Sokaren - 2004 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 5, 2004 årgång 41
Date: September 2004
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, features a cover story about Ingemar Aronsson's profound spiritual experience of enlightenment in the Stockholm subway. The magazine explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, philosophy, and theosophy, with articles on Vedanta, Nirvana, vegetarianism, and notable thinkers.

Cover Story: Ingemar Aronsson's Enlightenment Experience

The cover story, "Jag blev Upplyst i Tunnelbanan" (I Became Enlightened in the Subway), details Ingemar Aronsson's personal account of a transformative spiritual experience. Aronsson, a TM-meditation teacher with 33 years of meditation practice, describes a moment in the Stockholm subway on December 12, 2003, where he felt his consciousness collapse inward, leading to an experience of 'Självet' (the Self). He perceived an infinite, silent consciousness, a profound peace, and a sense of being 'home' in his spiritual journey. He describes seeing the world from two levels of consciousness simultaneously: his normal awareness and a 'Witness' perspective. During this state, he played his nyckelharpa, experiencing the music as a creation of 'Självet' itself. He also felt an overwhelming sense of bliss that radiated outwards to others. The experience was so profound that he contacted his friend Stig, who, along with Marion, met him later, seemingly understanding his state.

Articles on Spirituality and Philosophy

Vedanta and the Self:

Christopher Isherwood's writings on Vedanta are presented, outlining its three core assertions: 1) The existence of an eternal, all-pervading Reality (Brahman/Atman) that is sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss). 2) The possibility for humans to realize their true nature as Atman, which is identical to Brahman. 3) The purpose of life is to realize this identity. The articles explain that Vedanta is not pantheistic but posits a close, inseparable relationship between Brahman and the universe. The concept of 'Tat twam asi' (That thou art) is highlighted as a key tenet, emphasizing the unity of the individual soul with the universal consciousness.

Shankara and Divine Nature:

Shankara, a prominent Hindu philosopher, is discussed for his teachings that the soul is divine. His work, 'Vivekachudamani,' emphasizes that realizing one's identity with Brahman is essential for inner freedom. Shankara taught that the true Self is Absolute Being, Knowledge, and Bliss, identical with Brahman, and that this realization leads to freedom from the cycle of rebirths (samsara) and a state of eternal bliss.

Samadhi:

Samadhi is explained as a state of profound inner enlightenment and unity with the divine, where the individual self merges with Brahman. Different levels of Samadhi are mentioned, with Nirvikalpa Samadhi being the highest, a state of complete oneness where the perceived world is seen as an illusion.

Nirvana:

Nirvana, a central concept in Hinduism, signifies the end of the cycle of rebirths and suffering. It is achieved by extinguishing desires and is seen as a state of peace and freedom. While often interpreted as liberation from the material world, some traditions, like the Krishna movement, view Nirvana as the beginning of true spiritual life in communion with God.

What Do We Know About the World?

This editorial questions the limits of human knowledge about reality. It suggests that our understanding is fragmented and that consciousness might be the fundamental substance of the universe, rather than merely a neurological phenomenon. The article critiques a purely mechanistic view of the universe and encourages caution in accepting the dominant scientific worldview without critical examination.

Other Features

Healing Research:

An overview of research into distant healing and intercessory prayer is presented. Studies on provrörsbefruktning (in vitro fertilization) and distance healing show some statistically significant positive results, though critics often question the methodology and statistical validity. The article notes that reported effects of healing include relaxation, reduced anxiety, and increased energy. It also touches upon the philosophical underpinnings of scientific research, suggesting that implicit assumptions can influence findings.

Vegetarianism:

Several prominent figures are mentioned as vegetarians, including Leo Tolstoy, George Bernard Shaw, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Albert Einstein, Mohandas K. Gandhi, and Nikola Tesla. The article cites their reasons, often rooted in ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and the belief that vegetarianism is a more natural and moral way of life.

Women Philosophers:

An exploration of women philosophers, including Hypatia of Alexandria, Margaret Fuller, Ayn Rand, Hildegard of Bingen, Edith Stein, Simone de Beauvoir, and Simone Weil, is presented. The focus is on their lives and contributions, though the depth of their philosophical ideas is not always fully elaborated.

Robert Morris Memorial:

A tribute to Robert Morris, a leading figure in experimental parapsychology, who passed away. He is credited with restoring academic respectability to the field and establishing parapsychology programs in the UK.

Philosopher Peter Singer:

An account of Peter Singer's appointment as a professor at Princeton University, highlighting his controversial views on bioethics, animal rights, and the moral status of individuals, including discussions on abortion and the treatment of disabled people.

Book Reviews:

Reviews of several books are included: "Kärleken till det enkla" (Love for the Simple) by Brenda Shoshanna, "Bygg upp ditt självförtroende" (Build Your Self-Esteem) by Sue Atkinson, "Självmotivationens sju grundprinciper" (Seven Principles of Self-Motivation) by Patrik Malmberg, "Att lida är valfritt" (Suffering is Optional) by Cheri Huber, and "Guru! En resa i underlandet" (Guru! A Journey in Wonderland) by Zac O'Yeah.

Erland Lagerroth on Cosmology:

Erland Lagerroth reviews Åke Hedberg's book, "Den kosmiska ordningen och universums uppkomst" (The Cosmic Order and the Origin of the Universe). Hedberg proposes an alternative to the Big Bang theory, suggesting a cyclical model of the universe originating from a state of 'chaos' and 'kosmos.' The review discusses the challenges of understanding such concepts and Hedberg's critique of the Big Bang model as a closed system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, the search for deeper meaning, self-realization, and the nature of consciousness. There is a strong interest in Eastern philosophies like Vedanta and Buddhism, as well as in parapsychology and alternative scientific models. The editorial stance appears open to experiences that transcend conventional materialist explanations, encouraging critical thinking and a broader understanding of reality. The magazine also shows a commitment to exploring diverse philosophical viewpoints, including those of women thinkers and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated 5/2004, presents a collection of articles and columns exploring philosophical, scientific, and spiritual themes. The cover headline, "Spridda röster om världen – slump eller intelligens?" (Scattered voices about the world – chance or intelligence?), sets the tone for a multifaceted examination of existence.

Åke Hedberg's Cosmic Theories

The issue features a significant discussion of Åke Hedberg's ideas, presented through an article and his own website's statements. Hedberg, a chemist, posits that the universe is an open system, not a closed one, and that it is constantly being supplied with matter and energy from cosmic radiation. He argues that this influx is the fundamental source of all information in the universe, including the complex codes found in biological RNA and DNA. Hedberg suggests that the universe itself is a living system, akin to a cell or organism, capable of self-regulation and increasing complexity, drawing parallels with Ilya Prigogine's theory of dissipative structures and James Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis. He challenges the prevailing scientific paradigm, suggesting it is too narrow to encompass the true nature of the cosmos.

The Origin of Life and Universal Systems

Hedberg's theories extend to the origin of life, proposing that the 'cosmic code' transmitted by cosmic radiation, when interacting with the primordial 'soup' on Earth, eventually results in self-replicating strings like RNA/DNA. He views the universe as a 'cosmic order' or a living form that predates and enables biological systems. The article uses the parable of the blind men and the elephant to illustrate the limitations of fragmented scientific observation, advocating for a more holistic understanding of the universe as a living, interconnected organism.

Cancer and Emotional Well-being

An article revisits the connection between cancer and emotional states, referencing the work of psychologist Lawrence LeShan. LeShan observed that many cancer patients exhibit characteristics of hopelessness and a lack of meaning in their lives. The article suggests that a negative outlook, stemming from life's disappointments, can contribute to the development of cancer, while a renewed sense of purpose and joy can strengthen the body's ability to heal.

Reincarnation and Past Lives

The theme of reincarnation is explored through reader contributions and expert opinions. Sven Magnusson's article on regression therapy is discussed, and a reader, Oona Ingasdotter, shares her experiences and methods for exploring past lives, including meditation and aura reading. Jan Erik Sigdell, a regression therapist, provides further insights, referencing documented cases and TV programs that have explored reincarnation, emphasizing the need for verification and distinguishing between therapeutic and experimental regressions.

Ethical and Spiritual Reflections

Several columns delve into ethical and spiritual matters:

• Altruistic Love: A piece discusses the work of sociologist Pitirim A. Sorokin, who argued that humanity's greatest need is ethical creation, specifically altruistic love, which he believed contributes to longevity and well-being.
• The Religious Ethic: This section highlights common ethical principles found across major world religions, such as compassion, non-violence, and the Golden Rule, emphasizing the shared foundation of love and mutual respect.
• Is the Universe Amoral?: This article examines the question of whether the universe possesses moral qualities. It contrasts the view that the universe is amoral, governed by natural laws of survival, with the argument that there are inherent signs of order, intelligence, and even a form of 'goodness' or care within natural processes, such as the regulation of suffering and the body's healing capabilities.
• Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism: An excerpt from Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" is presented, focusing on his reflections on life, death, and the importance of inner peace, duty, and rational self-control in the face of adversity.
• Goodness: This section explores the concept of 'goodness' (Metta) as taught by Buddha and other spiritual traditions, emphasizing that true goodness involves active compassion, self-sacrifice, and service to others, rather than mere words or feelings.

Argumentation Analysis

An article introduces the concept of argumentation analysis, explaining its importance in critical thinking and identifying logical fallacies. It outlines common errors such as false dichotomy, ad hominem attacks, and appeals to authority, providing examples to illustrate these pitfalls.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently returns to themes of consciousness, the nature of reality, the limitations of current scientific paradigms, and the search for meaning. There is a clear editorial stance favoring open inquiry into spiritual and philosophical questions, encouraging readers to question established norms and explore alternative perspectives. The magazine promotes a holistic view of life, integrating scientific, ethical, and spiritual dimensions, and emphasizes the importance of personal growth and critical thinking.