Earth's natural resonance.
• Cassette 3: Widens consciousness, insight, and intuition.
• Cassette 4: Facilitates contact with 'universal intelligence'.

The package includes eight 30-minute programs, totaling four hours of playback time, presented in a special storage box. Each cassette contains two programs. The price for this package is 569 SEK. Customers are encouraged to call Regnum or visit their website (www.regnum.nu).

Ängsbacka Festivalen 99

The main focus of the magazine is the Ängsbacka Festivalen 99, themed 'THE NO MIND CELEBRATION', taking place from July 2nd to July 8th. The festival is described as a gathering of experienced leaders offering a path to inner stillness, clarity, knowledge, presence, and love. Participants can choose from a variety of concerts, workshops, ceremonies, rituals, and meditations, or simply relax, wander in nature, sunbathe, swim, and socialize.

The festival is characterized as a collection of life-affirming individuals who experience heightened energy from themselves and others, without relying on alcohol or other stimulants. The program is said to encompass 'everything between heaven and earth', including:

• Overton singing
• Concerts
• Satsang
• Heart Dance
• Theater
• Gypsy performances
• Belly dancing
• Workshops
• Didgeridoo
• African rhythms
• Sweat lodge
• Drum journeys
• Fire walking
• Meditation
• Qi Gong
• Za-zen
• Yoga
• Self-knowledge

Key Participants (Medverkande):

• Thomas di Leva
• Miten and Premal
• Inbildningsorkestret (Imagination Orchestra)
• Pratibha
• Danny Becher
• Jonathan Kay
• Jaqueline Longstaff
• Jaques Laurent

Special Offers:

Early bird registration before June 1st receives a 300 SEK discount. The magazine also notes that booking accommodation is possible before June 1st.

Children and Youth Festival:

A separate festival for children and youth is mentioned, featuring eight specialized leaders, tailored meals, age-appropriate meditation, storytelling circles with music, and creative workshops.

Festival Activities and Workshops Detailed

The magazine provides more in-depth descriptions of various activities and workshops offered at the festival:

• Fooling The Wise Fool (Jonathan Kay): A workshop focusing on laughter, tenderness, provocation, and comfort, aiming to help participants understand themselves better.
• Konserter (Concerts):
• Miten and Premal in Concert: A magical evening of singing, silence, and devotion, blending rock, world music, and the Gayatri Mantra.
• Inbildningsorkestret: A popular orchestra from Copenhagen offering meditative, danceable, or folkloristic tunes.
• Tonus: Presents a meditative sound journey through inner landscapes.
• Music and Dance:
• Heart Dance Celebration (with Pratibha and Omesh): Uses African rhythms, singing, chanting, Sufi dance, and live music to create an experience of presence, community, joy, and love. Pratibha is a singer and songwriter, and Omesh leads African drumming workshops.
• Overton Singing and Sound Mysticism (Danny Becher): Danny Becher, a world leader in overton singing from Holland, guides participants into the mysteries of vibration using overton singing, gongs, and Tibetan singing bowls.
• Didgeridoo (Pauli Mårsèn): Learn to play the didgeridoo, an ancient instrument from Australian indigenous people.
• Alkemi (Alchemy):
• Embraced by a Singing Heart (Jaqueline Maria Longstaff): A process of transforming negative emotions into love through singing, meditation, and chanting. Jaqueline Maria Longstaff is involved in the 'The Summer of Celebration' event.
• From Song to Silence (Miten and Premal): A workshop focusing on the voice as a powerful tool for experiencing silence through music, using rhythm games, overton singing, and centering exercises.
• Music Satsangs (Miten and Premal): A quiet meeting with oneself through meditation and music.

Specific Workshops and Leaders

• Väl signade tystnad (Vasant): A workshop for those seeking to return to their true selves, focusing on love, presence, and meditative being.
• Ja till livet (Vasant): Encourages letting go of old habits and thought patterns to live freely and embrace life's truth.
• Glödvandring (Peggy Dylan): A ceremony used in various cultures for initiation and healing, awakening inner fire and transforming fear and inadequacy. Peggy Dylan is the originator of the Western glödvandring tradition.
• Celebration (Vasant Swaha): A synthesis of Eastern and Western approaches to therapies, martial arts, and meditation.
• Svethydda (Jaques Laurent): A sacred ritual for transformation and rebirth, involving a sweat lodge to connect with Mother Earth, intuition, and inner listening.
• Shamanism (Derk Loeks): Derk Loeks, a teacher from the USA, offers workshops on Spiritual Ecology and Sufi ceremonies.
• Shamanistisk Trumresa (Jaques Laurent): A shamanic drum journey to meet spirit animals and learn from their gifts, expanding imagination and exploring instincts.
• Satsang with Vartman: Vartman offers profound stillness and unconditional love, helping individuals see themselves and what blocks their insight into their true nature.
• Satsang with Anamika: Anamika shares messages of living in truth, love, and joy, creating an atmosphere where participants can experience their true selves.
• Satsang with Nukunu: Nukunu, based in Denmark, helps people realize their true essence, creating an energy field that awakens participants.

Practical Information for the Festival

• Treatments: Individual treatments are available during the festival.
• Sharing Groups: Daily morning groups of 8 people for mutual support.
• Beauty and Order: Sharing groups assist with daily festival tasks.
• Drug-Free: The festival is drug and alcohol-free, with the pub open for a few hours in the evenings.
• Dates and Costs: The festival starts Friday, July 2nd, with arrival and registration from 14:00. Opening ceremony is Friday evening at 21:00. The program concludes Thursday, July 8th, with departure around 16:00.
• Festival cost: 2900 SEK if registered before June 1st, 3200 SEK after.
• Children 0-2 years: Free (with parental care).
• Children 3-12 years: 500 SEK.
• Youth 13-18 years: 1000 SEK.
• Young adults 19-22 years: 2000 SEK.
• Limited spots for children, early booking recommended.
• Accommodation in dormitories or tent rental costs 300 SEK extra.
• Bring a warm sleeping bag, bedding, and meditation cushion/blanket.
• Rooms can be rented nearby for 1200 SEK for the week (book before June 1st).
• Single-day tickets are not sold.
• Registration: Pay 500 SEK per person to pg. 441 8551-0, Ängsbacka Kursgård. Include 'Ängsbacka festivalen', name, address, phone number, and details about children if applicable. Registration is binding.
• Information: Contact Ängsbacka Kursgård via phone (0553-100 35), fax (0553-100 36), email ([email protected]), or website (www.angsbacka.se).
• Volunteers: A team is needed for festival preparations in May and June.

Calendar of Other Ängsbacka Summer Activities

The magazine lists other events at Ängsbacka:

• July 11-17: Kundalini Yoga Festival (SKY)
• July 18-22: Satsang and Retreat (Anamika)
• July 23-30: Satsang Retreat with Vartman
• August 4-8: Hedonistic Therapy (Shanti Kristian and Sharya)
• August 13-15: Single Mingel (Hari, Raidas and Upadhi)
• August 20-22: Spirit of Love (Thomas di Leva)
• August 27 - Sept 1: Co-dependency 2 - Learning the Language of Love
• September 17-19: Krishnananda and Amana, Celebration as a Pathway to Peace and Enlightenment (Jaqueline Longstaff, Vasant, etc.)

An education program for meditation teachers starts in the fall.

Getting to Ängsbacka

Directions are provided for reaching Ängsbacka Kursgård from Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg, and Gävle, including bus and train information. The nearest train station is Karlstad, with bus connections to Molkom. The location is marked by a sign for 'Kursgård' near a bus stop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes personal growth, spiritual exploration, and holistic well-being. The Ängsbacka Festivalen is presented as a central event for achieving inner peace, self-awareness, and connection with oneself and nature. The editorial stance is one of encouragement towards embracing life fully, living in the present moment ('celebration'), and utilizing various practices like meditation, sound therapy, and shamanism for transformation. There is a clear emphasis on creating a supportive and drug-free community environment for these experiences.