Scientology is a modern religious movement that focuses on the spiritual nature of the human being and their relationship to the universe. Founded in the early 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, it offers a structured path toward spiritual enlightenment and personal improvement. By understanding its core tenets, such as the concept of the thetan and the practice of auditing, you can gain a clearer picture of what followers believe and how they apply these principles to their daily lives.
What is Scientology?
Scientology is defined by its followers as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes, and other life. It is based on the works of L. Ron Hubbard, who first introduced these ideas through his book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. While Dianetics focuses on the mind, Scientology expands into the realm of the spirit.
The religion teaches that humans are more than just products of their environment or their genes. Instead, it posits that individuals are immortal spiritual beings who have lived through many lifetimes. The goal of the religion is to help individuals regain their true spiritual nature and abilities.
The Concept of the Thetan
In Scientology, the individual is referred to as a “thetan.” This term is derived from the Greek letter theta, which represents thought or spirit. A thetan is not something a person has; it is the person themselves.
Scientologists believe that the thetan is the source of all life and the creator of its own reality. Over millions of years, thetans have become entangled in the physical universe, losing sight of their original power and identity. Much of the practice in this religion is dedicated to “rehabilitating” the thetan so it can operate more freely.
The Eight Dynamics of Existence
One of the foundational concepts in this belief system is the Eight Dynamics. These represent the different areas of life through which an individual strives to survive. Understanding these dynamics helps practitioners make decisions that benefit the greatest number of areas.
- The First Dynamic: The urge toward existence as oneself. This is the individual’s drive for personal survival and well-being.
- The Second Dynamic: The urge toward existence as a family unit. This includes the creative impulse and the rearing of children.
- The Third Dynamic: The urge toward existence in groups. This covers survival through clubs, companies, nations, or any organized collective.
- The Fourth Dynamic: The urge toward existence as mankind. This involves the survival of the entire human species.
- The Fifth Dynamic: The urge toward existence as the animal kingdom and all living things. This includes all biological life.
- The Sixth Dynamic: The urge toward existence as the physical universe. This encompasses matter, energy, space, and time (MEST).
- The Seventh Dynamic: The urge toward existence as or of spirits. This is the spiritual dimension of life.
- The Eighth Dynamic: The urge toward existence as infinity. This is often equated with the Supreme Being or the concept of God.
The ARC and KRC Triangles
To help individuals improve their relationships and their control over life, Scientology utilizes two primary “triangles.” These are the ARC triangle and the KRC triangle. Each corner of the triangle depends on the others.
The ARC Triangle
ARC stands for Affinity, Reality, and Communication. Affinity is the degree of liking or affection one has for someone or something. Reality is the level of agreement on what exists. Communication is the exchange of ideas between two people.
Practitioners believe that if you increase one corner of the triangle, the other two will also increase. For example, if you improve your communication with someone, your shared reality and affinity for them will naturally grow. This is considered a fundamental tool for resolving conflicts and building strong connections.
The KRC Triangle
KRC stands for Knowledge, Responsibility, and Control. This triangle is used to help people handle different aspects of their work and personal lives. By gaining more knowledge about a subject, a person can take more responsibility for it and exert better control over the outcome.
The Role of Dianetics
While Scientology is the religion, Dianetics is the technology used to address the human mind. It introduces the concept of the “reactive mind,” which is a portion of the mind that works on a stimulus-response basis. It is not under a person’s conscious control.
The reactive mind stores “engrams,” which are recordings of past moments of pain and unconsciousness. These engrams can be triggered later in life, causing irrational fears, negative emotions, and psychosomatic illnesses. The goal of Dianetics is to erase these engrams, leading to a state called “Clear.”
Core Practices: Auditing and Training
The two main activities in Scientology are auditing and training. These are the primary ways that members move up what they call “The Bridge to Total Freedom.”
What is Auditing?
Auditing is a form of spiritual counseling. A trained individual, known as an auditor, asks a series of specific questions to the person receiving the counseling, called a “preclear.” The goal is to help the preclear locate areas of spiritual distress and address them.
During auditing, an electronic device called an E-Meter is often used. The E-Meter measures small changes in electrical resistance in the body as the preclear thinks about different topics. It helps the auditor identify which areas need more focus and when a specific problem has been resolved.
Religious Training
Training involves the study of the scriptures and principles written by L. Ron Hubbard. Students learn the mechanics of the mind and spirit, as well as how to apply these laws to improve their conditions. This study is highly structured, and students must demonstrate a complete understanding of the material before moving forward.
The Bridge to Total Freedom
The “Bridge” is a metaphor for the step-by-step path of spiritual progression. It is organized into two sides: one for auditing and one for training. By following this path, members believe they can achieve higher states of awareness and ability.
As individuals move up the Bridge, they eventually reach the state of Clear. Beyond Clear are the levels of the “Operating Thetan” (OT). An Operating Thetan is defined as someone who can handle things without the need for a body or physical means, reaching a state of total spiritual independence.
Scientology in Daily Life
Followers are encouraged to apply what they learn to their everyday lives. This often involves using “Ethics technology,” which is a system of rules and procedures designed to help individuals stay on a productive path. Ethics in this context is about the actions an individual takes on themselves to ensure their own survival across all dynamics.
Members also participate in various social programs. These include drug rehabilitation programs like Narconon, literacy programs, and disaster relief efforts through the Volunteer Ministers program. These initiatives are seen as a way to apply the religion’s principles to help society at large.
Conclusion
Understanding the beliefs and practices of Scientology requires looking at its unique view of the human spirit and its structured approach to personal growth. From the Eight Dynamics to the technical process of auditing, the religion provides its members with a comprehensive framework for navigating life and seeking spiritual freedom. By focusing on communication, responsibility, and the removal of past mental barriers, practitioners aim to improve both their own lives and the world around them.
If you are interested in learning more about different belief systems or finding ways to improve your personal productivity and relationships, exploring topics like mindfulness, effective communication strategies, and goal-setting can be highly beneficial. We invite you to read our other articles on personal development and wellness to continue your journey toward a more balanced life.