Sokaren - 2003 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1, 2003 (Årgång 40)
Price: 50:- inkl moms
Publisher: Sökaren
Tagline: – tidskrift för livsfrågor – (– magazine for life questions –)

This issue of Sökaren magazine focuses on profound life questions, spirituality, and paranormal phenomena, featuring personal journeys, research, and philosophical discussions.

Articles and Features

From Death to New Life (Från död till nytt liv) by Brita Maria Adkinson

Brita Maria Adkinson recounts her life journey, starting with her work as an editor and journalist in Stockholm. She moved to Scotland to work at the Findhorn Centre, where her husband Charles and their sons grew up. In 1997, Charles received a spiritual insight to move to the USA. After Brita's mother passed away, they were able to relocate. In 1998, they purchased land in Maple Falls, Washington State, to build a 'Sanctuary' house intended as a place for peace and meditation. Tragically, Charles passed away in 1999. Despite her grief, Brita embraced a life philosophy of accepting events as divine will and seeking inner guidance. She describes her continued connection with Charles in the spiritual realm and her role in developing the Wambeliska Sanctuary, which now hosts meditation and personal development courses.

Life is My Personal Friend (Livet är min Personliga Vän) by Bernt Roström

Bernt Roström shares his evolution from atheism to a personal philosophy he calls 'personal naturalism.' He explains that traditional religious concepts of God did not resonate with him due to their perceived lack of honesty and reality. After a personal crisis in 1983, he found solace in viewing 'Life' itself as a personal friend, rather than an external, supernatural deity. He recounts an experience where he felt he communicated with Jesus, not as a divine Lord, but as a supportive friend who affirmed his worth. Roström emphasizes that this perspective is rooted in scientific understanding and a deep respect for the natural world, viewing the universe as a self-organizing, evolving entity. He advocates for a relationship with 'Life' as an 'I-Thou' connection, similar to Martin Buber's philosophy.

Religion Can Meet in Mysticism (Religionerna kan mötas i mystiken) by Kerstin Stina Carlsson

This article, inspired by spiritual guide William Johnston, posits that all true religions originate from mystical experiences. It suggests that while prophets and founders were mystics, their followers often reduced these experiences to abstract doctrines. The author argues that mysticism is a universal human experience that transcends cultures and time. She highlights figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad as great mystics and contemporary examples like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The article discusses the concept of 'ego-death' as a path to higher consciousness and unity with the divine, drawing parallels to the idea of becoming 'Christ-like.' It also touches upon the challenges of defining mysticism and the importance of self-knowledge.

Telepathy Research at Göteborg University (Telepatiforskning vid Göteborgs universitet) by Matej Slavik

Matej Slavik reports on the telepathy research conducted by Adrian Parker at the Psychology Department of Göteborg University. Parker utilizes the 'ganzfeld' technique, which involves sensory deprivation to induce a receptive state for telepathic transmission. The article shares an anecdote of Ann Forslund, who experienced a telepathic message from her son. Parker's research has shown statistically significant results, though not yet definitive proof of telepathy. The article discusses the challenges of scientific validation in parapsychology, the importance of a positive attitude in subjects, and the ongoing research into telepathic phenomena, including studies on twins.

Receiving Guidance from Within (Att få ledning inifrån) by Brita Maria Adkinson

Brita Maria Adkinson offers practical advice on how to access inner guidance and intuition. She emphasizes that the divine force, or God, is not an external authority but an intrinsic part of oneself. To receive guidance, she suggests finding a quiet space, setting a clear intention, and asking specific questions. She outlines methods such as visualizing pure water or a violet flame for purification, and then listening for inner 'thoughts' or intuitive nudges. She also proposes 'Plan B' (imagining a divine answer) and 'Plan C' (writing down a divine message) as ways to access this inner wisdom. Adkinson stresses that this process is about activating one's own creative power and that the insights gained are a result of connecting with one's 'higher self' or the divine within.

Is Mysticism Innate? (Är mystiken inomsjälslig?) by Marianne Ekenbjörn

This article features insights from Antoon Geels, a professor of religious psychology, who studies religious visions and mystical experiences in Sweden. Geels notes that many ordinary people report encounters with divine figures like Jesus or angels, often leading to profound personal transformation. He suggests that these experiences, while sometimes explained by physiological factors, are complex and may represent a unique function of the personality to create order. Geels is fascinated by mysticism and believes that while science can offer explanations, the ultimate nature of consciousness and the universe remains a mystery. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown and the interconnectedness of all things.

Out-of-Body Experiences Exist, But Can They Be Explained? (Ut ur kroppen-upplevelser finns men kan de förklaras?) by Marianne Ekenbjörn

This piece discusses out-of-body experiences (OOBEs) with input from Göran Grip, a doctor and author. Grip highlights that OOBEs are reported by psychologically healthy individuals and often lead to significant life changes and accurate observations of external reality. He argues against premature explanations, citing the historical example of Ptolemaic astronomy being 'saved' by increasingly complex hypotheses until Galileo's telescope provided empirical evidence. Grip advocates for an open-minded approach, suggesting that attempting to explain the phenomenon prematurely can lead to flawed conclusions. He shares his personal experience of an NDE (Near-Death Experience) that shifted his perspective. The article also references a Swedish website, 'Soultravel,' dedicated to OOBEs and NDEs.

Chronicle: What is Panteism? (Krönika: Vad är panteism?) by Erland Lagerroth

Erland Lagerroth explores the concept of panteism, defining it as the belief that God is identical with nature and the universe. He explains that in panteism, everything that exists is considered divine. The article contrasts this with monotheism, where God is seen as a separate, supernatural being. Lagerroth highlights that panteism views the Earth and all its elements as sacred, fostering a deep respect for nature and life. He notes that while some panteists use the term 'God,' others prefer 'Force' or 'Creative Energy' to avoid traditional religious associations. The article also touches upon the idea of 'integral' versus 'holistic' approaches, suggesting that 'integral' encompasses a broader understanding of reality.

Holism or Integral? (Holistisk eller integral?) by Erland Lagerroth

Erland Lagerroth discusses the shift in terminology from 'holistic' to 'integral' in certain educational and philosophical circles, particularly referencing the Holma College. He explains that 'holistic' approaches, popular in the 1970s-90s, focused on the whole person. The newer 'integral' approach, championed by thinkers like Ken Wilber, aims to encompass the entire spectrum of human and cosmic reality, including all perspectives and explanatory frameworks. This 'integral' view seeks to integrate all aspects of existence, moving beyond New Age idealism to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Should We All Become Vegetarians? (Bör vi alla bli vegetarianer?) by Eskil Svensson

Eskil Svensson reviews an article from Time magazine that explores the growing trend of vegetarianism. The article presents arguments for vegetarianism, citing ethical concerns about animal slaughter, and also addresses potential nutritional deficiencies like iron, calcium, and B12. It distinguishes between various types of vegetarians and notes that many who identify as vegetarian do not strictly adhere to the diet. Svensson also critiques simplistic arguments for meat consumption and highlights the ethical implications of food production, including the impact on animal life in agriculture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the search for meaning beyond conventional paradigms. The magazine appears to champion a more inclusive and open-minded approach to understanding reality, valuing personal experience, inner guidance, and the interconnectedness of all things. There is a clear interest in research that pushes the boundaries of conventional science, particularly in areas like parapsychology and consciousness studies. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging personal exploration and questioning established beliefs, while maintaining a respect for diverse spiritual and philosophical perspectives. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in the ethical and environmental implications of lifestyle choices, as seen in the article on vegetarianism.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1/2003, is a Swedish-language publication that explores a wide range of philosophical, spiritual, and esoteric topics. The cover features a stylized "Cafe Sokrates" title, accompanied by a classical bust and a quote about friendship, setting a tone of intellectual inquiry.

Key Articles and Themes

Cafe Sokrates: Philosophical Inquiry

The "Cafe Sokrates" section, inspired by the ancient Greek philosopher, poses thought-provoking questions designed to challenge conventional wisdom. These include queries about the naturalness of polygamy versus monogamy, the preference of death over life, the value of lies versus truth, and the necessity of atheism if God does not exist. The section highlights Sokrates' method of questioning to reveal the ungrounded nature of many beliefs and emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions. It also touches upon the ancient Greek oracle's declaration of Sokrates as the wisest person, noting his own admission of knowing very little.

The Nature of God and Spirituality

Several articles grapple with the concept of God and spirituality. One contributor distances themselves from the Old Testament's vengeful God and the 'grey atheism' that emerged from 17th-century science. Instead, they propose that the world itself is divine, a sacred space, and that paradise is found on Earth. The idea of God as the 'mind of Nature' is explored, suggesting that intelligence, consciousness, and creativity are inherent properties of the universe. The issue also includes a lexicon definition of 'God' from a 1988 philosophical encyclopedia, outlining various interpretations from an infinite being to a creator and object of worship.

UFOs and Unexplained Phenomena

UFO research is featured, particularly the work of Roger Leir in the USA concerning 'implants' – small, unexplained objects surgically removed from individuals. These implants are described as metallic, non-metallic, or biological, some exhibiting electromagnetic fields and containing non-terrestrial isotopes. The magazine also dedicates significant space to the phenomenon of 'crop circles' (piktogram i sädesfält), presenting it as a fascinating and unexplained modern phenomenon. Theories discussed range from human creation to extraterrestrial messages, natural phenomena, or manifestations of subconscious psychic forces. The presence of light pillars in connection with crop circle formation is noted as a significant observation.

Intelligent Design and Science

The concept of 'intelligent design' is examined, with a discussion of its presence in America. The article questions whether this intelligent designer is identical to the biblical God and notes that the idea is based on unprovable metaphysical grounds, making it difficult to compete with scientific theories like Darwinism. However, the author suggests that intelligence is an inherent property of the universe itself, not necessarily a separate deity.

Holistic Health and Personal Development

The book "HQ: Den mänskliga helhetssynen" by Susanna and Martin Ehdin is reviewed. It introduces a pedagogical framework categorizing human capacities into IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional intelligence), BQ (body consciousness), and SQ (spiritual intelligence). The concept of HQ (holistic intelligence quotient) is presented as the ability to understand and act based on conscious holistic thinking. The review highlights the book's critique of power alliances between research sectors, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry, and its emphasis on the importance of emotional development.

Animal Communication

Emelie Cajsdotter's book "Zander och tiden – samtal med djur" is discussed, focusing on the idea that animals, particularly cats, can communicate thoughts and images to humans. The book explores how animals experience their lives and suggests that animals possess a deep understanding of their surroundings and human intentions. It also touches upon the idea that humans gain power through lies, while animals are punished for their honesty.

Book Reviews and Other Features

Other book reviews include "Bede Griffiths – en pionjär i nutida religionsdialog" by Sten Rodhe, which explores the life and work of a Benedictine monk who sought to bridge Eastern and Western religious traditions. Neale Donald Walsch's "Gemenskap med Gud" (Communion with God) is also reviewed, focusing on Walsch's concept of direct connection with the divine within oneself. The magazine also features a section titled "Varia" which includes brief notes on topics such as why people believe in the paranormal, a critique of margarine, and a piece titled "Var klok!" offering advice to think critically and not blindly follow scientific or intellectual authorities.

'Svensk flumtidskrift' (Swedish Nonsense Magazine)

A satirical section titled "Svensk flumtidskrift" features a mock interview with a fictional editor named 'Flumson' who discusses 'nonsense' topics like the meaning of life and God's existence. This section humorously critiques certain intellectual trends and publications, contrasting them with what it deems 'serious' or 'scientific' thought.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for meaning, the nature of reality, and the relationship between faith and reason. There is a clear editorial stance that encourages critical thinking, questioning established norms, and exploring alternative perspectives beyond conventional scientific and religious dogma. The magazine seems to advocate for a more integrated understanding of the world, one that encompasses both the rational and the spiritual, the scientific and the intuitive. The satirical "Svensk flumtidskrift" section, while humorous, also serves to highlight the magazine's underlying critique of what it perceives as intellectual pretentiousness or narrow-mindedness in certain circles.