How does Scientology explain the Reactive Mind and Engrams?

L. Ron Hubbard described the Reactive Mind as a collection of mental recordings (engrams) from moments of pain and unconsciousness in one's life. Initially, engrams were thought to originate from birth or prenatal experiences. Dianetics auditing aims to erase these engrams, believing that removing the earliest one on a 'chain' would eliminate subsequent ones.

What is Dianetics auditing and how does it differ from Scientology auditing?

Dianetics auditing started as a mental health endeavor in 1950, focused on recalling and erasing engrams from a person's current life. Scientology auditing, developed later, expanded this to include past lives, becoming a spiritual endeavor. Both involve one-on-one talk therapy, but Scientology auditing incorporates the use of an E-meter and the belief in immortal spiritual beings.

What is the Scientology 'E-meter' and how is it used?

The E-meter is a device that measures resistance to a small electrical current. Scientologists believe it directs auditing sessions by showing 'reads' on a needle, indicating when a topic has been resolved. Auditors use it to guide questions, digging into a person's memories (including past lives) until a 'floating needle' is achieved, signifying a satisfactory conclusion.

Who are the members of the Sea Organization (Sea Org) and what is their lifestyle like?

Sea Org members are the most dedicated Scientologists, who sign billion-year contracts. They live a communal, communist-like lifestyle, earning only $50 a week, with all housing and food provided by Scientology. They are not allowed to marry or have children with non-Sea Org members, and abortions are expected should pregnancies occur to maintain focus on their work.

How does the Church of Scientology control information and critical narratives?

Scientology controls information by discouraging members from reading anything critical of the organization, claiming such information is false unless experienced firsthand. They have historically attempted to edit platforms like Wikipedia to control their narrative. While these efforts were somewhat successful in the past, the scale of the internet now makes such control nearly impossible.

Who is David Miscavige and how did he become the leader of Scientology?

David Miscavige is the current leader of the Church of Scientology. He was not personally selected by L. Ron Hubbard but rose through the ranks of the Commodore's Messengers Organization. During Hubbard's seclusion, Miscavige orchestrated a slow aggregation of power by controlling information flow to Hubbard and eventually marginalized Hubbard's designated successors, Pat and Annie Broeker.

What are the Operating Thetan (OT) levels and what is the Xenu story?

The OT levels are the confidential, upper half of Scientology's 'Bridge to Total Freedom'. After achieving the 'State of Clear' (getting rid of the Reactive Mind), Scientologists learn they have tens of thousands of 'body thetans' (disembodied spirits) stuck to them. The Xenu story describes how 75 million years ago, a galactic dictator brought aliens to Earth, blew them up in volcanoes, and their spirits now cause problems for humans.

Does David Miscavige truly believe in Scientology's teachings, and the existence of unreleased OT levels?

Aaron Smith-Levin believes David Miscavige is a 'True Believer' in Scientology, but in a different way than regular members. Miscavige knows that L. Ron Hubbard did not complete the higher OT levels (OT 9-15) and that the fundamental promise of achieving full operating thetan is a lie. However, Miscavige may believe Hubbard simply failed to finish his work and potentially hoped for Hubbard's return to complete it.

What happened to Shelly Miscavige, David Miscavige's wife?

Shelly Miscavige, who was David Miscavige's assistant, displeased him and was reassigned to a confidential Scientology base in Twin Peaks, California, around 2006-2007. She has not been seen publicly with David Miscavige since. While considered 'missing' by some, Aaron Smith-Levin states that those who knew her confirmed she was in regular contact with family until around 2014 and was seen in a public place in 2019 or 2020.

How does Scientology 'destroy families' through its practices?

Scientology's policy of 'disconnection' forces members to cut ties with family or loved ones deemed suppressive or critical of the organization. This policy is described as the most costly and destructive aspect of Scientology, leading to immense suffering and the breaking apart of families. It is a key reason Aaron Smith-Levin classifies Scientology as a cult.

What is Scientology's stance on drugs and medications?

Scientology is strongly against most drugs, especially psychotropic medications like SSRIs, which they view as 'pure evil'. While some over-the-counter medications like Advil are generally tolerated, many Scientologists avoid them. This policy is linked to their belief that 'Big Pharma and Big Psych' control the population.

How does Scientology wield influence with government and local authorities?

Scientology primarily leverages its money through lobbyists and attorneys to influence courts and regulators. Locally, in places like Clearwater, Florida, they practice 'soft corruption' by hiring off-duty police at inflated rates and donating to non-profits tied to local officials. This creates allies and chilling effects on criticism, enabling them to receive advance warnings about investigations.

How do former Scientologists cope with their past and recover from the experience?

Aaron Smith-Levin describes his 'recovery' as finding happiness and success outside the closed bubble of Scientology, focusing on personal well-being and making his children happy. He maintains an emotional detachment, viewing past traumas as challenges to overcome, and actively debunks Scientology's narratives online to help others who might be trapped.

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Aaron Smith-Levin: Scientology | Lex Fridman Podcast #361

Lex Fridman

Science & Technology7 min read134 min video

Feb 25, 2023|3,132,367 views|30,945|4,560

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TL;DR

Former Scientologist Aaron Smith-Levin discusses Scientology's origins, practices, internal structure, and abuses in a detailed interview.

Key Insights

Scientology's core beliefs involve immortal spiritual beings (thetans) who have lost their innate power and can be restored through Scientology practices.

Dianetics, the precursor to Scientology, focused on clearing the 'reactive mind' of engrams (painful memories), while Scientology expanded this to potentially trillions of years, including past lives and alien encounters.

The Sea Organization is Scientology's elite, highly committed core group that operates on a communist-like lifestyle with minimal pay, signing billion-year contracts.

Auditing, a central practice, uses an 'e-meter' to supposedly detect and resolve painful mental engrams and engrammatic recordings, often involving past-life recall.

Scientology's upper levels reveal controversial narratives like the Xenu and body thetan story, which are kept confidential from most members.

David Miscavige, the current leader, is described as having usurped power and leading Scientology with increasing control and alleged abuses, while former members like Aaron Smith-Levin actively work to expose these issues.

THE FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS OF SCIENTOLOGY

Scientology posits that humans are immortal spiritual beings called thetans, possessing native god-like potential. Through past decisions, thetans have fallen from this state, becoming unaware of their true nature and trapped in physical bodies and the material universe. Scientology offers a path to restore thetans to their original power, believing it's the only way to achieve this restoration. This core belief system addresses the nature of existence, the limitations of the human mind and spirit, and a method for overcoming these limitations.

DIANETICS AND THE EVOLUTION OF SCIENTOLOGY'S PRACTICES

Dianetics, the precursor to Scientology developed by L. Ron Hubbard, focused on mental health through 'auditing' to remove engrams, which are mental recordings of painful or unconscious moments. Initially, the earliest engram was believed to be birth, with potential prenatal engrams. Scientology expanded this concept dramatically, introducing the idea of thetans and the possibility of engrams dating back trillions of years, even before the origin of the universe or across other universes. This shift transformed the practice from a mental science to a spiritual endeavor.

THE SEA ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Sea Organization (Sea Org) is Scientology's dedicated core group, often signing billion-year contracts and living a communal, communist-like lifestyle with minimal personal pay ($50/week for most). Members forgo outside lives, property ownership, and often family connections. Sea Org members manage all levels of Scientology's administration, from international to local operations, functioning much like a business with departments for Human Resources, sales, and operations, though their 'operations' involve delivering auditing and courses.

AUDITING AND THE ROLE OF THE E-METER

Auditing is Scientology's central practice, a form of one-on-one counseling designed to address and resolve engrams. It employs an 'e-meter,' a device that measures electrical resistance, which Scientologists believe can direct the auditing process and indicate satisfactory conclusions. The auditor asks questions, and the e-meter's needle response, along with the pre-clear's reactions, guides the session. Auditors are trained to ensure sessions end positively, and the process can delve into past lives, referred to as 'going whole track,' to uncover and resolve issues.

CONTROVERSIAL UPPER LEVELS AND THE XENU STORY

Beyond the state of 'Clear,' which signifies the removal of the reactive mind, come the upper, confidential 'Operating Thetan' (OT) levels. These levels reveal more esoteric and controversial narratives, such as the story of Xenu, a galactic dictator from 75 million years ago who allegedly brought billions of souls to Earth, froze them, and destroyed them with hydrogen bombs. The disembodied spirits, called body thetans (BTs), are said to attach to humans and cause problems. Auditing on these upper levels aims to remove these BTs and exteriorize the thetan from the body.

LEADERSHIP, CONTROL, AND ABUSES

David Miscavige, the current leader, is described as having usurped power after L. Ron Hubbard's death. His leadership is characterized by significant control, alleged physical assaults on members, and severe disconnection policies that break apart families. Scientology's practices are criticized for their authoritarian nature, information control, and exorbitant costs, leading many to question its legitimacy and health. The organization is also accused of using propaganda, surveilling critics, and employing 'soft corruption' through legal and lobbying efforts to influence government agencies.

THE DYNAMICS OF SURVIVAL AND ETHICS

A core principle in Scientology is survival, broken down into eight 'Dynamics' that encompass self-preservation, family, groups, humankind, life forms, the physical universe, spirituality, and infinity. All life is seen as striving for survival. Ethics within Scientology are defined as being pro-survival, while unethical actions are counter-survival. This framework suggests that anything beneficial to Scientology itself is, by extension, beneficial to all Dynamics, which can lead to the 'ends justify the means' mentality seen in its implementation.

THE ROLE OF BELIEF VS. APPLICATION

Scientology emphasizes the application of its technologies rather than blind belief. It's argued that the effectiveness of auditing is empirically verifiable through the participant's experience of improvement. However, this is often framed as unfalsifiable, as any failure is attributed to incorrect application of the 'Standard Tech.' This creates a closed loop where doubt is dismissed as a failure of the individual to apply the doctrines correctly, preventing genuine crises of faith for many within the organization.

CHALLENGES IN ACHIEVING SUPREME BEING STATUS

While Scientology acknowledges the concept of a Supreme Being as the Eighth Dynamic, it technically doesn't dictate beliefs. However, the system's core tenets, focusing on thetans as creators and the physical universe as a construct, inherently conflict with traditional monotheistic understandings of God. Scientologists are often told they can be Christian and Scientologist, but this is seen as a PR tactic, as the beliefs—like past lives and multiple universes—are incompatible with Christianity. The idea of a single Supreme Being creating all 'Thetas' is not how most understand God.

THE STATUS OF DAVID MISCAVIGE AND L. RON HUBBARD'S LEGACY

David Miscavige, now the de facto leader, is believed by many former high-ranking members to have usurped power. While possibly a 'true believer' in Scientology's core principles, he is also seen as aware that L. Ron Hubbard never completed the highest OT levels, meaning the ultimate promise of Scientology may be a lie. Miscavige's leadership is marked by alleged cruelty and a consolidation of power, especially after Scientology regained tax-exempt status in 1993, leading to scrutiny about his motivations and the organization's practices.

THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING SHELLEY MISCAVIGE

Shelley Miscavige, David Miscavige's wife and former assistant, has been largely absent from public view since around 2006-2007. While her disappearance has fueled speculation and concern, it's understood within Scientology that she was reassigned to a confidential base and no longer holds her previous post. This absence is interpreted by some as evidence of her being 'missing' in a troubling way, while others maintain she is still active within the organization, simply not in her former role, highlighting the intense secrecy and control within Scientology.

THE FIGHT AGAINST INFORMATION CONTROL

Historically, Scientology has actively tried to control information about itself, including editing Wikipedia and creating websites to discredit critics. However, with the rise of the internet and platforms like YouTube, this control has become increasingly difficult. Aaron Smith-Levin's prolific YouTube channel, posting daily, aims to provide a non-stop flow of fair and balanced information, countering Scientology's narrative. This transparency is seen as a powerful tool against the organization's historical secrecy and attempts to shape public perception.

PERSONAL INTERVENTIONS AND THE AFTERMATH FOUNDATION

Aaron Smith-Levin, a former Scientologist, now runs the 'Growing Up In Scientology' YouTube channel and is Vice President of the Aftermath Foundation. This organization, inspired by public support following the 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath' show, helps people escape Scientology and rebuild their lives. The foundation has been highly successful in assisting individuals from all levels of the organization, demonstrating a tangible effort to counteract the negative impacts of Scientology.

THE IMPACT OF DISCONNECTION AND FAMILY SEPARATION

A deeply destructive policy of Scientology is 'disconnection,' which requires members to sever ties with anyone declared 'Suppressive Person' (SP), including family members. Aaron Smith-Levin experienced this firsthand, leading to tragic outcomes including estrangement from family and the loss of his twin brother, which he attributes directly to the Scientology environment. This practice of deliberately breaking family bonds is highlighted as a key reason why Scientology is classified as a destructive cult.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BECOME SCIENTOLOGY PROOF

For individuals who have left Scientology, particularly those who have been severely impacted, recovery is a profound process. Aaron Smith-Levin describes a lack of fear towards Scientology's threats, attributing it to seeing behind the curtain and realizing the organization's limitations. The extensive efforts by the Church of Scientology to target and discredit former members, like Aaron, Mike Rinder, and Mark Headley, have inadvertently created individuals who are 'Scientology-proof' – deeply aware of the organization's tactics and resilient to its pressures.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Organizations

●Books

●Drugs & Medications

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

Scientology is a belief system created by L. Ron Hubbard that posits individuals are immortal spiritual beings called thetans, possessing god-like potential. Through various decisions, thetans have 'fallen' from this native state and are trapped in physical bodies and the physical universe, unaware of their true power. Scientology claims to restore a thetan to its native state through its practices.

Topics

Mental Health & Psychology Mindset & Self-Improvement Society & Philosophy Organizational Behavior Information Control Spiritual Beliefs Personal Accounts Family Separation

Mentioned in this video

People

L. Ron Hubbard

The founder of Scientology and Dianetics, who Scientologists believe laid out the path to spiritual freedom.

Adolf Hitler

German dictator mentioned as a charismatic leader who influenced millions and caused immense suffering, despite caricatures.

Joe Rogan

Podcast host mentioned as an example of someone who cannot be 'canceled' due to the vast amount of authentic content he puts out, making misrepresentation difficult.

John Sweeney

A BBC journalist who questioned Mike Rinder about David Miscavige's alleged assaults, which led to Rinder's realization about his loyalty.

Marty Byrde

The main character from the TV show 'Ozark', admired for his emotional detachment and ability to make rational decisions amidst crumbling circumstances.

Joe Burdette

A paid lobbyist for Scientology and a best friend of former Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, contributing to Scientology's influence.

Sigmund Freud

A psychologist credited by L. Ron Hubbard in the early days of Dianetics for some of the foundational ideas.

David Miscavige

The current leader of the Church of Scientology, who rose to power after L. Ron Hubbard's death, known for his authoritarian style.

George Orwell

Author of 'Animal Farm', used in comparison to the rhetoric and reality within Scientology.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

An American essayist and poet whose words on overcoming the past are quoted at the end of the podcast.

Mark Headley

A former Scientologist who escaped the international base on a motorcycle, co-host of 'Three Amigos' with Aaron Smith-Levin and Mike Rinder.

Kim Jong-un

The current supreme leader of North Korea, used as an example of a leader who receives deep, manipulated love from his citizens.

Tom Cruise

A prominent celebrity Scientologist, whose life and staff are largely controlled by David Miscavige and Scientology.

Leah Remini

A former Scientologist and actress known for her activism and critical documentary series on Scientology.

Shelly Miscavige

Wife of David Miscavige, who was reassigned to a confidential Scientology base around 2006-2007 and hasn't been seen publicly with him since, leading to speculation about her disappearance.

Frank Hibbard

The former mayor of Clearwater, Florida, whose ties to Scientology-funded non-profits create a 'chilling effect'.

Joseph Stalin

Soviet dictator whose rise to power and control of information is compared to David Miscavige's actions in Scientology.

Mike Rinder

A former high-ranking executive in Scientology and Sea Org member, co-host of 'Scientology and the Aftermath' with Leah Remini. He was assaulted multiple times by David Miscavige and eventually left Scientology.

Greta Van Susteren

A high-level, long-term Scientologist and American television news anchor and legal analyst, mentioned for her influence.

Lisa McPherson

A Scientologist who died under controversial circumstances while in the care of the Church of Scientology, a key case for critics.

Drugs & Medications

Advil

An over-the-counter medication that Scientologists are generally permitted to take, in contrast to psychotropic drugs.

SSRIs

A class of psychotropic drugs considered by Scientology to be among the closest things to 'pure evil'.

Organizations

Wikipedia

An online encyclopedia that Scientology middle management attempted to edit and control the narrative on, leading to IP address blocks.

Aftermath Foundation

An organization co-run by Aaron Smith-Levin, dedicated to helping people escape from Scientology and rebuild their lives.

Gracie Barra Clearwater

A specific Jiu Jitsu gym whose community is praised for its loving and helpful environment.

Church of Spiritual Technology

A secretive Scientology base in Twin Peaks, California, where Shelly Miscavige is reportedly working.

Concepts

Achieving Native State

In Scientology, this refers to achieving one's original god-like potential, also known as reaching a 'full Operating Thetan' state.

Body Thetans

Disembodied spirits, resulting from Xenu's massacre 75 million years ago, that attach to human bodies and their own reactive minds are believed to cause problems.

Jiu-Jitsu

A martial art mentioned as an example of a close-knit tribe or community that lacks the negative toxicity found in cults like Scientology.

Reactive Mind

A concept by L. Ron Hubbard describing a collection of mental recordings of painful and unconscious moments in a person's life, believed to negatively influence behavior.

North Korean propaganda

Referenced to illustrate how manipulation and fear can lead people to deeply love a leader, even when their objective reality is grim.

Engrams

Mental recordings of moments of pain and unconsciousness, according to L. Ron Hubbard, that Dianetics auditing aims to erase.

State of Clear

A state in Scientology where an individual is said to have gotten rid of their Reactive Mind, a prerequisite for advancing to OT levels.

OT Levels

The upper, confidential levels of Scientology's Bridge to Total Freedom, where Scientologists learn about Xenu and body thetans and engage in self-auditing to resolve these issues.

Locations

Twin Peaks, California

Location of a confidential Scientology base where Shelly Miscavige was reportedly reassigned.

Clearwater, Florida

A city where Scientology hires local police for off-duty work and has deep community integration, leading to 'soft corruption'.

North Korea

Mentioned as an example of an authoritarian regime where citizens are manipulated to love their leader through fear and propaganda.

Media

The Matrix

A film referenced to explain how Scientologists view the world outside their organization as a 'slave-state' from which they have been 'unplugged'.

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

A television show that led to an outpouring of support for former Scientologists, prompting the creation of the Aftermath Foundation.

Ozark

A television show about a family involved in money laundering, whose main character's stoicism in the face of impossible options is compared to Smith-Levin's own coping mechanism.

Software & Apps

E-meter

A device used in Scientology auditing that measures electrical resistance, which Scientologists believe indicates mental and spiritual states during a session.

Books

Dianetics

L. Ron Hubbard's 1950 work on mental health, proposing the concept of the Reactive Mind and engrams. It predated Scientology's spiritual endeavor.

Animal Farm

A book by George Orwell which describes a communist experiment where the lives of animals worsen while the ruling pigs claim things are getting better, compared to aspects of Scientology.

A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology

Mike Rinder's memoir detailing his life within Scientology and his eventual departure.

Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology

Mark Headley's book detailing his escape from the international base of Scientology.