Founder : L. Ron Hubbard (writer of fiction stories before founding Dianetics)
Based on : Book entitled "Dianetics : The Modern Science Of Mental Health"
Premise : Based on connections between mind,body, life, & reincarnation
Took psycho-therapy & added a spiritual dimention.
Based on Auditing which is a combination of confession & psychotherapy which a trained therapist helps someone address traumatic memories.
Central teaching : the spiritual nature within called a Theton is immortal & has been reincarnated thru countless past lives. Not only do traumas of this life need to be purged ,but the residue from pasr lives also must be cleansed.
Autiting Process : Relies on a machine called an E-meter. Similar to a lie detector it supposedly helps you become cleared of negative memories called engrams.
These negative engrams keep you from reaching your full potential.
Scientologists who progress thru this expensive series of audits are recognized as Operational Thetans or OT's
After the audits are accomplished there are eight more rungs on the Scientology ladder to climb granting power over matter, energy ,space ,& time.
Advanced Thetons: Will learn Hubbard's beliefs about the origin's of the universe.
A galactic tyrant named Xenu who lived 75 billion years ago murdered billions of people on earth by chaining them to volcanoes & nuking them.
Hubbard believes the microscopic remains of Xenu's victims have settled in our bodies & need to be purged out an elaborate physical & dietary regimen
Cost : Total cost of progressing to the level of a revered O.T. VIII is about $380,000. They expect you to get a lone or empty your retirement if necessary.
