Sokaren - 2006 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: No. 4, 2006, Volume 43
Date: August 2006
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into themes of spirituality, consciousness, animal rights, and the nature of reality.

Cover Story: "Varje varelse ett Guds ord" (Every Creature a Word of God)

The cover features Pelle Strindlund and Annika Spalde, authors of the book "Varje varelse ett Guds ord." The book argues for animal rights from a Christian perspective, emphasizing that all biblical teachings should be interpreted through the lens of love. Strindlund and Spalde believe that a Christian attitude towards animals should involve care and that humans are called to be their protectors and to rule justly over other species.

Feature: Leonard Jacobson - Apostle of Presence

This reportage by Agneta Milde introduces Leonard Jacobson, an Australian who left a career in law to become a full-time spiritual teacher. Jacobson experienced a profound spiritual awakening in 1981, which led him to develop a simple program that has transformed thousands of lives. He emphasizes the importance of the "fundamental choice" to live in the present moment, rather than in the mind's world. Jacobson describes his path through stages of Christ-consciousness and God-consciousness, where the self dissolves into a state of being one with God and all that exists. He advocates for honest self-inquiry, urging people to confront their "ego" and its tricks, and to "confess all your ugly sides." He believes that true awakening comes from being fundamentally present, not just occasionally. His teachings are described as a gradual awakening, sometimes involving intense peak experiences.

Articles on Animal Rights and Christianity

Several articles explore the intersection of Christian faith and animal rights.

• "Vördnad för livet" (Reverence for Life) by Annika Spalde and Pelle Strindlund: This piece draws inspiration from Albert Schweitzer's philosophy of "reverence for life." It discusses how the Christian ethic can encompass animals, arguing that supporting life is good and destroying it is evil. The authors highlight the industrialization of animal farming, detailing the harsh conditions faced by chickens, pigs, and cows in modern agriculture. They question the notion that animal welfare is incompatible with high production, citing research that suggests otherwise.

• "EN JUDISK SNICKARES MATVANOR: OM BIBELANVÄNDNING OCH JESUS-TOLKNING" (A Jewish Carpenter's Eating Habits: On Bible Use and Jesus Interpretation) by Bo Nylund: This article examines the debate around Jesus's diet, particularly whether he was a vegetarian. It discusses how biblical texts are interpreted and the importance of the principle of love in Christian interpretation. The author argues that texts promoting violence should not be followed, including violence against animals.

• "VAD ÅT JESUS?" (What Did Jesus Eat?): This section delves into the historical and theological debates surrounding Jesus's diet. It notes that the Gospels are not strictly historical accounts but theological interpretations. While the Last Supper accounts mention bread and wine, some scholars suggest that the absence of lamb might be significant, possibly indicating Jesus's vegetarianism or a symbolic interpretation related to him being the sacrificial lamb. The article also touches upon the dietary practices of early Christian groups like the Ebionites and the influence of Gnosticism.

• "EN KRISTEN MÄNNISKAS FRIHET" (A Christian's Freedom): This piece discusses the Christian perspective on animal rights, referencing theologians like Andrew Linzey. It argues that Christian discipleship involves applying Jesus's teachings of self-giving love to all beings, not just mechanically imitating the historical Jesus. The article suggests that the Christian call to love and protect extends to animals, and that vegetarianism can be a consequence of the Christian hope for a world of peace.

• "DET DJURVÄNLIGA LANDET" (The Animal-Friendly Land): This article critiques the reality of animal welfare in Sweden, despite its reputation for strict animal protection laws. It highlights systemic issues in factory farming, such as overcrowded conditions for chickens, pigs, and cows, leading to suffering and disease. The author questions the common belief that Swedes treat animals well, pointing to practices like the separation of calves from mothers and the intensive feeding of livestock.

• "Ur boken Paradiset åter" (From the book Paradise Again) by Tomas Einarsson: This excerpt discusses the concept of a "paradise regained" and the historical presence of vegetarianism and animal rights within Christian tradition. It references figures like Gregorius of Nyssa and Francis of Assisi, who advocated for a compassionate approach to animals. The article also touches upon the controversial vegetarianism of Adolf Hitler and the arguments against it.

Philosophical and Spiritual Exploration

• "Håkan Blomqvist - Krönika" (Håkan Blomqvist - Chronicle): Blomqvist reflects on his journey from being a critic of religion to embracing a "Christian humanism." He defines his worldview as based on the existential mystery of creation and the experience of universal love and unity. He sees Christianity not as dogma but as a symbolic expression of fundamental truths about human existence, with Christ as the ultimate symbol of finding this inner dimension.

• "Den höga muren" (The High Wall) by Erland Lagerroth: Lagerroth discusses the limitations of the reductionist scientific paradigm and the emergence of new scientific perspectives like "emergence" and "self-organization." He critiques the scientific establishment's resistance to these concepts, comparing it to the historical suppression of alternative ideas by the church. The article advocates for a shift in worldview, moving beyond a purely mechanistic understanding of the universe.

• "Visdomsbladet" (Wisdom Leaflet): This section presents a collection of short quotes and aphorisms from various thinkers, including George Bernard Shaw, Sri Aurobindo, Joel S. Goldsmith, Albert Schweitzer, and others, covering themes of life, consciousness, peace, and wisdom.

Personal Transformation and Experiences

• "Mannen som blev förvandlad" (The Man Who Was Transformed) by Ralf Larson: This article tells the story of Ralf Larson, a former inventor and entrepreneur who experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He describes how this transformation led to a deep sense of presence, peace, and joy, impacting his relationships and his outlook on life. Larson's experience involved practices like "diksha" (energy transfer) and meditation, leading to significant changes in his brain activity and a release from ego-driven stress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic and compassionate worldview, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life. There is a strong focus on personal spiritual growth, mindfulness, and the ethical treatment of animals. The editorial stance appears to be progressive and open to exploring alternative spiritual and philosophical perspectives, particularly those that challenge traditional scientific or religious dogma. The magazine encourages readers to question established norms and to seek deeper meaning and connection in their lives. There is a clear advocacy for vegetarianism and animal rights, framed within both spiritual and ethical considerations. The concept of "paradigm shifts" in understanding reality is also a recurring theme, suggesting a move away from purely materialistic or reductionist viewpoints towards a more integrated and conscious understanding of the universe.

Sökaren, Issue 4/2006, is a Swedish magazine focusing on alternative science, spirituality, and unconventional topics. This issue delves into the experiences of Transcendental Meditation (TM) practitioners, UFO phenomena, the controversial claims surrounding 'The Da Vinci Code,' and critiques of established scientific and economic paradigms.

The TM Flyers: What Happened?

The lead article, "Vad hände egentligen med TM-flygarna?" (What happened to the TM flyers?), by Lars Lundmark, recounts the author's personal experience with the Transcendental Meditation movement in the 1970s. He describes attending a 'flying course' that cost 10,000 SEK, promising the ability to fly or levitate based on Patanjali's sutras. Lundmark expresses initial skepticism and later disillusionment, questioning the movement's claims and the 'Maharishi effect' which promised societal harmony through meditation. He notes that the TM organization has downsized significantly, with members now meeting in cafes. The article also touches upon the founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and his continued influence, as well as the organization's current ventures like 'Sapativeda' and the 'Global World Peace Land' project. Lundmark concludes that TM's core meditation technique is sound, but criticizes the movement's commercial aspects and Maharishi's alleged megalomania.

Quantum Seminars and Spiritual Development

An article introduces Quantum Seminars (QS), a Danish organization aiming to enhance understanding of human consciousness potential. QS is not tied to a specific doctrine but draws inspiration from various personal development paths, respecting spiritual traditions from both East and West. It highlights spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra. The founder, Svend Trier, emphasizes the importance of meditation as a pillar of spiritual development and believes it will become more prevalent.

Critiques of Skepticism and Science

The magazine features a section titled "Vilka är kloka?" (Who is wise?) which critiques the psychological roots of skepticism. It argues that some skeptics dismiss 'new spirituality' as superstition, attributing it to lack of education and flawed thinking. The article contrasts this with thinkers who suggest the materialist view of the universe is insufficient, pointing to the need for a conscious creative power. It also notes that a significant percentage of scientists believe in God, a statistic that has remained consistent over decades.

The Da Vinci Code Controversy

Several articles dissect the 'Da Vinci Code' phenomenon. "Da Vincikoden" and "Kodens hemligheter" discuss the book 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, which served as inspiration for Dan Brown's novel. These articles explore the controversial claims that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, had descendants, and that their lineage was protected by secret societies like the Prieuré de Sion and the Knights Templar. The role of Pierre Plantard and his alleged forged documents is also examined. The articles touch upon the historical interpretation of biblical texts, the status of women in early Christianity, and the potential for Jesus to have been an Essene. The role of Opus Dei and its alleged attempts to conceal historical evidence are also mentioned.

Alternative Perspectives on Science and Economics

"Vår underliga värld" (Our strange world) by Erland Lagerroth, reviews his book of the same title, which questions the prevailing Darwinian worldview. Lagerroth highlights thinkers who propose new ideas about the universe's origin and evolution, emphasizing concepts like emergence and self-organization over random mutation. He cites Brian Josephson, a Nobel laureate ostracized for his views on telepathy, as an example of scientific non-conformity. The article also discusses the work of scientists like Robert B. Laughlin and Harold J. Morowitz, who explore the complexity of the universe and consciousness.

Another section, "Deus ex machina" by Karl Gustafson, presents a radical economic model based on 'time factor economics' (tfi). Gustafson criticizes current economic systems and advocates for a direct democracy and a system where labor is valued objectively through 'time-wage cards.' He argues for the abolition of taxes on overtime and the eventual elimination of money in favor of a system based on work credits. The article also touches upon the concept of 'intelligent design' as an alternative to Darwinism, referencing thinkers like Michael Behe and Kjell Ulander.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes a series of book reviews:

• "Själens visdom" (The Wisdom of the Soul) by Gary Zukav and Linda Francis, is described as a guide to responsible choices, emphasizing the development of an intuitive sense and moving towards spiritual growth.
• "Den vita tigern" (The White Tiger) by Tony Anthony and Angela White, is a biographical account of a man's journey through extreme hardship and his eventual conversion to Christianity.
• "Resan inåt" (The Journey Inward) by Camilla Persson, offers guidance on out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and astral travel, presenting them as important areas of scientific research.
• "Människan og den seksuelle revolution" (Man and the Sexual Revolution) by Per Bruus-Jensen, explores the concept of a 'sexual revolution' driven by spiritual evolution and the development of human consciousness according to the teachings of Martinus.
• "Att leva är en konst" (To Live is an Art) by Bengt Jacobsson, is an essayistic exploration of life's conditions in the postmodern information age, drawing on various thinkers and poets.
• "Drömmen om Atlantis" (The Dream of Atlantis) by David King, examines the work of Olof Rudbeck and his theory that ancient Atlantis was located in Gamla Uppsala, Sweden.
• "Så tänker mitt hjärta" (This is what my heart thinks) by Per Ragnar, is presented as a sympathetic and engaging narrative, touching on themes of spirituality, vegetarianism, and the contemplation of death.
• "Religion utan organisation" (Religion without organization) by Lena Löwendahl, analyzes the trend of 'private religion' and the individual's selective approach to spiritual beliefs in contemporary society.
• "Statussyndromet" (The Status Syndrome) by Michael Marmot, discusses the link between social status, health, and lifespan, arguing that relative social position is a key determinant of well-being.
• "Darwin: Människans härkomst" (Darwin: The Descent of Man), a new Swedish translation of Charles Darwin's work, is reviewed in the context of ongoing debates about evolution versus creationism and intelligent design.
• "Deus ex machina" by Karl Gustafson, proposes a radical economic model based on time-factor economics and direct democracy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of alternative science, spirituality, personal development, and critiques of mainstream societal structures (scientific, economic, and religious). There is a clear editorial stance favoring unconventional ideas and questioning established narratives. The reviews often highlight books that challenge conventional wisdom, promote spiritual growth, or offer alternative explanations for natural and social phenomena. The magazine appears to be a platform for voices that are critical of materialism, reductionism, and the perceived limitations of mainstream science and economics, often advocating for a more holistic or spiritual understanding of reality. The recurring emphasis on 'intelligent design' and critiques of Darwinism, alongside explorations of meditation and UFO phenomena, indicates a leaning towards perspectives that integrate spiritual or non-materialist viewpoints with scientific inquiry.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 4/2006
Date: April 2006
Publisher: ECKANKAR
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, published by ECKANKAR, announces an upcoming Nordic ECK seminar to be held in Stockholm. The cover prominently features the headline "ECKANKAR i Sverige laddar upp för Nordiskt ECK-seminarium i Stockholm" (ECKANKAR in Sweden gears up for the Nordic ECK seminar in Stockholm) and the theme "ECKANKAR – Nyckeln till Hemliga Världar" (ECKANKAR – The Key to Secret Worlds).

Nordic ECK Seminar in Stockholm

The main focus of this issue is the promotion of the Nordic ECK seminar. The event is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 8, 2006, starting at 18:00, to Sunday, September 10, 2006, concluding at 12:00. The venue for the seminar is Långholmen Konferens, with their website provided as <www.langholmen.com>.

Registration and Fees

Participation fees are detailed as 650 Swedish Kronor (SEK) for adults and a reduced rate of 450 SEK for youth aged 15 to 21 years old. Interested individuals can register by sending their application via mail or fax to ECKANKAR, addressed to Box 287, 551 14 Jönköping. Alternatively, registration is also possible via the internet at the official ECKANKAR Sweden website, www.eckankar.se.

Event Illustration

The accompanying illustration for the seminar announcement is credited to C. Sund and carries a copyright notice from ECKANKAR for the year 2006. The artwork depicts a symbolic gateway with elements like keys, musical notes, and various workshop areas labeled "RUNDA EK BORD" (Round EC Table), "WORK-SHOPS", "FORE-DRAG" (Lectures), "CREATIVE ARTS", and "SKILL SHOPC", all centered around the concept of "HU" (likely representing the divine spark or consciousness) and "NYCKLAR TILL HEMLIGA VÄRLDAR" (Keys to Secret Worlds).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is clearly the promotion of ECKANKAR's spiritual seminars and events. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content, is to encourage participation in these events for spiritual growth and exploration, particularly focusing on accessing inner knowledge and understanding of "secret worlds" through ECKANKAR principles. The emphasis on youth participation and accessible registration methods suggests an inclusive approach to spreading their message.