What You Can Do To Help

Teams of American, European, Australian and Taiwanese Scientology Volunteer Ministers are en route to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and India to join other Scientology Volunteer Ministers already assisting in relief efforts following the devastation of the tsunamis of December 26. If you can help with donations or wish to volunteer time, call (323) 960-1949 or 1-800-435-7498 or e-mail vm@volunteerministers.org.

Disaster Relief

Scientology Volunteer Ministers from around the world are being sent to Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka to assist with relief efforts in the aftermath of the tsunamis. If you can help with donations or volunteer time, call (323) 960-1949 or 1-800-435-7498 or e-mail vm@volunteerministers.org.

News About Scientology

DORCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS – Citywide Night Commander of the Dorchester Police Force, Bobbie Johnson assisted other Dorchester community members at the Dorchester Scientology Volunteer Ministry during the launch of the new Holiday Hope Campaign.

Scientology Volunteer Ministry Launches New Holiday Hope Campaign

A Christmas Message

Merry Christmas!!!

Scientology Volunteer Ministers In Jacksonville, Florida

Here is a short article on the Scientology Volunteer Minister tent in Jacksonville: Not your ordinary big top.

The purpose of these tents is to promote the Volunteer Minister program which is open to everyone and provides help in handling everything from the daily stresses of life to major disasters such as the Florida hurricanes.

News On Scientology

All the latest news on Scientology around the world can be found here: Scientology News

What are the major human rights documents?

The main international human rights documents are described with links to them here: Major Human Rights Documents - Church of Scientology Human Rights Department.

New Look For Religious Freedom Watch web site

Religious Freedom Watch has been exposing anti-religious bigots for many years now. The site has just had a face-lift and it looks great: Religious Freedom Watch.

Report on the Fundraiser for the Hollywood Police Activities League at The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre

This is an annual event which has raised over $155,000 in proceeds for community programs since 1993.

The L.A. Independent on the Web: Report on the Fundraiser for the Hollywood Police Activities League at The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre

Tom Cruise Hosts Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Oprah Winfrey

"Cruise said his religion, Scientology, was part of the reason he felt strongly about the award. 'One of the things that we believe in (as Scientologists) is peace, freedom,' the movie actor said. 'I'm just proud to be here, and very proud to be a Scientologist here and to be part of this.' "

Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey Happy to Host Nobel Concert

Important Booklet for Children: What are Human Rights?

Here is a great booklet that explains human rights to the young:
What are Human Rights?

Fund Raiser At Celebrity Centre International

The annual fund raiser for the Hollywood Police Activities League youth programs for underprivileged children, happened over the weekend at The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International in Hollywood. There were some big name stars there performing songs, skits and other fun stuff for kids of all ages. And more importantly the money goes to a great cause.

Here are some photos:
Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson
Erika Christensen and Seth Green

Good News for Human Rights

Yahoo! News - CCHR: President Bush Approves Landmark Legislation Prohibiting Forced Psychiatric Drugging of School Children

Guide To Human Rights

Read this excellent guide to human rights provided by the Church of Scientology.

Guide to Human Rights - Church of Scientology Human Rights Department

Human Rights Website

The Church of Scientology Human Rights Website tells you all about the Church's work in the field of human rights and it's ongoing campaigns.

Scientologist Tom Cruise to Host event to honor Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey were asked to host the event because of their own humanitarian efforts.

Starry concert for Nobel winner

Awesome review of Chick Corea Concert

My favorite quote from the article: "Despite his legendary status, Corea was exceedingly generous and democratic, giving the majority of solo jaunts to band members. They did not disappoint. In fact, all members of Corea's quartet were in fine form, their mastery of their instruments causing sighs of hopeless despair among the music students in the audience. Undoubtedly, practice rooms at Berklee will be booked through graduation after this concert. "

Read it all at: BostonHerald.com - the Edge: Corea fans thank their lucky `Stars'

What Scientology is doing around the World

Ever wondered what the Church of Scientology does around the world? This page tells you: Worldwide Activities

Chick Corea in Boston

An interview with Chick Corea prior to his performance at the Berklee Performance Center, Boston Sci-fi on the hi-fi: Chick Corea in interstellar overdrive after inspiration from L. Ron Hubbard's works

Another great review for Chick Corea's album "To The Stars"

MetroWest Daily News - TV, Music & Radio Coverage

To The Stars by the Chick Corea Electric Band

Religious Tolerance

I just came across an excellent website that promotes religious tolerance: Religious Freedoms Enrich Society - Preserve Yours!

Interview with Tom Cruise coming up in GQ Magazine

Here's a teaser: Tom Cruise Explains His Commitment to Scientology and Tells GQ What It Is Really Like to Be the Biggest Star We've Ever Known.

Interview With Chick Corea

Here is an interview with Chick Corea covering his latest tour which features the new album "To The Stars": Chick Corea takes Elektric Band 'To The Stars' - Music - ithacajournal.com

Scientology Effective Solutions - Protecting The Public's Right To Know

This booklet is about the Freedom of Information Act and the Church of Scientology's work to protect the public's right to know what it's government is doing.

Scientology effective solutions - Awakening public interest in FOI (Freedom of Information)

Scientology effective solutions - Making Human Rights a Reality

The seventh booklet in the series covers what the Church of Scientology and individual Scientologists are doing to bring true human rights to all corners of the world.

Scientology effective solutions - Making Human Rights a Reality.

In PDF format: Scientology effective solutions - Making Human Rights a Reality.

Scientology Effective Solutions Series - L. Ron Hubbard

The sixth booklet in the series covers the life of the man who developed these solutions and inspired millions to use them to help others, L. Ron Hubbard.

Scientology effective solutions - L. Ron Hubbard: Shaping the 21st Century with Solutions for a Better World.

In PDF format: Scientology effective solutions - L. Ron Hubbard: Shaping the 21st Century with Solutions for a Better World.

Teaching trust, honesty and self-respect

The fifth in the series of publications on the Scientology religion and its parishioners' activities covers their work in the area of teaching common sense morals.

Scientology effective solutions - Teaching trust, honesty and self-respect.

Also in PDF format: Scientology effective solutions - Teaching trust, honesty and self-respect.

Bringing effective help to the community

The fourth booklet in the series tells us what the Church of Scientology and its members are doing about the unhappiness and suffering in this world. Scientology Volunteer Ministers Bringing effective help to the community.

Also in PDF format: Scientology Volunteer Ministers Bringing effective help to the community.

Scientology effective solutions - Advancing literacy and education

The third booklet in the series on Scientology's effective solutions is all about the work of the Church and its members in the fields of literacy and education: Scientology Effective Solutions - Advancing literacy and education

Also in PDF format: Scientology Effective Solutions - Advancing literacy and education

Saving Lives From Drugs

The second booklet in the Scientology Effective Solutions Online Editions Series is entitled Scientology Effective Solutions - Drug Abuse Information. It presents what the Church of Scientology and individual Scientologists are doing about the world-wide drug problem and also introduces the world's most effective drug rehabilition program.

Available in PDF format too: Scientology Effective Solutions - Drug Abuse Information.

Scientology Effective Solutions

The first booklet in the Scientology Effective Solutions Online Editions Series is entitled "Scientology: Providing the Tools for Successful Living".

It can be viewed in PDF format here: Scientology: Providing the Tools for Successful Living (pdf)

Church of Scientology Informational Booklets

The Church of Scientology is publishing 12 booklets regarding its activities. The overall title is "Discover the Facts About the Scientology Religion and Its Activities". They are being published one per month and the first was published in Jan 2004.

All 12 booklets can be viewed here: Scientology Effective Solutions Online Edition Series

It's All In A State Of Mind

I just listened to the Music CD State of Mind. I hadn't listened to it in a while and it was a nice uplifiting change. Good music with a positive message.

Interview with Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is certainly passionate about being a Scientologist

The Church of Scientology Proclamation on Religion, Human Rights and Society

It is rare indeed that a religion insists on the right of a person to change their mind about their religious belief, but The Church of Scientology does just that in its "Church of Scientology Proclamation on Religion, Human Rights and Society"

This is a document well worth studying and following as it promotes the ideas of tolerance and human rights for all.

Kindness

It sometimes seems like we should be nasty to others. Someone is forever screwing up and you've tried to explain to them how to do it properly but they just don't seem to get it. Is it now time for you to yell at them? Will that stop them from messing up?

The answer lies in a short essay: Scientology philosophy: essay on Kindness by L. Ron Hubbard. It answers many questions.

Scientology And Help

It's sometimes hard to quickly and simply describe Scientology. It's rather like trying to describe quantum mechanics in a paragraph.

But one thing you can say quickly and simply is that it is a subject containing many ways to successfully help people and one of the easiest ways to do it is with assists for injury and illness.

Glossary of Scientology Terms

There is a really useful glossary of Scientology terms at Scientology Glossary of Terms.

Very helpful for new people.

Human Rights

I think the best definition I've ever seen of human rights is this one: "The very basis of human rights is freedom from false accusation and from brutality and punishment without offense." ~ L. Ron Hubbard.

Just apply this definitions to any human rights or even civil rights abuse and you can see how it applies. For example, racial discrimination is a false accusation that one race is "inferior" to another.

Relationships

Need help with relationships? Check this out: Relationships; Understanding People; Getting along with others, How can Scientology help me....

New Human Rights Movement

A new organization, The International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, has formed with these goals and purposes:

Goals

• To provide easy-to-understand human rights education to adults and children so that they are able to grasp what fundamental human rights are as aligned with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


• To effectively combat violations of human rights, focusing on the issues of children and religious freedom.

Purposes

• To effectively carry out projects that address and help restore human rights and freedoms.


• To create an expanding base of support by uniting like-minded people and groups of good faith and goodwill, so that they may stand as one to defend the rights of all.

This is certainly something worth supporting

Nice Quotes

Jere Matlock has a really good page of quotes that I recommend.

Scientology Groups

The Yahoo Scientology Group page has also had a bit of a face-lift. It's looking a bit fatter - more links, more members.

Big Improvement in Scientology Resource Directory

Last time I looked at the Scientology, Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard Resource Directory it was a pretty boring looking set of pages - black and white with blue links. But, I was just checking it out today and it looks much improved - actually rather pretty. Nice job Jere!

Userful Links

The site Religious Movements & Alternative Spirituality - Academic Info contains some useful links about to information about Scientology.

10 Reasons to Be Concerned about Psychiatry in Our Schools

Parents should definitely read this article from Freedom Magazine.

Our schools are in bad shape — all too often transforming self-directed, highly motivated learners into apathetic, other-dependent young people who hate school. The result: increasing illiteracy, low academic standards and performance, and emotional and behavioral problems.

10 Reasons to Be Concerned about Psychiatry in Our Schools.

What Has Happened To Our Education System?

Freedom magazine has published a vital article telling the story of how America's education system went so far off the rails.

Parents want the best for their kids — more knowledge, greater opportunity, a brighter, happier future. They know their ability to enjoy life, to find happiness rests squarely on the quality of their education. But today, America’s learning institutions deliver a promise quite the opposite of people’s dreams, so much so that the federal government launched a special program, No Child Left Behind, dedicated to remedying the problem.

Reading, ‘Riting and Rats - The Bizarre History of an Education System Trapped in a Maze

More Money, Less Literacy?

How is it that with so much money being thrown at the literacy problem in America the literacy level in the US has fallen from 5th in the world to 49th?

The answer is here: More Money, Less Literacy

Providing the Tools to Learn Anything

There are solutions in the field of education: New Study Technology headquarters generates a world of learning.

The frightening world of suicide bombers

Based on interviews with the first female suicide bomber’s mother and unique sources within the world of intelligence, Gordon Thomas examines how terrorists are created and funded — vital information to understand in efforts to bring the violence to a halt and restore constructive communication.

"Sacred" Explosions

Gulf War Illness - Sick Veterans Are Ignored

More than a dozen years after Desert Storm, Gulf War Illness’ biological factor still plagues veterans and their loved ones – a bitter harvest for the victorious forces and an ongoing tragedy for their loved ones.

Ill Wind – Desert Storm Blows Back with a Fury.

Veterans Exploited by Psychiatrists and Pharmaceutical Companies

An article with data from a Whistle-blower who condemns the drug-dominated Department of Veterans Affairs

The Psychiatric "Funnel System".

Scientology Axiom 9

Axiom 9: Change is the primary manifestation of time.

Whatever manifestations time has I think there is no argument that change is the primary one. It is actually hard to think of other manifestations and over the years man has always defined time in terms of change, e.g., the International System of Units defines a second as (simplified version) the duration of 9,192,631,770 vibrations of a certain wavelength of radiation. So they are using change to define time. Some philosophers have gone over the top on time probably because it is such a simple thing and they never figured out where it came from. Many philosophers seem to be rather adverse to the idea that something could have a simple explanation. Physicists seems to also be incapable of viewing time simply.

In Axioms 7, 8 and 9 time is fully defined and the simplicity of it is demonstrated.

Just as an aside I can think of one other major manifestation of time: persistence. Take a few minutes and see if you can think of any more.

Tom Cruise on Scientology

I just found this interview with Tom Cruise about his movie "The Last Samurai". The full interview is here: Cinema Confidential News. And here is the extract about Scientology:

"Q: [Your character’s arc in this film] seems like a search for inner piece. With your star status, have you been able to find that or are you still searching?"

"CRUISE: Oh, I've been able to find that, most definitely. It's well known that I'm a Scientologist, and that has helped me to find that inner peace in my life. [It’s] something that has given me great stability and tools that I use, and it's also something that's enabled me to help others in a way that I've always wanted to, something substantial. In Scientology, we have study technology that is applied and really enables a person to educate themselves so that they become literate. It rehabilitates educations. We have [programs] that rehabilitate criminals. It’s the most successful drug rehabilitation program in the world that's helped hundreds of thousands of people get off of drugs, live a drug free life, go back to society and actually have happiness and not feel that they have a disease. So, there are a lot of things in my life that have given me that inner peace, most definitely."

Scientology Axiom 8

Axiom 8: The apparency of time is the change of position of particles in space

Here is how we perceive time and how we perceive the fact that something is persisting (continuing to exist): Particles change their position. In fact this is how we measure time by the rhythmical or cyclical change of position of particles in space: The sun moving through the sky, the pendulum swinging back-and-forth, the hands of the clock ticking the hours away are the means we use to perceive time and the continuation of existence.

Have you ever been somewhere with little or no motion? Did it seem like there was no time, like every instant was an eternity? This is actually used as a form of punishment and torture: "solitary confinement", "sensory depravation". Although the torturer thinks it's only the lack of sensation that is the torture, the fact of no motion so that every instant seems like an eternity makes the lack of sensation much worse. To the victim it seems to be lasting days whereas to the rest of the world it is only a few hours. If the victim could cause motion, even if it were only in his own mind, then the torture would be less effective.

Scientology Axiom 7

Axiom 7: Time is basically a postulate that space and particles will persist.

(A reminder from an earlier post: a postulate is a causative thought. It's a thought that can cause something. It can create or change or destroy, start or change or stop.)

Time is sometimes looked upon as the 4th dimension. This is not correct. Objects exist in space which is a 3-dimensional manifestation and time is a postulate for them to continue in existence. It is a postulate that what is created will continue to exist.

If, in your mind, you create a sphere, it won't persist unless you decide it will. Your decision to make it persist is what causes it to persist. The physical universe is the same way. Life is either making the postulate or agreeing with the postulate that the material of the physical universe will continue to exist. And that is the only reason it is persisting.

Scientology Axiom 6

Axiom 6: Objects consist of grouped particles.

I don't think you'd argue about that. It is very obvious that, for example, the monitor you are looking at consists of grouped particles. It clearly has sections and different pieces but breaking it down further there are molecules and those are made up of atoms, and those are made up of protons, electrons and neutrons and those are made up of quarks and other sub-atomic particles and those are made up of ... etc., etc. So where does it all end? A particle could be described as a localized motion. The physical universe is made up of motion and really nothing else. You can go on finding motion within a physical universe object forever, but if you were to stop the motion you'd end up with nothing.

Whether it is valuable to keep on breaking particles down and down and down is a debatable point, but the axiom above isn't really debatable because it has been proven true so many times and in so many different fields.

Scientology Axiom 5

Axiom 5: Energy consists of postulated particles in space.

To create space (axiom 4) you have to also create something to delimit the space. That is, there has to be something to view at the edges of the space or there is no "viewpoint of dimension". That something to view is energy and it is created by the life static.

So energy is created at the same time space is created but energy can also be created by itself once there is space to put it in.

To demonstrate this, sit in the center of a room and put your attention on the two top corners of the room behind you. Now close your eyes and don't think of anything, just keep your attention on the two top back corners. After a few minutes you should feel relaxed.*

What you have done is to some degree created your own space (the dimensions between you and the back corners) and energy (the two back corners). So instead of relying on the automatic creation of the space of the universe (which we are all agreeing to) you are knowingly creating some of your own.

If you do this for several minutes everyday you will find it very relaxing and you will feel generally calmer.

*This exercise is given in more detail in the book "Scientology 8-8008"

Scientology Axiom 4

Axiom 4: Space is a viewpoint of dimension.

In one short sentence the basis of this universe is described. Probably a book could be written to explain this one, but I'll try in a few lines. Space is created by a life unit looking out from a point. A life unit (a static) assumes a viewpoint (a point from which to view) and then puts out points to view thus creating dimension and thus space. This is expanded upon in the Factors: Factors 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Scientology Axiom 3

Axiom 3: Space, energy, objects, form and time are the result of considerations made and/or agreed upon by the static and are perceived solely because the static considers that it can perceive them.

Now we're getting down to the meat and potatoes: Space, energy and the things that are formed from space and energy (objects and form) and time (that thing in which the objects and forms persist) are created by the static. Life creates these things.

What we see in this universe is the result of considerations (continuing postulates) made by life. Now personally I didn't create this universe, but I do agree that it exists, I agree with the considerations that created it.

This answers the issue I raised yesterday: Some would say that if you drop something living off a cliff, it still falls, so the idea that life is a causative agency is not true because it is subject to all the same physical universe laws as a rock.

From Axiom 3 we see that the static (life) agrees with the postulates that create the physical universe and its laws. Life takes part of the physical universe and animates it thus creating a life form. A life form consists of a physical universe component animated by life (the static). The static is agreeing that it's physical universe component is governed by the laws of the physical universe and so if you drop it off a cliff, that physical universe part falls. But the life component doesn't have to follow those laws.

Scientology Axioms - Axioms 1 & 2

Axioms of Scientology
Okay, so we've looked at Scientology Axioms 1 & 2 and perhaps they don't seem that impressive. So "Life" is something that can't be measured in terms of this universe and it has a creative ability, so what? Well, it's easy to underestimate data until it is evaluated. So let's take a closer look.

First of all let's look at a living thing compared to a non-living thing. We stand on a slope and we drop a rounded rock - What happens? Well, that's pretty obvious, it bounces down the slope. Okay, so now we stand on a slope and we drop a cat - What happens? Well, your guess is as good as mine. The cat runs up the slope or maybe down the slope or maybe along the slope or maybe it just sits there and cleans its whiskers.

The rock is not animated by life, so it has no ability to make a decision or cause something to happen (axiom 2).

The cat is animated by life and so it can make a decision and it can make something happen.

This is what many scientists miss, that life is the causative agency in this universe. The evolutionists have the idea that the goddess Fate decrees which species live and which die. What they miss is that evolution is a mechanism that life uses to produce organisms with a better chance of survival. Life causes the beaks of baby birds to lengthen when there is a drought because the next generation will need to dig deeper for grubs (an actual example from the Galapagos Islands).

Let's look at another example. If you point a camera at Charlize Theron and press the button then it takes a picture. It has no opinion on the matter, it just does what it's told. But what if you point a human being at her? Person A says, "Wow. She's the cutest thing I've ever seen. Let me take a hundred pictures." Person B says, "Pretty Girl. Sure I'll take her picture" Person C says, "I have so many pictures of blondes, I don't need another." Person D says, "I don't take pictures of the Hollywood A crowd. I prefer real people." Person E says, "Yuck! Who'd want to take her picture?"

Again we see that something not animated by life (the camera) has no opinion, it just does what it's told.

A human being is animated by life and therefore has an opinion and acts accordingly.

Now some amongst you will point out that if you drop a rock, a dog, a cat or Charlize Theron off a cliff, they will all fall and therefore this idea of causative ability is just an illusion. Well, where did the law of gravity come from and why do we obey it? Well stay tuned for Scientology Axiom 3 and all will be revealed.

Scientology Axiom 2

Axiom 2: The static is capable of considerations, postulates and opinions.

This thing called life can have ideas and thoughts, can cause things with its thoughts (see definition of postulate from yesterday) and can have opinions.

So life can do this, you say, so what. Well, you'll notice it says the static (i.e., life) can do this but it doesn't say anything else can. The roof over your head and the screen in front of your eyes are not capable of these things, only life is.

Scientology Axiom 1

Axiom 1: Life is basically a static.
DEFINITION: A life static has no mass, no motion, no wavelength, no location in space or in time. It has the ability to postulate and to perceive.

The force we call Life is not the same thing as matter, energy, space or time (the things that make up the physical universe). It is not definable or measurable in terms of the physical universe. However, it can create and cause things to happen (postulate) and it can perceive.

Postulate (noun): A postulate is a causative thought. It's a thought that can cause something. It can create or change or destroy, start or change or stop.

Postulate (verb): To make a postulate.

Scientology Axioms

The word "axiom" has several definitions. The most common is a proposition that is self-evident and therefore assumed to be true. However that is not the one used here. The definition of "axiom" in "Scientology Axioms" is "an established rule, principle, or law" or "a statement of natural law on the order of those of the physical sciences."

The Scientology Axioms are the basic truths of life and form the foundation upon which Dianetics and Scientology were built. In the next few weeks I will be examining these axioms in an attempt to communicate the fundamentals of Scientology.

Why is Scientology a religion?

From the Scientology FAQ:

Scientology meets all three criteria generally used by religious scholars when examining religions: (1) a belief in some Ultimate Reality, such as the Supreme Being or eternal truth that transcends the here and now of the secular world; (2) religious practices directed toward understanding, attaining or communicating with this Ultimate Reality; and (3) a community of believers who join together in pursuing the Ultimate Reality.

Scientology’s beliefs in an Ultimate Reality that transcends the material world include its concepts of the thetan, the spiritual world (the seventh dynamic) and the Supreme Being (the eighth dynamic). Scientology holds in common with all great religions the dream of peace on Earth and salvation for man. What is new about Scientology is that it offers a precise path for bringing about spiritual improvement in the here and now and a way to accomplish it with absolute certainty. The second element can be found in Scientology’s life-rite ceremonies such as naming, marriage and funeral services, but predominantly in the religious services of auditing and training, through which Scientologists increase their spiritual awareness and attain an understanding of the spiritual world and, ultimately, their relationship with the Supreme Being. As to the third element, a very vital community of believers can be found at any church of Scientology at almost any time of the day.

Scientology is thus a religion in the oldest sense of the word. Scientology helps man become more aware of God, more aware of his own spiritual nature and that of those around him. Scientology Scripture recognizes that there is an entire dynamic (urge or motivation in life) devoted to the Supreme Being (the eighth dynamic) and another dynamic that deals solely with one’s urge toward existence as a spirit (the seventh dynamic). Acknowledgment of these aspects of life is a traditional characteristic of religions.

What is Dianetics?

From the Scientology FAQ.

Dianetics spiritual healing technology can help alleviate such ailments as unwanted sensations and emotions, irrational fears and psychosomatic illnesses (illness caused or aggravated by mental stress). The word Dianetics comes from the Greek words dia, meaning through and nous, soul. The full and proper definition of Dianetics is what the soul is doing to the body through the mind.

Before L. Ron Hubbard published the fundamentals of Dianetics in 1950, prevailing scientific thought held that man’s mind was his brain, nothing more than a collection of cells and neurons. IQ was considered unimprovable and personality fixed.

Dianetics technology changed all that. Its effectiveness, astonishing in many cases, has been documented in a multitude of case histories over more than half a century of application.

Dianetics uncovers the source of unwanted sensations and emotions, accidents, injuries and psychosomatic illnesses, and sets forth effective handlings for these conditions. Further research into the spiritual aspects of Dianetics led to the discovery of Scientology.

Scientology, on the other hand, is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, to universes and to other life. Through the practice of Scientology one can increase his spiritual awareness and ability and realize his own immortality.

What is Scientology?

From the Scientology FAQ:

Scientology is a religion which recognizes that man is basically good and offers tools anyone can use to become happier and more able as a person and to improve conditions in life for himself and others, and to gain a profound understanding of the Supreme Being and his relationship to the Divine. Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology technology provides exact principles and a practical technology for improving spiritual awareness, self-confidence, intelligence and ability.

The word Scientology comes from the Latin word scio, meaning "know" and the Greek word logos, meaning "the word or outward form by which the inward thought is expressed and made known." Thus, Scientology means knowing about knowing.

Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these:

Man is an immortal spiritual being.

His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.

His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.

Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.

Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its principles and observing or experiencing the results.

The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for the individual

Another Search Engine of Directories about Scientology

Here is another search engine that gives you directories about Scientology. Just FYI a directory differs from a plain old search engine in that directories have been put together by people by checking out sites. This means that a directory doesn't contain a huge list of random links that the search engine robot has decided has something to do with the words you entered. A directory is a list of sites that have been checked out and found to actually have something to do with what you are looking for.

V8GO: Scientology

Interesting to see how a Christian intends to convert a Scientologist

I found this funny little page on the web site of a Christian Church in England. The writer doesn't seem to have the concept that a religion can be inclusive rather than exclusive (by "exclusive" I mean having the idea that one's religion is the only "right" one). In fact, a person can be a Scientologist and a member of any other religion, because Scientology doesn't conflict. Anyway, it's sort of cute: Scientology from a Christian's viewpoint.

Found My Home Town Church of Scientology On The Web

I was looking in the 999Washington DC directory, which has a link to an article about the opening of the Washington DC Church of Scientology on its front page. Anyway, I got curious and used their search engine to do a search for "Scientology" and a link to the website of my home town church came up: Church of Scientology of Sunderland. Sunderland is in the mighty North East of England.

The church is still in the same location, just off the High Street. Although I got into Scientology further south, I attended the Sunderland church after I moved back home in the early 1980's.

PS: Sunderland also has a great football team (that's "soccer" to you Americans): Sunderland AFC.

A directory of searches for Church of Scientology

This link is to a page on a search engine that gives you links to other search engines on the subject you are searching for - Does that make it a meta-search engine? Scientology at OnTheWeb UK.

Excellent Directory of Scientology Resources

It's amazing how many excellent Scientology directories there are. Here is another: Scientology at LinkSpider UK.

Scientology: French Links

My Italian friend also speaks French so she also sent me a page containing a directory of links to Scientology related sites that are in French. So here is where to go if you are French: Scientology

Scientology: Italian Links

A friend of mine who is Italian sent me a page that contains a directory of links to Scientology related sites that are themselves in Italian. So if you are Italian here is where you should go to find out about Scientology.

Scientology Directory

Here's a good directory of Scientology related stuff from LookSmart UK: Scientology

It contains a lot of good links. Highly informative if you want to find out more.

Great Article

Here's a great article about the naming of a street in LA after Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard. It also covers other recognitions he has received for his many accomplishments in improving the world for all mankind.

Interesting Site

In hunting around the net I've found some interesting sites, so I'm going to feature them, one per day.

The first is the web site of a The Calcioli Life Improvement Centre in England. Their motto is "Something CAN be done about it," and they help people who can answer "Yes" to any of these questions:

• Are you on an emotional roller coaster ride?
  
• Having trouble maintaining relationships?
  
• Lacking confidence?
  
• Has the spark gone out of your marriage?
  
• Low self-esteem?
  
• Having trouble with the kids?
  
• Things not going right at work?
  

Check out the site at www.calcioli.com/ and if you live in the south-east of England then you can visit them

Scientology
Dianetics

Scientology Life Improvement Courses

There are a series of courses that have been developed using basic Dianetics and Scientology that address many areas of life where people have difficulties. They cover relationships, marriage, children, money, personal integrity, ups and downs in life and more.

These are courses that can be done in a week or two, part-time. They all include practical use of what is covered so you can complete the course knowing how to successfully use what you have learned.

I highly recommend them all. I personally have done the following:

• Overcoming Ups and Downs in Life Course
  
• Personal Values and Integrity Course
  
• How to Improve Relationships with Others Course
  
• How to Improve Conditions in Life Course
  
• Starting a Successful Marriage Course
  
• How to Improve Your Marriage Course
  
• How to Be a Successful Parent Course
  
• How to Maintain a Successful Marriage Course
  
• Financial Success Course
  
• How to Make Work Easier Course
  
• The Dynamics of Money Course
  

Scientology Basics - The Eight Dynamics

In the development of Dianetics, L. Ron Hubbard discovered that the dynamic principle of existence was survival. It's as if at the beginning of time an order was given to life and that order was "Survive!" Survival however is not just a "looking out for number one" proposition. In his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" Mr. Hubbard explains how he determined that the urge toward survival was much more broad than merely an urge toward survival for self. He also determined what gets in the way of survival and how to overcome it.

In his further research which resulted in Scientology, Mr. Hubbard expanded the idea of the dynamics from the four covered by Dianetics into the eight dynamics of Scientology. Understanding the eight dynamics can help you in understanding your life, in understanding other people, in making decisions and much more.

Resources:

How the dynamic principle of existence was found: Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science - Chapter 2 (the entire book can be read online here: Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science)

Description of and practical use of The Eight Dynamics in The Scientology Handbook.

Scientology Basics - The Parts Of Man

For the purposes of understanding an area it is helpful to break it down into parts so they can be studied separately. In Scientology we break a human being down into 3 parts.

When you look at a person you see the most obvious part - the body. But, this is not actually the most important part. The next part is the mind. Now, notice I don't say the brain, which is just another piece of meat. The mind is something else entirely, you can read all about it here: The Mind. Finally the most important of the three parts is what we call in Scientology, the Thetan. So what is a thetan? It could be called an awareness of awareness unit, because it is aware of being aware. It is the controller of the mind and body. Or a simpler definition is that it's you.

Another way to think of it is that it's the Scientology word for soul or spirit. But it is a slightly different concept: In other religions people say "I have a soul" as if it is something other than you, in Scientology we say "I am a thetan," because it's what you are.

For more data read this page: The Parts of Man.

Read this book:
Scientology - The Fundamentals of Thought (in 15 languages)

On Amazon: Scientology - The Fundamentals of Thought

Scientology Basics - Knowledge, Control and Responsibility

When you were first learning to drive how was your control of the car? How willing were you to be the one in charge of the car? Your Control and Responsibility were low because you didn't know much about the car - your Knowledge was low. But as your knowledge increased you became more able to control the car and more willing to be responsible for it.

These three factors operate in a similar way to Affinity, Reality and Communication. Raise one and the other two will increase, decrease one and the other two will decrease. For example, let's say you are a very good driver, but you break your arm. While your arm is out of commission you are probably not going to be willing to drive your family around - you are not willing to take the responsibility, because your control is way down.

The principle is often referred to as the KRC Triangle and is covered in the book Scientology 0-8, the Book of Basics.

Scientology 0-8: The Book of Basics in 9 languages.

Scientology Basics - Affinity, Reality and Communication

The next basic of Scientology is the heart and soul of relationships, study, ability and a lot more.

Rather than tell you all about it, I'll direct you to where you can read about it online at Scientology Handbook - Affinity, Reality and Communication.

It is also covered in the book Fundamentals of Thought, which I gave you links to yesterday.

Scientology Basics - Cycle of Action

One method of finding fundamental principles of existence is by observing the physical universe, picking out recurring patterns and examining them to see if they lead to such principles. Several thousand years ago this method was used to isolate what we call in Scientology the Cycle of Action. It was first mentioned in the Vedic Hymns (I think the Hymn to the Dawn Child) and later expressed allegorically in Hinduism as the three gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and in Christianity as the Holy Trinity.

In Scientology we bypass the allegory and simply state that the Cycle of Action of the physical universe consists of Create, Survive and Destroy. This is very easy to observe: A child is conceived (create), he is born, grows and matures (survive), then at a certain age he stops growing and begins to survive less well eventually dying (destroy). Another example would be: a car is built (create), it is sold to a man who drives it for a few months (survive) then he crashes it into a wall and it goes to the wrecking yard (destroy).

You can see this cycle all over the universe, but what can you do with it? Well, an example would be if you were looking for a marriage partner. Ask yourself where they are on the cycle: Look at their belongings, their appearance, the effects they create on others, etc. Are these things in a creative state, a surviving state or a decaying state? What about their conversation? Are they creative and constructive in what they talk about? (Create.) Are they content with how things are, doubtful of change, preferring the status quo? (Survive.) Or do they find fault with others, criticizing, nit picking, talking behind their backs or offering "advice" that is really just veiled criticism? (Destroy.) Well, figure it out and avoid those who are in "destroy".

The cycle of action can be analyzed further in an extremely useful way that opens it up to even more practical use in life. This is fully covered in the book Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought by L. Ron Hubbard. Click the links below to check it out:

Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought by L. Ron Hubbard in 15 languages.

Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought by L. Ron Hubbard on Amazon.

Scientology Basics

My next few articles will cover some basic concepts of Scientology. All of these concepts can be tried out to test their workability. This is the essence of Scientology - workability. You don't have to believe anything in Scientology because you can try it out and see for yourself.

Government of The Church of Scientology

I've been reading quite a bit of history recently and have paid special attention to the various forms of government man has tried over the years and their results. Many historians agree that one of the most successful periods of history was during the reign of the "Five Good Emperors" of the Roman Empire. These emperors (except for the last one) chose their successors according to merit, that is they found the man they thought was the best for the job, had him work with them as a sort of apprentice emperor and then adopted him as their son so he could "succeed" them. This method of government is usually called a meritocracy, which is defined as a leader or group of leaders selected on the basis of individual ability or achievement.

How good a meritocracy is depends on the criteria used to determine merit and what methods and policies the individuals chosen decide to follow. For example, in the United States it is vaguely assumed that the populous will select the best man for the job based on his past record and how well he campaigns, so it is a sort of meritocracy with public relations ability as the main criterion. What methods the selected person uses to govern are determined to a large degree by the US constitution and existing law. This gives a certain continuity to the government and prevents radical changes from occurring during one President's term.

In the Church of Scientology we have a sort of constitutional meritocracy. Every job in a church has a method of measuring what the incumbent produces and this is used to tell how well or poorly a person is doing and promotion is very dependent on this. In addition to that the Church runs on policy set down by the founder L. Ron Hubbard.

So people in leadership positions within the Church of Scientology are selected by merit and follow the policies originated by Mr. Hubbard or based on fundamentals laid down by him. This is a very successful form of ecclesiastical government as demonstrated by the huge expansion of Scientology in the 18 years since Mr. Hubbard departed.

Study Technology

In the early 1960's L.Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, wanted to improve the training of Scientology practitioners so he began researching the field of study. He began by taking a correspondence course in photography and used this as his test case. His findings were then applied and refined and ended up as what is called "Study Technology" or "Study Tech".

Mr. Hubbard achieved his goal and Scientology training became extremely effective. It also became clear that this method of study could be applied to any subject. In order to help educators, trainers, parents, children and other concerned individuals, a secular organization called "Applied Scholastics" was formed with the mission "to provide effective education services and materials that help people learn how to learn and thereby work effectively to achieve their goals and realize their full potential."

The study method of Mr. Hubbard has proven so successful that it is now used in schools, corporations, universities and even entire countries all over the world.

The Scientology Code of Honor

The Code of Honor is an interesting concept. It is a code of ethical behavior. This is very different to a moral code because you can enforce a moral code but you can't enforce an ethical code. The moment you do you've destroyed it as an ethical code because the following of an ethical code is entirely up to the individual. This is fully explained on the Code of Honor site. Just go to the home page (Code of Honor), read it and click on the "next" link.

If many people followed this code, the world would be a much better place because "The only difference between paradise on Earth and hell on Earth is whether or not you believe your fellow man worthy of receiving from you the friendship and devotion called for in this Code of Honor."

Scientology and New Year Resolutions - Part 4 - Get Your Product

The penultimate step in making your New Year Resolutions become reality is summarized in the title of the third L. Ron Hubbard article of 7 Aug 1976: "To get you have to know how to organize."

You have to organize the things needed to help you achieve the resolution. So how do you organize? It is very well covered in a series of articles called the "Org Series" (org is short for organizing) which can be found in Management Series Volume 2. You can find some of these articles on line at Planning for the Future. The Scientology Handbook also contains a couple of chapters on organizing.

Firstly you need to have some idea of what actions are needed to get your product. For example, the resolution about weight that we used as an example in my article of Dec 30, 2003 requires that you know what is needed to get and maintain a healthy weight. That will require research and reading of the appropriate books (I recommend In Fitness and In Health by Dr. Phil Maffetone).

Now that you know what is needed you must arrange the actions you will need to do into a sensible sequence, including acquiring the resources you will need. In our example that would mean getting correct foods, recipes, exercise equipment, etc. and then listing out the steps needed in correct sequence (such as 1. Cut out all high-carbohydrate foods for two-weeks, etc.)

Now you must arrange your schedule so these actions will occur and then plan out where they are going to occur (when and where will you exercise, etc?)

Now that you know what you have to do, have the resources needed, have listed out what the actions are and when and where they will occur, you are ready for the final step in making your resolution become a reality ... DO IT!