Sokaren - 2008 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 5, 2008 (årgång 45)
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), a Swedish magazine for life questions, delves into a variety of topics ranging from personal health and spiritual philosophy to UFO phenomena and the nature of consciousness. The cover features a striking image of sarcophagi in Riddarholmskyrkan, accompanied by a headline about inexplicable events.

Cover Story: Inexplicable Events in Riddarholmskyrkan

The cover story highlights Alf Bjureklint's accounts of inexplicable events in Riddarholmskyrkan. The accompanying text suggests that while some unknown phenomena might have explanations important for us to understand, others could be illusory. The overarching sentiment is that "there is more between heaven and earth..."

Article: Take Control of Your Health!

Agneta Milde reports on a course by Boris Aranovich, a bioenergy therapist who has been teaching for years. Aranovich's philosophy centers on the idea that humans can control their well-being, energy levels, health, and even the aging process through their thoughts. He emphasizes the importance of the subconscious mind and offers methods to access and reprogram it. Aranovich criticizes the medical industry's economic interests for hindering the acceptance of alternative methods and expresses disappointment that many individuals seek superficial solutions rather than deep self-transformation.

• Key concepts discussed include:
• Mind-Body Connection: The power of thoughts to shape our lives and health.
• Subconscious Mind: The need to communicate with and reprogram the subconscious.
• Energy Work: Techniques like creating an energy bubble and breathing exercises to increase vitality.
• Holistic Health: Moving beyond conventional medicine to embrace self-responsibility for health.
• Millimeter Wave Therapy: Presented as a method to help sick individuals think positively and support healing processes.
• Self-Love and Fear: The importance of releasing fear and cultivating self-love to achieve balance.

Aranovich's methods, which he brought from Russia, have faced skepticism from the Swedish medical establishment, with some results dismissed as placebo effects.

Article: The Two Worldviews: Spiritualism vs. Materialism

• This section presents a dichotomy of worldviews.
• Spiritualism (Teism): This perspective posits an intelligent, conscious, and creative force as the foundation of the universe. All existence, including life and physical forms, arises from thoughts and ideas. The spiritual is seen as the fundamental reality, not a byproduct of material processes.
• Materialism (Atheism): This view holds that the world arose solely through physical and chemical processes, without any creative intelligence. Living organisms are the result of random processes, mutations, and natural selection. Consciousness is considered a byproduct of physiological processes. This worldview is described as difficult to grasp.

Article: The Immortal Brahman

This article explores the concept of Brahman in Vedantic thought, describing it as the all-encompassing, unchanging, and indestructible substance that is the essence of consciousness and thought. Brahman is presented as the underlying reality of the universe, in which all existence is contained. The individual soul (Atman) is identified with Brahman, signifying the soul's immortality. The article contrasts this with the illusory nature of the individual personality and the transient nature of thoughts and emotions.

Article: Aisha, a Young Dane Spreading Love

This feature profiles Aisha, described as an "enlightened" individual who experienced a profound awakening without formal training. Her journey involved transcending physical needs and experiencing unity with all. Aisha now engages in "heart's mission," offering healing and guidance through personal sessions and group "satsangs." She emphasizes the power of love and the importance of living authentically and in peace, without struggle. Her approach involves "healing hugs" and inspiring others to connect with their deepest selves.

Article: Mary's Razor

This article discusses the work of philosopher Mary Midgley, who critiques classical natural science and contrasts it with poetry. Midgley argues that the atomistic worldview inherited from the 17th century has created a perception of humanity as radically separate from and superior to the natural world. She advocates for a more engaged and realistic understanding of nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the planet. Midgley supports the "Gaia hypothesis," viewing the Earth as a living, self-regulating system.

Article: Memories of a Seeker Friend

Åsa Freij shares personal memories of Sven Magnusson, the editor of Sökaren. She reflects on their shared journey as "seekers" and his dedication to publishing the magazine for many years. Freij describes Magnusson as a quiet hero who pursued his path with integrity and perseverance. She recounts their correspondence and his appreciation for her poetry. The article touches upon Magnusson's agnosticism and his belief in the importance of kindness.

Article: A Conscious Universe

This piece introduces Indian-American physicist Amit Goswami, who proposes a paradigm shift in science, suggesting that consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental reality. Drawing on quantum mechanics and Vedanta philosophy, Goswami argues that consciousness creates life and guides evolution. He highlights experiments in quantum physics that suggest interconnectedness beyond space and time, supporting the idea of a transcendent dimension.

Book Reviews

• "Lyckligare" (Happier) by Tal Ben-Shahar: This review discusses Ben-Shahar's book on positive psychology, which is based on his popular Harvard course. The reviewer notes that while Ben-Shahar presents his work as a new approach, it draws heavily on established self-help principles and the work of pioneers like Abraham Maslow and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
• "Etiken och biblioteken" (Ethics and Libraries) by Richard Ohlsson: This review covers a book on the ethical considerations for librarians. Ohlsson argues that library ethics should transcend religious beliefs, emphasizing that a librarian's moral principles are more significant than their personal faith.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and alternative perspectives on health and reality. There's a clear leaning towards holistic approaches, questioning established scientific and societal norms, and embracing a broader understanding of consciousness and the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to seek their own truths and explore beyond conventional boundaries. The magazine also serves as a platform for individuals who are actively engaged in these pursuits, whether as therapists, philosophers, or writers.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker) magazine, dated 5/2008, features a prominent cover headline "Självorganisation än en gång." (Self-organization once again.), suggesting a focus on this theme. The magazine explores various topics including philosophy, spirituality, history, and paranormal phenomena.

Book Reviews

"Min resa" by Harry Månsus

The issue includes a review by Rolf Ejvegård of Harry Månsus' autobiography, "Min resa." Ejvegård highlights Månsus' emphasis on dialogue, openness to differing opinions, and the importance of critical thinking, stating that Månsus believes one must question and not blindly accept all information, as it can lead to spiritual "opium." Månsus' views on the occult world are also discussed; he acknowledges its existence but considers it a "deceptive world and a gray area" that threatens human freedom. He sees energy and spirits in New Age practices as potentially being manifestations of Jesus' power, but is critical of channeled books. Månsus expresses a desire for a Christian community that engages with, rather than isolates itself from, New Age movements.

"Stora boken om Naturfenomen" by Clas Svahn

Ole Henningsen reviews Clas Svahn's "Stora boken om Naturfenomen" (The Big Book of Natural Phenomena), expressing initial enthusiasm. The book details unusual natural events such as round, rotating ice floes, ball lightning, sun dogs, will-o'-the-wisps, holes in clouds, and atmospheric mirages. Henningsen notes the author's detailed descriptions, often based on interviews with witnesses and researchers, and the book's thorough documentation and references. Specific chapters cover lightning phenomena, ball lightning, and migrating stones in deserts.

Paranormal Accounts from Riddarholmen

"Jo, spökerier finns!" (Yes, hauntings exist!)

This article, written by Viveka Lindgren with photos by Bela Unger, delves into the alleged hauntings and historical mysteries surrounding Riddarholmen island in Stockholm. The island, home to Riddarholmen Church and the Old National Archives, is described as a place of historical significance with numerous legends of ghosts.

Historical Legends:

• The article recounts tales of various spectral figures:
• Greve von Fersen: Said to have been pursued by a mob.
• Erik Brahe: Executed in 1756, reportedly seen wandering with his severed head.
• Karl XI: Allegedly haunts Riddarholmen Church at night.
• Bo Jonsson Grip: A powerful regent who is said to have brutally murdered a rival in front of the church altar in the 14th century.
• Gideon: An ancient black-robed monk, a victim of drowning, who is said to eternally wander Birger Jarls Square and pass through the walls of the Old National Archives.

Alf Bjureklint's Experiences:

Alf Bjureklint, a former lieutenant and guard at Riddarholmen Church for many years, shares his personal experiences. He states he is not afraid of death and feels comfortable among the deceased. However, he describes unsettling experiences, including feeling watched and seeing fleeting, undefined shapes that sometimes took on a human-like form. He recounts a specific incident where he heard distinct footsteps approaching him in the dark church, which suddenly stopped near the ticket booth. Later, a black shadow was seen outside the booth, appearing to stare at him before dissolving.

Bjureklint also shares a peculiar incident involving his old, loyal tax dog, Oscar. During a walk on the island, Oscar vanished inexplicably. Bjureklint searched frantically, but found no trace of him. Minutes later, he found Oscar calmly sniffing near Riddarholmen Church, with no indication that he had run anywhere. Bjureklint finds this event impossible to explain, questioning if it was a prank by Gideon or a temporal anomaly.

Other Unexplained Events:

The article mentions other unexplained occurrences, such as a caretaker at the old archive allegedly going mad after encountering a terrifying entity in the underground passages, and the mysterious disappearance of documents and Swedenborg's spirit mirror.

Philosophical Discussion: Self-Organization

"Självorganisation än en gång." (Self-organization once again.)

This section features a discussion initiated by Gunnar Martin Aronsson's review of the author's book "Humanist bland naturvetare." The author defends the concept of self-organization in nature, drawing from theories by Erich Jantsch and Ken Wilber. The author argues that nature organizes itself without a conscious, higher power, contrasting this with human-designed organization. The discussion touches upon the idea of a "creative force" in the cosmos, referencing Spinoza's "God or Nature." The author critiques the idea that nature is "soulless," proposing instead an actively creative nature that transcends its current state through feedback mechanisms. The text also briefly mentions examples of self-organization in human societies, like the growth of Manchester, and touches upon the question of God and the possibility of a "factor X" as the ultimate creative principle.

Book Excerpt: "En enkel förändring gör livet lätt"

This section features an excerpt from the book "En enkel förändring gör livet lätt" (A Simple Change Makes Life Easy) by Candice O'Denver, founder of Great Freedom Teaching. The excerpt emphasizes self-acceptance, kindness, and the power of a single change in mindset to achieve mental and emotional stability, insight, and compassion. It highlights the core teaching of naturally resting in conscious awareness for short periods, which can become automatic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Sökaren" consistently explores the intersection of the natural world, human consciousness, and the unexplained. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical stance, encouraging readers to question and seek understanding rather than accepting information passively. There's a recurring interest in historical mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and philosophical inquiries into the nature of reality and existence, particularly concerning self-organization and spirituality. The editorial stance seems to favor rational inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, whether they be natural, historical, or spiritual in nature.