Sokaren - 2001 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 6, 2001, Årgång 38
Date: November 2001
Publisher: Sökaren
Price: 50:- inkl moms
Cover Headline: Sufisk visdom, här symboliserad av dansande dervischer

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into themes of spirituality, personal development, and existential inquiry. The cover features an image of whirling dervishes, symbolizing Sufi wisdom.

Göran Grip: Sökarens Klokpris 2001

The lead story profiles Göran Grip, the recipient of Sökaren's klokpris 2001. Grip, a doctor who previously worked as an anesthesiologist, now focuses on personal development workshops and writing. He defines wisdom as being observant of life and living according to one's discoveries. Grip discusses his transition from a demanding medical career to a more exploratory path, allowing him to "explore existence" more fully. He has authored books on ethics in healthcare, personal development, and past-life memories, though he distinguishes between past-life experiences and reincarnation.

Grip emphasizes the therapeutic value of processing painful memories, whether from this life or perceived past lives. He notes that while people may interpret these experiences differently (as fantasy or actual past-life recall), the therapeutic outcome is what matters. He also shares his insights on near-death experiences (NDUs), noting that they can profoundly alter one's perception of reality and oneself. Grip highlights the importance of distinguishing between an experience and its interpretation, stating that the therapeutic benefit of processing past-life memories can be significant, similar to processing traumatic memories from the current life.

The Famous Near-Death Experience (NDU) Phenomenon

This section, authored by Göran Grip, explores the phenomenon of NDUs. Grip acknowledges that while strictly scientific proof of out-of-body experiences (OBEs) is challenging, there are strong indications that they are real. He recounts his own experiences and how they led him to question his previous scientific worldview. Grip discusses how people often defend their existing worldviews even when confronted with extraordinary experiences, citing examples of skepticism from colleagues.

He emphasizes that personal experience, rather than scientific facts alone, often drives profound shifts in one's understanding of existence. Grip also addresses the difficulty of convincing others of one's beliefs, advocating for sharing experiences without imposing interpretations. He details the characteristics of verifiable autoscopic NDUs, where individuals report observations made while out of their bodies that are later confirmed. Grip critiques common scientific explanations for NDUs, such as oxygen deprivation, suggesting they are insufficient to explain the phenomenon.

Sufi Wisdom: The Heart's Path

Authored by Kerstin Stina Carlsson, this article introduces Sufism as the inner, spiritual dimension of Islam. It emphasizes the concept of "jagets död" (death of the ego) as a path to realizing one's true, divine nature. Sufism is described as a path of the heart, focusing on cleansing and polishing the heart to achieve unity with God. The article quotes Imam Ja' Far Al-Sadiq, who stated, "In the death of the ego lies the life of the heart." It highlights that true spiritual practice involves living in the world while remaining constantly aware of the divine, as exemplified by Abu Sa'id Ibn Abi'l-Khayr.

The article distinguishes between institutionalized and experimental religion, with Sufism focusing on the latter – discovering the "inside" of religion. It presents the idea that true asceticism is not about owning less, but about not being owned by possessions. The concept of "hjärtats väg" (the heart's path) involves breaking free from logical and rational thinking to simply experience. The article also touches upon the idea of "Gudsmedvetenhet" (God-consciousness) and the importance of receptivity to divine messages.

Dialogue and Liberating Spirituality

This section features an excerpt from Harry Månsus' book, discussing Michael Lerner, a Jewish rabbi and activist known for his book "The Politics of Meaning." Lerner advocates for a "globalization of spirituality" as the antidote to global economism. He believes that only spirituality can liberate humanity from the tyranny of materialism and create a more just and meaningful world. Lerner's work bridges theology, psychology, and various forms of spirituality, aiming to reconnect people with a sense of purpose and community.

Månsus notes Lerner's emphasis on "Emancipatory Spirituality" and his ability to connect biblical creation theology with alternative spiritual perspectives. Lerner's work has garnered praise from figures across the spiritual and evangelical spectrum, including Marianne Williamson and Jim Wallis, who see it as a vital force for positive change.

My Faith: Reincarnation

Jan Erik Sigdell explores the compatibility of belief in reincarnation with Christianity. He argues that Jesus's true teachings differ from church dogma and that reincarnation was not alien to early Christians. Sigdell believes reincarnation explains difficult life questions and that karma is a learning process rather than punishment. He asserts that the soul learns through experiencing the consequences of its actions, with the ultimate goal of developing love for fellow beings. Sigdell criticizes the dogma of the soul and body being inseparable, citing biblical interpretations and the concept of the soul existing independently of the body.

Other Sections

• Frivillig enkelhet (Voluntary Simplicity): An article discussing Duane Elgin's perspective on voluntary simplicity as a means to find deeper meaning in life and counter the "American Dream" becoming a nightmare of inner emptiness.
• Kärlekskraft (Power of Love): An article by Susan Skog emphasizing the importance of cultivating heart intelligence, empathy, and compassion as essential for peace and personal transformation.
• Terror: A brief commentary suggesting that combating terrorism requires addressing its root causes, such as injustice, rather than just focusing on immediate actions.
• Heliga skrifter (Holy Scriptures): A critical examination of religious texts like the Bible and Quran, arguing that they are human creations with flaws and that a new set of scriptures reflecting modern wisdom and ethics is needed.
• Vänskaplig brevväxling (Friendly Correspondence): A review of a book containing correspondence between Per Ahlmark and Georg Klein, discussing themes of life, death, and existentialism.
• En hemsida om nära döden-upplevelser (A website about near-death experiences): A mention of a German study on NDUs and a website dedicated to the topic.
• Varia: A collection of short pieces, including a note on "Ur Djurens Rätt" (From Animal Rights) about vegetarianism among young leftists, a quote from Magnus Linton on societal hypocrisy regarding animal cruelty, and a mention of Anna Kingsford's opposition to vivisection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic approach to life, integrating spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of meaning beyond material wealth. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and critical of rigid dogma, encouraging readers to explore different perspectives and question established beliefs. The magazine champions the idea that a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe can lead to a more fulfilling and ethical life, advocating for compassion, justice, and a connection to something larger than the individual self. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms, such as near-death experiences and alternative spiritual paths.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 6/2001, is a Swedish publication focusing on spirituality, psychology, and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the term "Psykometri" (Psychometry) and includes articles and book reviews that explore various facets of consciousness, belief systems, and personal development.

Articles and Features

Spirituality and Personal Growth

Harry Månsus: "Krönika" and "Livet har en framtid"

Harry Månsus, a theologian and founder of Brommadialogen, contributes a piece reflecting on the current spiritual landscape. He notes the decline of the church's monopoly on spirituality and the rise of New Age and twelve-step spirituality, linking it to a broader societal search for meaning. Månsus's book, "Livet har en framtid – om livsmod och befriande andlighet" (Life Has a Future – on Courage and Liberating Spirituality), is highlighted. The book is described as a journey through time and space, offering examples of how individuals and movements have overcome difficult situations. Månsus emphasizes a hopeful, yet realistic, outlook grounded in faith and spirituality, encouraging a new popular movement to reclaim power over individual lives and societal development. The "Existens" series, launched by Brommadialogen, aims to foster insights and promote dialogue on existential questions.

"Psykometri" by Viveka Lindgren

This article delves into the concept of psychometry, the ability to perceive information about objects or places through touch or proximity. Lindgren explains how strong emotions and events leave energetic imprints that can be read. She provides examples, including a personal experience of an unsettling room and the idea that objects can retain the 'energetic signature' of their owners. The article also touches upon the use of psychometry in police investigations and offers simple exercises for developing this ability, citing Ted Andrews' book "Konsten att utveckla och använda psykometri" (The Art of Developing and Using Psychometry).

Book Reviews: "Bokfloden"

• "Att lära känna Gud" (Learning to Know God) by Deepak Chopra: Reviewed by Kerstin Stina Carlsson, this book is praised for making spirituality accessible from a scientific perspective. Chopra's view of God as a process and the universe as a projection of God's nature is discussed. The review highlights Chopra's ability to bridge Eastern and Western thought using quantum physics and neuroscience.
• "Läsa för hälsan" (Reading for Health) by Jean Carper: Reviewed by SM, this book focuses on preventing, treating, and healing heart problems through diet and supplements. Carper, an expert in nutrition, is noted for her evidence-based approach, though the reviewer advises caution with the sheer volume of recommendations.
• "UFO-religioner" (UFO Religions) by Mikael Rothstein: Reviewed by SM, this book argues that UFO reports are misinterpretations or fantasies. The reviewer criticizes Rothstein for not engaging with the more compelling aspects of UFO phenomena, focusing instead on debunking specific cases and labeling UFO-related beliefs as myths.
• "Mer intuition" (More Intuition) by Fredrik Praesto: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book is presented as a practical guide to intuition in leadership, building on Praesto's previous work. It includes interviews with business leaders and survey data on intuition's use in the corporate world.
• "Omedveten intelligens" (Unconscious Intelligence) by Ole Vedfelt: Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this 380-page book by Danish psychotherapist Ole Vedfelt explores the unconscious mind's capacity for processing information through dreams and observations. The reviewer finds the book dense and technical, best suited for those with a strong interest in psychology and psychotherapy.
• "Själens berättelser" (Soul's Stories) by Gary Zukav: Reviewed by SM, this is Zukav's third book in Swedish. It comprises 52 short stories intended to illuminate issues of worldview and spirituality. Zukav is described as a respected thinker with New Age values.

Philosophy and Critical Thinking

"Cafe Sokrates"

This section introduces the concept of Socrates Café, founded by Christopher Phillips, which hosts philosophical discussions on life's meaning and values in informal settings. The magazine invites readers to share their thoughts on the question, "What is happiness?" Several perspectives on happiness are presented, attributed to figures like June Callwood, George Bernard Shaw, and Erich Fromm. The section also includes a brief profile of Socrates himself, highlighting his philosophical method and his trial and death.

"Religiös tro" (Religious Faith)

This piece discusses the inherent uncertainty in religious beliefs, quoting David Hume's agnostic stance and Franklin L. Baumer's exploration of skepticism. It touches upon the risk involved in holding any belief and the philosophical tension between faith and reason, referencing Voltaire and John Locke.

"Materialism"

This section critiques materialism, referencing Leon Trotsky's observations on the coexistence of modern technology and ancient beliefs. It argues that materialism, which posits that the universe is solely a product of physical processes, may be an incomplete explanation, suggesting that the mental or conscious aspect might be fundamental.

"Vad kan vi lära av Jesus?" (What Can We Learn from Jesus?)

This article outlines key ethical teachings of Jesus, including loving enemies, praying for persecutors, the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"), and the parable of the Good Samaritan. It emphasizes these as moral principles for building a good society and living a compassionate life.

Other Features

"Lär Dig Fjärrsyn!" (Learn Remote Viewing!)

This advertisement promotes courses in Remote Viewing (RV), a technique for acquiring information about distant targets using mental abilities. It describes RV as an learnable skill and mentions its origins in government research. The ad also details courses in Extended Remote Viewing (ERV) and Master ERV.

"Visdomsbladet" (Wisdom Sheet)

• This section presents various quotes and short pieces on wisdom and spirituality:
• Quotes from the Sufi tradition, including sayings attributed to Prophet Mohammed, Mulla Do-Piaza, Omar Khayyam, and Rumi, emphasizing love for humanity, the nature of wisdom, and the importance of inner presence.
• An excerpt from "Den stulna bönemattan" (The Stolen Prayer Mat), a collection of Sufi wisdom.
• A piece titled "Det är aldrig kört!" (It's Never Over!) from Argument Förlag, offering stories about resilience and overcoming setbacks, with quotes from Mother Teresa.
• Excerpts from Paul Wilson's "Lilla boken om lugn och ro" (Little Book of Calm and Peace), offering advice on finding peace and tranquility.

"Trons magi" (The Magic of Faith)

This article explores the concept of faith as a powerful force, citing biblical passages from Markus and the writings of Dr. Joseph Murphy and Norman Vincent Peale. It suggests that faith, particularly in the subconscious mind, can manifest desired outcomes and facilitate healing. The article posits that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality and encourages readers to cultivate strong, positive faith.

"Vad är livet?" by Are Waerland

An excerpt from an article by Are Waerland, a health advocate and philosopher from 1953, discusses the idea of life as a unified whole and the goal of being a conscious participant in this interconnectedness. Waerland's views on happiness, sin, and health are presented, aligning with early New Age concepts.

"Allt är Ett" (Everything is One)

This section compiles quotes from various thinkers and figures, including Meister Eckhardt, Marcus Aurelius, Sven Hörnell, and Ralph Lundsten, all emphasizing the concept of unity and interconnectedness in the universe and with nature. The idea is presented as a potential solution to societal and environmental problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic and spiritual perspective on life, encouraging personal growth, critical thinking, and a search for meaning beyond conventional materialism. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative belief systems, psychological insights, and philosophical inquiries, often bridging scientific and spiritual viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging dialogue and personal exploration while critically examining various phenomena, from UFOs to religious doctrines. The emphasis on 'dialogue' and 'understanding' across different traditions is a recurring motif.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 5, 2001 (Årgång 38)
Price: 50:- inkl moms
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Sökaren - Udskrift för livsfregor -

This issue of Sökaren presents itself as an independent magazine dedicated to exploring life's questions, with a focus on alternative beliefs, New Age, parapsychology, mysticism, and wisdom of living. The cover features a striking black and white photograph by Mikael Lammgled of Gunnel Derning-Ghosh, silhouetted against a light source.

Editorial Stance and Content

The magazine's editorial stance is clearly articulated: "Sökaren wants to be informative and factual, open and at the same time questioning." It aims to provide a platform for serious interest in these topics, offering a blend of easily accessible articles and more profound, demanding texts. The publication seeks to move beyond superficiality, aiming to present knowledge, stimulate both thought and emotion, and guide readers toward further exploration of subjects.

Subscription and Support Information

Details are provided for subscribing to Sökaren in 2001 and 2002. A full-year subscription (6 issues) for 2002 is priced at 260 SEK, while a half-year subscription costs 160 SEK. The magazine also solicits support through a donation fund, "Gåva till Sökarens stödfond." Payments for subscriptions and donations are to be made via Postgiro to account number 70 60 47-8, with the recipient listed as "SÖKAREN."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are evident from the magazine's self-description: alternative spirituality, New Age philosophy, parapsychology, mysticism, and the pursuit of wisdom for living. The editorial stance emphasizes a balanced approach, combining factual reporting with an open and questioning perspective, encouraging deeper engagement with complex topics rather than superficial treatment. The publication aims to be a resource for those with a serious interest in these areas.