Sokaren - 2004 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 6, 2004, årgång 41
Date: November 2004
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, features a prominent cover story about the "Sökarens klokpris 2004" (Sökaren's Wisdom Prize 2004) being awarded to the vegetarian movement in Sweden. The magazine delves into various topics including animal welfare, UFO research, parapsychology, philosophy, and psychology.

Cover Story: Sökaren's Wisdom Prize 2004

The cover highlights that the "Sökarens klokpris 2004" is awarded to the vegetarian movement in Sweden. The accompanying text explains that Henrik Sundström, chairman of the Swedish Vegetarian Association (SVF), receives a small plaque with the prize motivation from reporter Eva Sanner. The article suggests that the winds of the future are blowing towards vegetarianism.

Articles and Features

Vegetarianism and Animal Welfare

An article titled "Citat ur Djurens Rätt!" (Quotes from Djurens Rätt!) discusses the Party for the Animals in Holland, which narrowly missed a seat in the EU parliament with 3.2% of the vote, equivalent to 151,398 votes. It notes that if this result had been achieved in a national election, it would have secured three seats in the Dutch parliament. Candidate Jasmijn de Boo sees the election as a success for bringing animal welfare issues into political discourse.

"Skärpt djurskyddslag i Österrike" (Stricter Animal Protection Law in Austria) reports on new legislation that prohibits keeping hens in cages, restricts how cows can be tied, and bans tail docking. It also makes it illegal to use chains, choke collars, or electric shocks for dog training, with penalties of up to 120,000 Swedish kronor for animal cruelty.

A report on the "Global Conference on Animal Welfare" in Paris mentions that over 70 countries participated, reflecting a growing global interest in animal welfare. The conference facilitated dialogue between institutions, stakeholders, researchers, and NGOs on topics like animal transport, slaughter, veterinary roles, and mass culling to prevent disease spread.

Findus is noted for promoting its "Green Meals" vegetarian range, acknowledging the increasing demand for vegetarian options and the expectation that they should be as exciting and tasty as meat dishes.

Actress Katarina Ewerlöf is quoted from her "Sommar P1" appearance, stating she stopped eating meat 25 years ago after seeing a documentary about animal cruelty, and expressing a preference for farmers who let their pigs roam freely.

Per-Anders Svärd, in his "ordförandekrönikan" (chairman's column), argues that the animal rights movement has long asserted that animals have rights similar to humans because they can experience pain, suffering, joy, and discomfort, thus deserving consideration.

An article discusses the "Sökaren's klokpris 2004" being awarded to the vegetarian movement in Sweden. Henrik Sundström, chairman of SVF, is featured. He has been a vegetarian since 1973 and previously served as chairman from 1988-1994. He advocates for merging SVF with Riksförbundet Hälsofrämjandet (RHF) due to their similar focus on health and lifestyle. SVF has about 1000 members, down from a peak of 4500 in its early history. Sundström wishes for state funding for SVF's health information work, recalling a past project informing high school students about vegetarian diets. He notes that 1-2% of Swedes are vegetarian, but the definition is loose, with many eating fish and meat occasionally. He emphasizes that vegetarianism is ethically superior, a rejection of animal cruelty in the food industry, and a positive aspect of humanity. He also touches on the importance of spiritual and mental health, suggesting negative thoughts can lead to physical illness.

Henrik Sundström believes that vegetarianism is the food of the future, despite the current prevalence of meat consumption in Sweden. He argues that using land to grow crops for direct human consumption is far more efficient (80% yield) than feeding crops to animals (10% yield), which also has environmental benefits, such as reducing methane emissions.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

An interview with astronaut Edgar Mitchell, founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), explores his views on extraterrestrial visitation. Mitchell states that his perspective changed after seeing Earth from space, leading him to question conventional assumptions about the cosmos and humanity's place within it. He believes that conscious choices and intentions are fundamental to creating reality, and that Cartesian dualism and scientific materialism are flawed. While he has no personal UFO or alien experience, he relies on information from credible sources within government and military circles who have knowledge of such matters. He suggests that restrictions on UFO information should be lifted, as evidence for extraterrestrial visits is now widely known.

Nils-Olof Jacobson discusses Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) and Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC). EVP involves recording voices not attributable to normal sources, potentially from the deceased. ITC is a more advanced form allowing two-way communication via electronic devices. Jacobson notes that ITC activity has decreased publicly since the 1990s, partly due to conflicts among experimenters. He mentions Anabela Cardoso, who continues to research ITC and organizes conferences on survival of physical death. Peter Fenwick, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, attended a conference in Vigo, Spain, and reported on the evidence for ITC, including visual phenomena on film and videotapes, suggesting that these phenomena are well-established and require explanation.

Friedrich Jürgenson's book "Röster från rymden" (Voices from Space) is mentioned as a pioneering work in EVP research. A photo taken by Claude Thorlin on the day of Jürgenson's funeral is shown.

An article titled "Vetenskap" (Science) by Rolf Ejvegård questions whether scientific research can be unscientific. He criticizes dogmatic approaches within science that exclude certain research areas, citing the example of parapsychology being proposed for a professorship at Lund University, which met with resistance. Ejvegård argues that science progresses through open inquiry and new methods, not through pre-determined conclusions or censorship.

Under the heading "Vad betyder anomalier inom vetenskapen?" (What do anomalies mean in science?), the text discusses how phenomena that deviate from the norm can challenge existing knowledge. While often dismissed, studying anomalies can lead to new discoveries. The article criticizes the scientific establishment for its resistance to exploring such phenomena, particularly those related to the paranormal, suggesting that the current scientific worldview has significant gaps.

Psychology and Philosophy

"Psykopater" (Psychopaths) by Görel Kristina Näslund explores the characteristics of psychopaths, who are described as lacking empathy, fear, and guilt, being impulsive, egocentric, and often charming but manipulative. The article notes that psychopathic traits can be found not only among criminals but also in high-achieving individuals in various professions. It questions whether people can be strictly categorized as psychopaths or if it's more about degrees of psychopathic traits.

"Hedenius i helbild" (Hedenius in Full) reviews Svante Nordin's biography of philosopher Ingemar Hedenius. Hedenius was known for his criticism of Christianity and his materialist worldview. The review notes Hedenius's arrogance and intolerance of criticism, and his lack of engagement with paranormal phenomena, which the reviewer suggests limited his philosophical scope.

Book Reviews

• Several books are reviewed:
• "Livsglädje" (Joy of Life) by UllaBritt Berglund, a book offering seven paths to inner harmony.
• "Djurens liv" (Animal Life) by J. M. Coetzee, which addresses ethical issues concerning animal treatment.
• "Röster från en annan värld" (Voices from Another World) by Marion Dampier-Jeans, a book about spiritism.
• "Antroposofin" (Anthroposophy), a collection of essays by ten authors on their engagement with anthroposophy.
• "Folktrons ABC" (ABC of Folklore) by Ebbe Schön, a lexicon of Swedish folklore.
• "Vetenskap och Folkbildning" (Science and Public Education) discusses the magazine Folkvett and its stance on science.

Other Sections

• Läsarforum (Letters to the Editor): Contains responses to previous articles, including discussions on reincarnation therapy and the nature of truth.
• Varia (Miscellaneous): Includes a piece on the Bermudatriangle myth, debunking it as largely fabricated by Charles Berlitz, and a note on the death of John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist known for his UFO research.
• Astrologi (Astrology): Discusses Percy Seymour, an astronomer who supports the scientific basis of astrology.
• SPF:s tidskrift (SPF's Magazine): Mentions the magazine's discussion of a million-dollar prize offered by James Randi for paranormal phenomena and a debunked ghost photo.
• En intelligent talande papegoja (An intelligent talking parrot): Reports on research by Rupert Sheldrake and Aimée Morgana on the linguistic abilities and potential telepathic communication of parrots.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that is open to phenomena beyond conventional scientific explanation, particularly in areas like parapsychology, UFOs, and spiritual experiences. There is a critical stance towards rigid materialism and a skepticism towards the established scientific community's dismissal of anomalous phenomena. The magazine advocates for animal welfare and vegetarianism as ethical and forward-looking choices. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical inquiry into a wide range of topics, challenging established norms, and exploring alternative perspectives on reality, consciousness, and the human condition.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 6/2004, focuses on a critical examination of the materialistic worldview and Darwinism, exploring alternative perspectives on life, consciousness, and health. The cover story, "Den materialistiska världsbilden – kritik" (The materialistic worldview – criticism), sets the tone for the issue.

The Materialistic Worldview and Darwinism: A Critique

The lead article argues that the materialistic worldview, which posits that life arose through mechanical processes, mutations, and natural selection, is dominant in Western science but lacks empirical support for many of its claims. It highlights that while evolution has occurred, the driving forces and the origin of new species are debated. Critics point to the scarcity of transitional fossil forms and the complexity of biological structures, like the eye, as challenges to Darwinian theory. The article questions the sufficiency of purely material explanations for phenomena like consciousness and the apparent design in nature, suggesting that these may point to something beyond mere chance and material processes.

New Age Perspectives on Health

Several articles explore the New Age movement's approach to health and well-being. Informants emphasize the power of mental factors, stating that thoughts and emotions can directly influence physical health. Positive thinking, self-healing capabilities, and the idea that individuals can 'think themselves healthy' are central themes. The importance of diet, with many adherents favoring vegetarianism for its perceived higher vibrational energy, is also discussed. The concept of 'The Journey' by Brandon Bays is presented as a method for emotional and physical healing, involving processing difficult emotions to access inner wisdom and facilitate self-healing.

Paranormal Phenomena and Parapsychology

The issue delves into paranormal phenomena and the field of parapsychology. Andrew Jackson Davis's account of observing the death process is presented as a classic, albeit anecdotal, description of the soul's separation from the body. The debate surrounding parapsychology is highlighted, with discussions on the validity of ESP (extrasensory perception) and PK (psychokinesis). Critics like Dr. Christopher Evans and Professor C.E.M. Hansel express skepticism due to a lack of repeatable experiments, while proponents like John Beloff and D. Scott Rogo argue for its continued study, emphasizing the importance of field research over laboratory experiments. The article also touches upon the historical context of parapsychology and the challenges it faces in gaining scientific acceptance.

Philosophical and Spiritual Inquiries

Philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the existence of a higher power are explored. The article "Är Gud ett hjärnspöke?" (Is God a figment of the imagination?) discusses Dan Larhammar's neurobiological perspective, which suggests religious experiences are brain phenomena. This is contrasted with arguments that the complexity and apparent design in the universe point to an intelligent factor or a divine reality. The concept of the soul's existence beyond the physical body is also considered, with references to spiritual traditions and the idea of an inherent divine nature within humans.

Personal Development and Self-Healing

Brandon Bays' story of overcoming a life-threatening tumor through her 'The Journey' method is a significant feature. Her personal experience highlights the power of addressing emotional blockages to achieve physical healing. The article explains the principles of 'The Journey' as a process of confronting and releasing negative emotions to access inner peace and wisdom. The potential for this method to be applied to various aspects of life, including children's development, is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the limitations of materialism and Darwinism in explaining complex phenomena like consciousness and life's origins. There is a strong emphasis on alternative perspectives, particularly those found in New Age spirituality and holistic health practices, which prioritize inner experience, mental well-being, and self-healing. The magazine appears to advocate for a more integrated understanding of reality that encompasses both the physical and the spiritual, encouraging readers to question established scientific paradigms and explore personal growth and spiritual inquiry. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical engagement with scientific materialism, open to exploring spiritual and paranormal dimensions of existence.

Title: MYSTIKERS VISDOM
Issue: 6/2004
Date: June 2004
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Mystikers Visdom focuses on spiritual wisdom, featuring articles on the poet and mystic Walt Whitman, the Sufi path of love, and the extensive works of the mystic Bô Yin Râ.

Walt Whitman: A Mystic's Connection to Nature

The article presents Walt Whitman as a poet and mystic deeply attuned to nature. His favorite activity was to wander outdoors, observing grass, trees, flowers, and the sky, listening to the sounds of nature. The author, drawing from Dr. R. M. Bucke's book "Cosmic Consciousness," describes Whitman's profound enjoyment of nature and his appreciation for all living beings. Whitman reportedly found great happiness in simple things and was known for his non-judgmental attitude towards people, nationalities, and life's circumstances, including illness and death. He never complained, swore, or expressed fear, suggesting a deep inner peace and acceptance.

Den sufiska kärleksvägen (The Sufi Path of Love)

This section introduces Sufism as a mystical tradition within Islam, existing for over a thousand years. Unlike some other mystics who might withdraw from the world, Sufis are characterized by their engagement with it. They seek to dissolve their individual ego and merge with the world, achieving a mystical union. This process involves suppressing personal will to align the heart with the love that governs the cosmos. Through contemplation, the Sufi mystic experiences the dissolution of their personal self, becoming one with God. The text quotes the Sufi poet Attar, urging the reader to "Wrap yourself in the cloak of nothingness and drink the wine of annihilation's." The Sufi perspective sees God in everything – mountains, valleys, water, plants, animals, and humans. This union with the world purifies the mystic's mind, allowing them to perceive the world as God does, experiencing absolute love and beauty. The article notes that this experience is common to many mystics across different religions and forms the core of higher religious experience. Modern Sufism, as developed by Inayat Khan, is presented as a continuation of this tradition, combining God-mysticism and nature-mysticism.

Ljus-meditation (Light Meditation)

A short guided meditation is offered with the repetition of the phrase: "There shines a bright, luminous light in the depths of my being." It encourages the reader to connect with their inner longing and listen to their inner voice.

Bô Yin Râ: A Spiritual Guide

The magazine features extensive information about Bô Yin Râ, whose real name was Joseph Anton Schneiderfranken. Born in 1876 in Aschaffenburg, Germany, he trained as a painter in Munich, Vienna, Paris, and Berlin. He also underwent special spiritual training that led to profound spiritual insights, which he conveyed through his writings and art starting in 1913. He moved to Lugano, Switzerland, in 1923, where he lived until his death in 1943. Bô Yin Râ stated that his "spiritual writings" were his life's work and asked for no interest in his personal life. His writings encompass 32 books, with an additional 9 books and "spiritual pictures." His works have been translated into numerous languages, including French, Dutch, English, Spanish, Swedish, Czech, Finnish, and Bulgarian. The main publisher is Kober Verlag in Switzerland.

Bô Yin Râ's Message

Bô Yin Râ believed that all great religions share a common origin. He addresses those who feel their inner religious longing is unfulfilled, offering his books as a way to discover the true purpose of life and live harmoniously, without being bound to any specific religious community. His writings aim to guide readers to the "sources of life" and enrich their existence with harmony, security, and clarity.

Recommended Books

The issue lists several of Bô Yin Râ's books, including "Boken om den levande Guden" (The Book of the Living God), "Boken om livet efter detta" (The Book of Life After Death), "Boken om människan" (The Book of Man), and "Johannes visdom" (John's Wisdom), along with their prices in Swedish Krona (SEK). "Boken om den levande Guden" is highlighted as his fundamental work.

Ordering Information

Readers are invited to order books from the Bô Yin Râ Foundation in Sweden. Contact details, including a website and email address, are provided. Free shipping is offered for orders over 350 SEK or for a minimum of three books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a spiritual and mystical perspective, exploring various paths to self-realization and inner peace. The editorial stance appears to be inclusive, valuing diverse spiritual traditions like Sufism and individual mystical experiences over dogmatic adherence to organized religion. The emphasis is on personal discovery, connection with nature, and the pursuit of a meaningful, harmonious life. The promotion of Bô Yin Râ's works suggests a focus on accessible spiritual guidance for modern seekers.