Scientology is a set of beliefs and practices developed in the early 1950s by American author L. Ron Hubbard, who initially was a science fiction writer. It originated from his earlier work, Dianetics , a self-help system introduced in 1950, which focused on the mind-body relationship and the idea of a "reactive mind" that holds traumatic memories called engrams
. Scientology presents itself as a religion that offers a precise path to spiritual enlightenment and self-understanding. It teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings called "thetans" who have forgotten their true nature and are trapped in physical bodies. Thetans are believed to have lived through multiple past lives, both on Earth and other planets, and possess unlimited potential that can be realized through Scientology practices
. Central to Scientology is a process called auditing, where individuals use a device called an E-meter to locate and confront traumatic experiences stored in the reactive mind. This process aims to clear these traumas, enabling the person to regain spiritual clarity and freedom, ultimately reaching a state called "clear"
. Scientology is organized around the Church of Scientology, a hierarchical institution headquartered in the United States, but there are also independent practitioners. The church is known for its complex network of organizations involved in various social programs, including drug rehabilitation and education, but it has also faced significant criticism and legal challenges, with some describing it as a cult or a commercial enterprise
. In summary, Scientology is a modern religious movement founded by L. Ron Hubbard that combines spiritual beliefs about immortal beings with a system of counseling aimed at spiritual liberation and self-improvement
