Sökaren

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1
Volume: 37
Date: January 2000
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on life questions, features a cover story on "SAI BABA AVSLÖJAD" (Sai Baba Revealed) and highlights the 'Sökarens klokpris 1999' awarded to Förbundet djurens rätt.

Förbundet djurens rätt Receives Sökarens klokpris 1999

The main article on pages 2-3 details how Förbundet djurens rätt (The Animal Rights Association) was honored with the 'Sökarens klokpris 1999'. The award recognizes their 20-year struggle for animal rights, particularly against animal testing, factory farming, and animal transport. Roger Pettersson, the chairman since 1998, emphasizes the organization's non-violent methods and their goal of creating a society free from animal oppression. Founded in 1882 as the Nordic Society Against Cruel Animal Experiments, the organization has grown to 50,000 members. Pettersson discusses the challenges of enforcing animal protection laws in Sweden, even with EU membership, citing issues like fur farming and the potential for EU law to override national regulations. He also notes the increasing international cooperation on animal welfare issues.

The article highlights the organization's success in promoting the concept of 'non-animal tested' products and shifting societal views on animal testing from a technical to an ethical perspective. While acknowledging the frustration that leads some to more aggressive methods, Förbundet djurens rätt maintains its focus on public education and influencing policy. They believe that grassroots activism and individual reflection on daily choices are crucial for change. The piece also touches on the growing polarization of views on animals and the increasing awareness among younger generations who consider animal rights as part of a broader ethical framework.

The Right Livelihood Award's 20th Anniversary

Pages 4-5 report on the 20th anniversary of the Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the 'alternative Nobel Prize'. The award ceremony, held in the Riksdagshuset, honored recipients for their work in areas such as solar energy, organic agriculture, and combating impunity for dictators. Among the recipients were Dr. Juan Garcés, recognized for his work in bringing Chilean dictator Pinochet to justice; Grupo de Agricultura Organica (GAO) for promoting organic farming in Cuba; and Dr. Hermann Scheer, a proponent of solar energy. The event featured a program of music and dance, with speeches emphasizing the importance of visions and work that contribute to the 'wholeness of life, healing of the earth, and upliftment of humanity'.

Günther Grass and Hermann Scheer

Page 6 features an interview with Nobel laureate Günther Grass, who attended the Right Livelihood Award ceremony to support his friend Hermann Scheer. Grass expresses his appreciation for the 'alternative Nobel Prize' and the work of its recipients, stating that he feels a kinship with their ideals. He encourages readers to be critical of those in power and to seek self-insight. His Swedish translator, Lars W. Freij, describes Grass as an enlightener who advocates for practical environmental action and warns against global hunger.

Philosophical and Spiritual Explorations

Pages 8-9 delve into the philosophical work of Ken Wilber, particularly his book "The Marriage of Sense and Soul. Integrating Science and Religion." The article explores Wilber's attempt to reconcile science and religion, critiquing scientism and materialism. It outlines his concept of the 'Great Chain of Being' and his four-quadrant model of reality, which seeks to integrate subjective and objective, individual and collective dimensions. Wilber's work is presented as a significant contribution to understanding consciousness and the human condition.

Pages 7 and 13-15 discuss the complex religious and spiritual views of the Swedish author August Strindberg. The article traces his journey from a Christian upbringing through periods of atheism and intense spiritual crisis, marked by his experiences during the writing of "Inferno." It highlights his engagement with Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, theosophy, and Swedenborg, and his eventual embrace of a dualistic worldview that saw life as a struggle between good and evil, often influenced by his personal torments and perceived persecution. His later works, like "Ett drömspel" (A Dream Play), reflect themes of suffering, compassion, and the search for meaning.

Debates and Other Features

Page 14 features a debate on vegetarianism, with Bertil Falk questioning whether it is more morally superior than meat-eating, given the genetic similarities between humans and plants and emerging research on plant sentience. The response from 'SM' argues that higher animals, unlike plants, clearly express suffering, making the ethical distinction valid.

Pages 10-11 include book reviews and short articles. "Själens boning" by Gary Zukav is reviewed, exploring themes of new spirituality, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all beings. "Det goda skrattet" by Görel Kristina Näslund is discussed, highlighting the health benefits of laughter. "Existentialism" by Rollo May is reviewed, focusing on the existentialist view of human responsibility and self-awareness. A brief mention is made of the controversial figure Sai Baba, referencing a book that claims to expose his hidden life and alleged homosexual activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ethics, spirituality, philosophy, and social justice, with a particular focus on animal rights and environmentalism. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question societal norms, seek deeper understanding, and engage in activism for a better world. There is a clear interest in alternative perspectives and a willingness to engage with complex and sometimes controversial topics, as seen in the discussions on Sai Baba, Strindberg's spirituality, and the ethics of vegetarianism.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1/2000, is a Swedish magazine focused on spirituality, psychology, and alternative perspectives. It features a mix of book reviews, personal accounts, and critical investigations into spiritual figures and phenomena.

Book Reviews and Features

Psychosomatics and the Mind-Body Connection Rolf Ejvegård reviews a book by a psychoanalyst, likely related to psychosomatics. The core idea presented is that bodily and psychological processes are constantly intertwined and interact with the environment. The author challenges the current medical trend focusing on medication and genetic manipulation, suggesting that mental well-being is crucial for physical health. The review highlights the concept of alexithymia, the difficulty in experiencing and expressing emotions, and criticizes a doctor who dismissed a patient as a simulator. The reviewer finds the case descriptions in the book lacking.

The Psychology of Flow Another review, by Rolf Ejvegård, discusses Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's book "Flow: The Psychology of Everyday Enthusiasm." Flow is described as a state of optimal experience where individuals feel fully engaged, capable, and enthusiastic about their activities. Csíkszentmihályi's research, using experience sampling, suggests that people with 'flow' have an autotelic personality, meaning they are intrinsically motivated. However, the reviewer questions whether this concept adequately addresses individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those in difficult circumstances, and points out that Csíkszentmihályi's examples are primarily from privileged professions.

Nature Spirits and Elementals The magazine features an article on Marko Pogacnik's book "Nature Spirits and Elementals." Pogacnik, an artist and 'landscape healer,' works with nature spirits and elementals, which he describes as living beings without fixed form that convey impulses from spiritual worlds. The article explains his method of 'litopuncture,' placing inscribed stones on landscapes to create effects similar to acupuncture. Pogacnik's own experiences with these beings began in 1993, and he suggests that many people can perceive them with an open, meditative attitude. The article touches upon the historical perception of nature spirits and how traditions have shaped their imagery.

Shamanic Journeys and Past Lives Hank Wesselman, an anthropologist, shares his experiences of what he believes to be shamanic journeys, where his consciousness connects with a young man named Nainoa from a primitive society thousands of years in the past. Wesselman describes detailed memories and perceptions from Nainoa's life, including societal structures, myths, and interactions with shamans. He posits that these experiences are not science fiction but a form of past-life regression or connection to an alternate reality, possibly triggered by his earlier training in shamanism. The reviewer, Nils-Olof Jacobson, finds the book fascinating and suggests it offers a unique perspective on history and consciousness.

Biblical Translation and Interpretation A review of the new Swedish translation of the Bible (Bibel 2000) is presented. The reviewer notes that this is likely the last official translation due to the separation of church and state in Sweden. The review discusses changes in language and phrasing, highlighting potential shifts in meaning and the replacement of older Swedish terms with more modern ones. The reviewer also critically examines the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Moses, describing its depiction of God as a brutal war god and questioning the morality of the Israelites' conquest and subjugation of other peoples.

Toni Packer on Self-Awareness and Suffering An interview with Toni Packer, who explores how our thoughts and beliefs create our perception of ourselves and the world, leading to a sense of separation and suffering. Packer, formerly a Zen teacher, advocates for direct observation of one's thoughts and feelings without judgment. She emphasizes that the belief in a separate 'self' is the root of human suffering and that true freedom comes from recognizing this illusion. Packer discusses the concepts of responsibility and listening, suggesting that true listening involves an open, non-judgmental awareness.

Critical Exposé of Sai Baba A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exposing alleged deceptions by Sai Baba. The article presents accounts from individuals who claim Sai Baba engaged in fraudulent materializations, hiding objects and pretending to create them. It also details accusations of sexual misconduct with young men, with Sai Baba allegedly claiming these acts were for spiritual purposes like altering 'kundalini.' Conny Larsson, a former follower and spiritual leader within the Sai Baba movement in Sweden, shares his personal experiences and disillusionment, detailing his own encounters and the subsequent realization of Sai Baba's alleged deceit. The article also touches upon Sai Baba's contradictory statements regarding the Star of Bethlehem.

Other Short Features

• Gallery for Spiritual Art: An announcement about the opening of Moksha Gallery in Stockholm, showcasing art created through Vedic Art principles.
• Avery Solomon in Sweden: A brief mention of Avery Solomon, a spiritual teacher influenced by Anthony Damiani and Paul Brunton, who has visited Sweden.
• Alexithymia: A note on the increasing prevalence of alexithymia (lack of empathy) in Western society, affecting individuals' ability to function in relationships and potentially leading to personal illness.
• The Power of Laughter: A short piece on the health benefits of laughter, linking it to stress reduction and creativity.
• Friendship and Corruption: A note suggesting that strong solidarity and friendship can sometimes lead to corruption, particularly in public sector employment.
• Negative Thinking and Eating Disorders: A mention of Peggy Claude-Pierre's research linking prolonged negative thinking to eating disorders and other psychological issues.
• The Journey: A metaphorical narrative about a journey to another planet where inhabitants, despite advanced technology, lack empathy and believe in purely material processes, highlighting a contrast with spiritual understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, the mind-body connection, and alternative healing modalities. There is a strong emphasis on questioning established norms, whether in medicine, religion, or societal structures. The editorial stance appears to be critical of dogmatic beliefs and authoritarian figures, as evidenced by the detailed exposé on Sai Baba and the questioning of traditional religious texts. The magazine promotes self-inquiry, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of truth through direct experience and critical examination. There's a recurring interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or religious paradigms, such as near-death experiences, paranormal abilities, and alternative spiritual paths.