Sokaren - 2000 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 5, Årgång 37
Date: September 2000
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, focuses on the Ängsbackafestival in Molkom, Sweden, and explores themes of spirituality, personal development, and historical religious movements, alongside a discussion on the Roswell UFO incident.

Festival i Molkom

The cover story highlights the Ängsbackafestival in Molkom, Sweden, an annual event that has seen increasing attendance since its inception in 1997. In 2000, it attracted around 700 people over seven days. The festival aims to be a spiritual melting pot, bringing together representatives from various traditions. The program includes a wide range of activities such as circle dances, ecstatic dance, meditation, drama, creative writing, tantric sexuality workshops, and walking on hot coals. Each day offers about fifteen different program points.

The article describes a typical day, starting with morning meditations like dynamic meditation, kundalini yoga, or silent Vipassana meditation, followed by a vegetarian breakfast. A key element of the festival is the 'sharing group,' where participants meet daily to exchange thoughts and support each other, fostering a sense of community.

Featured performers and speakers included Marie Bergman, who presented a program of Rumi's poetry, and spiritual teachers like Byron Katie, Vartman, Vasant, and Arjuna. Other popular activities mentioned are 'Waves of Love' (circle dances) and 'Single Mingel' (a program to facilitate contact). The festival also hosted a firewalk led by American Peggy Dylan, drawing on ancient traditions.

Festival attendees Kristina Svensson and Katherine Eriksson share their positive experiences. Svensson, a first-time visitor, found the festival satisfying and enjoyed the sense of community. Eriksson, a returning attendee, appreciated the diverse offerings and the inspiring atmosphere of people seeking alternative ways of living in harmony with the earth.

Sjuhundra lockades av festival i Molkom

This article by Eva Sanner, with photos by Anders Rosenberg, details the Ängsbackafestival in Molkom. It emphasizes the festival's growth and its aim to be a spiritual melting pot. Hari Eriksson, one of the organizers, explains their goal of creating a space for diverse spiritual paths to meet. The festival offers a broad program, including activities like ecstatic dance, meditation, and workshops on various topics. The article highlights the daily 'sharing groups' as a crucial element for participant connection and support.

Byron Katie, an American speaker, is noted as a significant draw. The article also mentions other spiritual teachers and performers, including Marie Bergman. The festival's emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery is evident in the descriptions of the activities offered.

Byron Katie: Du är Ett med Allt – så gör ditt jobb!

This piece focuses on Byron Katie, an American spiritual teacher who gained prominence for her method called 'The Work.' The article describes her message of self-inquiry and the realization of oneness with all existence. Katie's core teaching revolves around four questions designed to challenge stressful thoughts: 1. Is it true? 2. Can you absolutely know it's true? 3. How do you react and what happens when you believe this thought? 4. Who would you be without this thought?

The article recounts Katie's personal journey, including a period of addiction and a profound spiritual awakening. It explains that 'The Work' aims to help individuals see that their suffering stems from their thoughts and perceptions, not from external circumstances. Katie emphasizes that by questioning these thoughts, one can achieve inner freedom and peace.

The article also touches upon the concept of 'dragons' as described by psychologist José Stevens, representing inner obstacles and fears that limit individuals. Stevens identifies seven types of dragons, and 'The Work' is presented as a tool to overcome them.

Five lessons from Byron Katie are outlined: 1. Don't get stuck in the past. 2. Don't get stuck in the future. 3. Be in the present. 4. Understand the difference between your business, others' business, and God's business. 5. Question your worries about what others think.

Teosofi: Vägen till Jaget

This article, attributed to Jan M. Koziovsky, explores the concept of the 'Self' or 'Jaget' within various spiritual traditions, drawing parallels between Eastern and Western philosophies. It posits that the ultimate goal of human life is the realization of the fundamental identity between the individual soul (Atman) and the divine essence (Brahman), leading to a sense of oneness with the Absolute.

The article references texts like Plotinus's 'Enneads' and the Upanishads, highlighting their descriptions of mystical experiences where the lower self dissolves into the Absolute. It discusses the idea that ignorance of this inherent oneness is the cause of human suffering and illusion.

Key concepts such as the 'lower self' or 'ego' are contrasted with the 'higher Self,' and the process of self-realization is described as a journey of shedding the limitations of the ego. The article touches upon theosophy, gnosis, and brahmavidya as terms for this knowledge of the Self.

It also briefly mentions the work of HP Blavatsky, who stated that 'knowledge of the Self is wisdom.' The article suggests that this realization leads to liberation from ignorance and suffering.

Axel Herrlin och "själslifvets underjordiska verld"

This article by Gunnar Matti examines the work of Axel Herrlin, a Swedish philosopher and psychologist who was a friend of August Strindberg. Herrlin was interested in the subconscious mind and paranormal phenomena, viewing them as natural expressions of the human psyche rather than supernatural events. He wrote the book 'Snille och Själssjukdom' (Genius and Soul Sickness) in this vein.

Herrlin critically analyzed spiritualistic phenomena, proposing that they could be explained by the subconscious mind's capabilities, such as heightened perception and memory, rather than by the presence of spirits. He was particularly skeptical of mediums, suggesting that their abilities could be attributed to hysteria or a 'sleepwalking state' of the subconscious.

The article discusses Herrlin's investigation into cases like the 'Fallet Karin' (Karin Case) and his interactions with mediums like Mary Karadja. It highlights Herrlin's emphasis on empirical, psychological, and scientific explanations for these phenomena, while acknowledging his complex personality, which combined philosophical inquiry with a metaphysical and religious outlook.

Herrlin's work is presented as an attempt to bridge the gap between philosophy and natural science, exploring the 'underground world of the soul' without resorting to supernatural explanations.

Gnosticismen och katharismen

Authored by Gulli Bergvall, this article delves into the historical movements of Gnosticism and Catharism. It begins by discussing the discovery of Gnostic texts at Nag Hammadi in Egypt in 1945, which shed light on early Christian diversity. The article explains that Gnosticism, derived from the Greek word 'gnosis' (knowledge), emphasized attaining higher knowledge for spiritual liberation.

Gnostics distinguished between the true, supreme God and the lesser creator god (Demiurge) who fashioned the material world. They believed the human spirit was divine and sought to escape the material realm. Jesus was viewed not as a savior who atoned for sins, but as a great teacher who guided individuals toward gnosis. The article notes that Gnostic groups often had egalitarian structures, allowing women to hold positions of authority, which contrasted with the emerging hierarchical structure of the early Church.

The article then shifts to Catharism, a medieval movement with Gnostic-like beliefs that flourished in Southern France. Cathars, also known as Albigensians, rejected the material world and the authority of the Catholic Church. They believed in a spiritual path to salvation, emphasizing a life of asceticism and adherence to a higher moral code. The Catholic Church, viewing Catharism as heresy, launched crusades against them, leading to their persecution and eventual suppression.

The article references the historical accounts of the destruction of Cathar communities, particularly in Languedoc, and their final stronghold in Montaillou. It suggests that while the Catholic Church officially eradicated Catharism, its ideas may have persisted underground.

Är Projekt Mogul svaret på Roswellgåtan?

This article by Håkan Eriksson examines the Roswell UFO incident of 1947 and explores the 'Project Mogul' theory as a potential explanation. The Roswell incident involved the discovery of unusual debris on a ranch, initially reported by the local airbase as a crashed 'flying saucer' but later officially explained as a weather balloon.

In the 1970s, renewed interest led UFO researchers to re-examine the case. The Project Mogul theory, promoted by the US Air Force and some debaters, posits that the debris was from a secret military balloon project designed to detect Soviet nuclear tests. This project involved large balloons with radar reflectors, which proponents suggest were unfamiliar to the Roswell personnel, leading to misidentification.

However, the article presents criticisms of this theory, notably from UFO investigator Kevin Randle. Randle questions the claim that military personnel involved in Project Mogul would not have recognized radar reflectors, citing their participation in other projects where such equipment was used. He also points out that similar balloon debris found elsewhere was readily identified, questioning why the Roswell incident would have been so different. Randle further notes the lack of direct documentary evidence linking Project Mogul to the Roswell crash site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, personal growth, and alternative ways of understanding reality. It features articles on contemporary spiritual movements and teachers, as well as historical perspectives on Gnosticism, Catharism, and theosophy. The inclusion of UFO phenomena, particularly the Roswell incident, indicates an interest in unexplained mysteries and their potential explanations, often from a critical yet open-minded perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of inquiry and exploration, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging readers to engage with complex ideas.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 5/2000, features a prominent cover story titled "The Truth About the UFO Crash at Roswell," alongside themes of spirituality and solidarity. The magazine delves into various topics, including the controversial Roswell incident, spiritual figures like Kabir and Sai Baba, animal rights, holistic health, and paranormal phenomena.

The Roswell Incident and Project Mogul

The article "Jesse Marcel Jr and Projekt Mogul" examines the Roswell incident, presenting testimonies from original witnesses like Major Jesse Marcel and his son, Jesse Marcel Jr. While proponents of the Project Mogul theory suggest the debris was from a weather balloon, critics, including Jesse Marcel Jr, argue that the material's unique properties (thin, strong metal, short beams with hieroglyphic-like markings, unburnable, and resistant to damage) contradict this explanation. Sergeant Lewis Rickett and Captain Sheridan Cavitt also provided accounts, though Cavitt's later testimony aligned with the official explanation of a weather balloon, creating conflicting narratives.

The debate is framed around whether the material was ordinary foil or something more exotic. Ufologist Robert Galganski's experiments are cited, demonstrating that materials like balsa wood, often compared to the debris, are easily flammable and breakable, further questioning the Project Mogul theory. The article concludes that the mystery of what crashed in Roswell in 1947 remains, with more evidence leaning against a simple military balloon explanation.

Spiritual Figures and Teachings

Kabir – Vördad andlig poet

This section introduces Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic and poet revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Despite his unknown religious affiliation and humble origins as a weaver, Kabir left a rich legacy of songs that emphasized direct love for God, transcending religious and caste barriers. His teachings, preserved in texts like the Bijak and Kabir Granthavali, challenged the efficacy of rituals and the authority of intermediaries, advocating for a personal connection with the divine. His philosophy, which included the concept of Maya (illusion), influenced Sikhism, with many of his works included in the Adi Granth.

Sai Baba

The article "Sai Baba" presents a critical perspective on the spiritual leader, drawing from the experiences and research of David and Faye Bailey. They allege that Sai Baba's activities constituted a large-scale deception, citing instances of fraudulent miracles (e.g., materializing objects, healing) and sexual misconduct with young men. The Baileys claim to have witnessed Sai Baba hiding objects and using fake ash (vibhuti), and they recount instances of him asking young men to undress and perform sexual acts. The article mentions Tal Brook's earlier book detailing similar accusations. While acknowledging the possibility of genuine supernatural phenomena in India, the Baileys argue that Sai Baba's actions and accumulation of wealth contradict his spiritual claims, suggesting that the intense spiritual atmosphere around him may have led to a form of brainwashing.

Other Sections

Andlighet – inte bara insida

This editorial piece from "Trots Allt" and "Pilgrim" magazines emphasizes that spirituality, particularly within a Christian framework, is not merely an internal experience but must manifest in outward actions of solidarity and love for others. It suggests that true spirituality can challenge comfort zones and inspire individuals to live a more meaningful life.

Trots Allt and Pilgrim Magazines

These magazines are described as platforms for discussing life issues, culture, and society from a curious and honest perspective, grounded in Christian faith. "Trots Allt" features interviews, reports, and debates, while "Pilgrim" focuses on spiritual growth and guidance from a Christian perspective, aiming to address the 'spiritual thirst' of its readers.

Book Reviews and Articles

Several book reviews and short articles are included:

• "Vad händer?": A quote from Herman Ottosson on animal behavior.
• Djurskyddsmyndighet (Animal Protection Authority): Discusses the need for a dedicated authority for animal welfare, citing Allan Johansson.
• Kent Nerburn: An interview with the author and sculptor on the interconnectedness of life and nature.
• Socialistisk kamp (Socialist Struggle): A quote from philosopher Torbjörn Tännsjö on animal rights from a socialist perspective, with a critique of his views on vegetarianism.
• Vad händer? (What is happening?): A quote from Herman Ottosson on animal behavior.
• Miljarder lik (Billions of corpses): A column by Carlos Vidales criticizing society's indifference to animal suffering despite awareness campaigns.
• Utanför kroppen (Out of body): Accounts of near-death and out-of-body experiences from Lina Tegnér and Lisa Meyler.
• Intervju med Gud (Interview with God): A satirical piece presenting hypothetical questions and answers with God.
• Psykologer samlades (Psychologists gathered): A report on a psychology congress in Stockholm, discussing research on memory and false memories.
• Bön hjälper (Prayer helps): An article on the health benefits of prayer and having a sense of connection, citing Kjell Kallenberg.
• Bed och lev längre (Sleep and live longer): An article on the health benefits of prayer and meditation, citing Harold Koenig.
• Låt inte barn läsa Bibeln (Don't let children read the Bible): A brief mention of a German lawsuit demanding the Bible be deemed unsuitable for children due to its violent content.
• Jungiansk terapi (Jungian Therapy): A review of the book "Lär känna din skugga" (Know Your Shadow) by Connie Zweig and Steve Wolf, exploring Jungian concepts of the shadow self.
• I samspråk med djuren (In conversation with animals): A review of Penelope Smith's book "När djuren talar" (When Animals Speak), discussing interspecies communication.
• Vad vet vi om poltergeisteffekter? (What do we know about poltergeist effects?): An interview with parapsychologist William Roll, discussing his research on poltergeists and their connection to electromagnetic fields and adolescent stress.
• Finns det några slottsspöken? (Are there any castle ghosts?): William Roll shares experiences investigating Engsö Castle in Sweden, noting electromagnetic anomalies and witness accounts of apparitions.
• Överlever vi döden? (Do we survive death?): William Roll discusses the question of consciousness surviving death, expressing skepticism about reincarnation evidence and emphasizing the need for a clearer definition of consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of the paranormal, spirituality, and the human condition. There's a critical examination of religious figures and phenomena, alongside an interest in scientific and psychological perspectives on these topics. The magazine promotes a holistic view of spirituality, linking inner life with outward action and social responsibility. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, while also offering a critical lens on claims of supernatural events and spiritual leaders.