Glossary of Scientology

This glossary presents Scientology terms which are used in Wikipedia or encountered regularly in media.

auditing
A counseling style of activity between two scientologists (an auditor and a preclear), usually involving the e-meter device.[1]: 295 
auditing session
The period of time during which one person is auditing another person. It might be for a few minutes or a few hours. Abbreviated 'session'.[2]: 31 [3][1]: 295 
auditor
The person operating an e-meter while asking questions of another scientologist (called the preclear).
blow
An unauthorized departure, such as leaving staff or the Sea Org or failing to return to course.[4]: 213 [5]: 187 
blow drill
A rapid deployment of personnel to search for, and recover, a staff member who has blown.[6]: 345 [7]: 204–5 
Bridge
The Bridge to Total Freedom (the Bridge) is also known as the Classification, Gradation and Awareness Chart. It is Scientology's primary action plan and road map to guide a person through the sequential steps to attain Scientology's concept of spiritual freedom.[8]: 134–135 [1]: 48, 296 
case
The collection of all the preclear's upsets and emotional baggage which auditing is trying to relieve.[2]: 60 [3]: 194-5 
case level
A preclear's case level is how far a preclear has advanced on the Bridge.
checksheet
A written series of steps a student must take to work through and complete a course.[9]: 119 
Church of Scientology
The conglomeration of corporations created by L. Ron Hubbard for Scientology.[8]: 131–2 
Classification, Gradation and Awareness Chart
See Bridge.
clear
1.  To clear someone means to audit them in order to remove their reactive mind.[8]: 46–8 
2.  The state of clear is the condition when someone no longer has a reactive mind.[10]: 184 
3.  A person is called a clear when they have achieved the state of clear.[1]: 296 
CMO
Common abbreviation for Commodore's Messenger Organization.[6]: 348 
comm course
Short for "communications course". The early name for a course teaching the training routines, also known as "comm course drills". Later, the name of the beginner's course teaching a light form of training routines to newcomers. Also called "TR course".[11]: 14–16 
comm ev
Abbreviation for committee of evidence.
committee of evidence
A tribunal style of disciplinary procedure for serious offences. Abbreviated 'comm ev'.[12]
course
A series of steps to learn an aspect of Scientology, written out in sequence on a checksheet. Involves reading and listening to Hubbard writings and lectures, practicing and drilling techniques, and being examined to ensure understanding. If a person is on course they are either actually in a courseroom right now, or they are enrolled on a course and routinely keep a schedule to be in the courseroom doing training.[9]: 119 
dead agenting
Providing negative information or propaganda about an enemy or critic. A dead agent pack or package is a compilation of documents designed to defame or ruin the reputation of an opponent. Used to discredit someone who has spoken out against Scientology, or held as "insurance" to deter someone from speaking out.[13][7]: 161 
dead filed
Status of a scientologist who communicated to the Church of Scientology in a nasty or harassing way. They are removed from mailing lists, and their letters and calls are discarded and not answered.[14]: 158 
declared
Status of someone formally labelled a suppressive person and expelled from the Church of Scientology.[6]: 350 
dev-t
Abbreviation of "developed traffic" which means communication in a business that is disruptive because it is not routed properly. Used as slang to mean any waste of time and effort, usually that is caused by someone.[15][16]: 149–50 
Dianetics
Created in 1950 by L. Ron Hubbard as a layman's mental therapy, and later incorporated into Scientology and further expanded. Abbreviated Dn.[1]: 298 
disconnection
The severing of ties between a scientologist in good standing and one who has been declared a suppressive person.[1]: 298 
Dn
Abbreviation for Dianetics.
dynamics
The drive for survival in life, divided into 8 subsections.[10]: 185 
E-Meter
Electronic device used as a tool in auditing. It is short for electropsychometer.[4]: 216 [6]: 351 
end phenomenon
Abbreviated "EP", it is what an auditor is looking for that indicates a process, session or rundown has been completed. The EP of a process might be that the preclear realizes something, is happy about it, and the e-meter is showing certain needle movements. The EP of a session might be that several processes have been performed, and the preclear is very happy about it so it is a good point to stop for the day. A rundown would have a specific EP, such as all auditing questions for the rundown have been asked, and the preclear has experienced some sort of realization such as saying they feel they could now communicate freely with anyone on any subject.[2]: 139 [3]: 199–200, 204 
EO
Abbreviation for ethics officer.
EP
Abbreviation for end phenomenon.
ethics
See ethics and justice codes.
ethics and justice codes
Codified rules and procedures for morals, ethics, and production. Ethics represents rules for an individual, and procedures for keeping oneself ethical. Justice represents punishment the group imposes on an individual for violations of the ethics codes.[1]: 298 
ethics officer
Staff member who is responsible to ensure all staff and members are correctly following procedures. Abbreviated EO. Compare master at arms.[6]: 352 
ethics report
Any one a number of reports written by a scientologist and sent to the ethics officer.[5]: 186, 306 
fair game
Retaliatory harassment against critics.[8]: 108–109 
fixed donation
The fixed price of a service at a Church of Scientology. Framed as "donation" to represent its status as a charitable deduction for income tax purposes in the US. The term is not a suggested donation; it is used in place of fee or price.[17]: 203 
floating needle
One of the needle actions of an E-Meter during auditing. It is described as "a rhythmic sweep of the dial at a slow, even pace...back and forth." It signifies a good point to end an auditing session, and the auditor tells the preclear, "your needle is floating". Abbreviated F/N.[3]
franchise
A franchise, now called a mission, was a privately owned business which audited people for money, paid 10% of their income to Scientology management as a fee, and sent their clients to the Churches of Scientology for higher level services. Prior to 1982 there were over 400 franchise owners, but in 1982 David Miscavige and his International Finance Police gutted the franchise network, seizing franchise bank accounts and declaring suppressive most of the franchise owners. By 1983 there were just 40 franchises remaining, now renamed as missions but operating as franchises paying 15% of their income as a fee.[18][5]: 137–139, 159 [1]: 95–97 
freeloader bill
If a Scientology staff member or Sea Org member breaks their contract and leaves staff, they are presented with a bill for all auditing and training services they received while on staff. In order to get back in good standing they must repay the bill.[5]: 340 
Freewinds
Scientology's cruise ship. The only location where Scientologists can do the OT VIII level.[19]
grade chart
See Bridge.
Galactic Confederacy
According to the origin myth from secret level OT III, it was a confederation of 76 planets, ruled over by evil dictator Xenu seventy-five million years ago.[8]: 103 
Gold Base
Alternative name for Int Base because it is the location of Golden Era Productions.[6]: 354 
Golden Era Productions
The audio visual production arm of Scientology, located at Int Base. It is where they make Scientology films, reproduce audio recordings of Hubbard's lectures, and assemble E-meters.[6]: 354 
HGB
Abbreviation for Hollywood Guaranty Building.[6]: 355 
high crime
A serious infraction under the ethics and justice codes.[9]: 146 [10]: 57 
Hole
The Hole is a detention building at Int Base that confined executives in the mid-2000s.[20]
Hubbard, L. Ron
The founder of Scientology and Dianetics. Abbreviated LRH.[6]: 358 
in-ethics
The state when you are producing well, and are not in trouble with the group.
Int Base
A 500-acre heavily guarded compound in California where Sea Org members live and work. Named "Int" because since 1979 it has housed all of the international management organizations and personnel. Used interchangeably with Gold Base.[6]: 354, 357 [1]: 80–81 
intensive
An "intensive" is a block of 12 1/2 hours purchased in advance by the preclear for auditing services. Auditing is to occur intensively so that the 12 1/2 hours is performed within one week.[3]: 191 [21][2]: 212 [16]: 284,517-8  At the end of each session, the hours and minutes used are written down on a form in the preclear's folder, deducted from the amount on account, and the balance is calculated.[22]
justice
See ethics and justice codes.
Keeping Scientology Working
The name of the #1 senior policy from Hubbard declaring that "Scientology is a deadly serious activity upon which the fate of all mankind depends" while all other activities and beliefs are a dangerous distraction. Abbreviated KSW, KSW1 and KSW #1.[6]: 358 
knowledge report
One of the types of ethics reports written by a scientologist and sent to the ethics officer. Abbreviated KR.[23]: 267–274 
KR
Abbreviation for knowledge report.
KSW
Abbreviation for Keeping Scientology Working.
L. Ron Hubbard
The founder of Scientology and Dianetics. Abbreviated LRH.[6]: 358 
LRH
Abbreviation for L. Ron Hubbard.
MAA
Abbreviation for master at arms.
master at arms
The Sea Org equivalent of an ethics officer. Abbreviated MAA.[6]: 359 
Miscavige, David
Since the death of L. Ron Hubbard, David Miscavige has been the leader of the Church of Scientology.
mission
See franchise.
missionaire
A Sea Org member temporarily designated as an authorized emissary and sent to another organization to accomplish a specific task.[16]: 335 
Narconon
Scientology techniques marketed since 1966 as a secular residential drug treatment program. It consists primarily of the Purification Rundown and TRs & Objectives (a level on the Bridge).[24]
Operating Thetan
A state achieved through Scientology auditing and above the level of clear on the Bridge. It is alleged to be a transcendental or supranatural state where a person has achieved "total freedom, complete knowingness, the meaning of life and death, and the meaning of the universe".[25]: 216 
org board
Organizational chart showing divisions, departments, posts and their functions.[10]: 186 
OT III
Also OT3 or the Wall of Fire. The level where the Xenu story is revealed.
OT levels
Levels on the Bridge above the level of clear.
OT VIII
Also OT8. The highest level on the Bridge, only available on the ship Freewinds. After completing the level, a person is alleged to have gained the abilities of "cause over life", essentially able to will things to happen.[19]
out-ethics
The state when you are unproductive, or are in trouble with the group.[10]: 31, 57, 186 
out-tech
When Scientology techniques are being misapplied.[10]: 186 
PC
Abbreviation for preclear.
potential trouble source
Status of someone connected to a suppressive person, or who is sick. May not receive auditing until they remedy this status. Abbreviated PTS.[4]: 220 
preclear
The person getting auditing. Abbreviated PC.[6]: 362 
process
A specific step in auditing. It may consist of repeatedly asking the preclear the same question (an auditing command) until there is no more upset on that question. Many processes are run during a single session.[2]: 316–7 [3]: 198 
PTS
Abbreviation for potential trouble source.
reactive mind
A stimulus-response portion of the mind, not under a person's control, which exerts commands on the person.[4]: 220 
Rehabilitation Project Force
More commonly referred to as "the RPF". A re-education camp consisting primarily of manual labor, lack of sleep, inadequate food and medical care, deprivation, humiliation, and isolation.[8]: 125–7 
Ron
First name of L. Ron Hubbard. Was commonly used in normal speech by early scientologists during Hubbard's lifetime; later scientologists tended to use the term LRH. Used still in the snowclone phrase "What would Ron do?"
Rondroid
From Ron "android". Coined as a derogatory term for a scientologist, indicating those with android-type characteristics such as blind obedience to Church of Scientology mandates, those who appear to have emotionless staring behaviors as learned by training routines, or those thought to have been brainwashed or hypnotized by auditing.[26][27]
RPF
Abbreviation and preferred usage for Rehabilitation Project Force.
rundown
A series of processes designed to handle a specific aspect of a case, such as communication, problems, or happiness. It may take many sessions to complete a rundown.[2]: 364 [5]: 98,356 
scientologist
1.  One who practices Scientology.
2.  A member of the Church of Scientology.
scientologist in good standing
A scientologist who is not in trouble with the Church of Scientology, and who is permitted to be on the premises and to receive services.[23]: 361 
Scientology
A set of beliefs and practices founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952.[4]: 221 
Sea Org
The top level of staff in the Church of Scientology network. Operates like a paramilitary organization. The Church of Scientology describes it as a "religious order made up of the most dedicated Scientologists in the world". Sea Org members sign billion-year contracts.[28][4]: 222 
sec check
Abbreviation for security check.
security check
Interrogations using an E-meter. Abbreviated 'sec check'.[1]: 303 
service
The two main services at a Church of Scientology are auditing and training.[9]: 4 
session
Abbreviation for auditing session.
SP
Abbreviation for suppressive person.
staff
Those who work for Church of Scientology organizations.
Standard Tech
Techniques and procedures when applied correctly and standardly.[10]: 187 
statistic
Abbreviated "stat" or "stats". The measure of production. Staff members are expected to produce more each week than the previous week, and stats are recorded and charted to measure their progress.[12]: 71 [16]: 499-500 
suppressive person
1.  A person who has committed high crimes and who has been expelled from the Church of Scientology.
2.  Someone considered evil, or an enemy of the Church of Scientology.[4]: 222–3 
Abbreviated SP.
Teegeeack
Earth, according to Hubbard's origin myth from OT III.[8]: 103 
theta
Life force, spirit, soul, thought.[7]: 313 [2]: 429 
thetan
One's immortal element; spirit; being.[10]: 187 
things that shouldn't be
One of the types of ethics reports written by a scientologist and sent to the ethics officer. Abbreviated TTSB.[23]: 267–274 
training
Courses of instruction in Scientology.[29]: 4–5 
training routines
Exercises or drills to teach someone aspects of communication, command and control of other people, and other skills required of a scientologist. Also called comm course drills, training drills and training regimen. Abbreviated "TRs"; pronounced tee-arz.[11]: 14–16 [2]: 445–7 
TTSB
Abbreviation for things that shouldn't be.
wog
The word "wog" is derogatorily used by scientologists to refer to unenlightened non-Scientologists. In 1953, L. Ron Hubbard started using the offensive British racial slur "wog" while wrongly asserting it was politely used during British Imperialism to refer to the locals and was short for "worthy oriental gentleman". In 1966, Hubbard further defined his use of "wog" in a lecture as "a common, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, garden-variety humanoid ... It's simply that he is a body – he is a body. When you get way downhill, you get a person who is a body; he isn't there as a spirit at all. ... He doesn't know he's there, you see?"[30][2]: 471 [5]: 77 
Xenu
Also spelled Xemu. According to the origin myth from secret level OT III, Xenu was an evil dictator of the Galactic Confederacy seventy-five million years ago who captured and transported billions of people to earth, dumped them in volcanos, and blew them up.[8]: 103 

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rinder, Mike (2022). A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 9781982185763.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Hubbard, L. Ron (1975). Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary. Church of Scientology. ISBN 0884040372. OL 5254386M.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Harley, Gail M.; Kieffer, John (2009). "The Development and Reality of Auditing". In Lewis, James R. (ed.). Scientology. Oxford University Press. pp. 183–206. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331493.003.0010. ISBN 9780199852321. OL 16943235M.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Scobee, Amy (2010). Scientology — Abuse at the Top. Scobee Publishing. ISBN 9780692008010.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Reitman, Janet (2011). Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 9780618883028. OL 24881847M.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Headley, Marc (2009). Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology. BFG Books. ISBN 9780982502204.
  7. ^ a b c Wright, Lawrence (2013). Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood and the Prison of Belief. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780307700667. OL 25424776M.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Urban, Hugh B. (2011). The Church of Scientology: A History of a New Religion. Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691146089.
  9. ^ a b c d Wallis, Roy (1977). The Road to Total Freedom: A Sociological Analysis of Scientology. Columbia University Press. ISBN 0231042000. OL 4596322M.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Lamont, Stewart (1986). Religion Inc. : The Church of Scientology. Harrap. ISBN 0245543341. OL 2080316M.
  11. ^ a b Atack, Jon (1990). A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetics and L. Ron Hubbard Exposed. Lyle Stuart Books. ISBN 081840499X. OL 9429654M.
  12. ^ a b Straus, Roger (Spring 1986). "Scientology "Ethics": Deviance, Identity and Social Control in a Cult-Like Social World". Symbolic Interaction. 9 (1). Wiley: 67–82. doi:10.1525/si.1986.9.1.67 – via JSTOR.
  13. ^ Weber, Gary. "Memoirs of an Ex-Guardian". Archived from the original on October 21, 2004. Info Bureau [of the Guardian's Office] had tons of files on people inside the Church as well as outside the Church. Whenever a "Dead Agent Package" was needed to discredit any foe of the Church it could easily be prepared with all these confidential files. At first I was shocked that the GO would use trusted or "sacred" personal files against our own people, but in the name of saving the planet it was justified.
  14. ^ Malko, George (1970). Scientology: The Now Religion. Delacorte Press. OL 5444962M.
  15. ^
  16. ^ a b c d Hubbard, L. Ron (1976). Modern Management Technology Defined: Hubbard dictionary of administration and management. Church of Scientology. ISBN 0884040402. OL 8192738M.
  17. ^ Swainson, Michelle (2017). "The Price of Freedom: Scientology and Neoliberalism". In Lewis, James R.; Hellesøy, Kjersti (eds.). Handbook of Scientology. Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion. Brill. ISBN 9789004330542.
  18. ^ Rigal-Cellard, Bernadette (2009). "Scientology Missions International (SMI): An Immutable Model of Technological Missionary Activity". In Lewis, James R. (ed.). Scientology. Oxford University Press. p. 326. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331493.003.0017. ISBN 9780199887118.
  19. ^ a b Tobin, Thomas C (December 31, 2009). "OT VIII". Tampa Bay Times.
  20. ^ Wright, Lawrence (February 14, 2011). "The Apostate : Paul Haggis vs. the Church of Scientology". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on May 6, 2015.
  21. ^ L. Ron Hubbard. "HCOB 31 May 1971R Standard 12 1/2 Hour Intensive Programs" (Document). Hubbard Communications Office.
  22. ^ "Invoice Form and Routing Forms" (Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin). Church of Scientology. November 12, 1987. The invoice does not go into the pc's auditing folder. The HGC Admin fills in the invoice details on a form called the Invoice Form which is stapled to the inside back cover of the pc folder. This form has columns for the date, invoice number, any special details, hours paid, hours used and balance on account.
  23. ^ a b c L. Ron Hubbard Library (2007). Introduction to Scientology Ethics. Bridge Publications. ISBN 9781403144904. OL 16702654M.
  24. ^ Das, Shanti (February 3, 2024). "'My mind had been shattered into a million pieces': inside the Scientology-linked UK rehab centre". The Guardian.
  25. ^ Flinn, Frank K (2009). "Scientology as Technological Buddhism". In Lewis, James R. (ed.). Scientology. Oxford University Press. pp. 209–224. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331493.003.0011. ISBN 9780199852321. OL 16943235M.
  26. ^ Corydon, Bent (1987). L. Ron Hubbard, Messiah or Madman?. Lyle Stuart. ISBN 0818404442.
  27. ^ Penny, Bob (1991). "A New Face of Evil". Understanding Scientology: The Demon Cult. ISBN 9780557109265 – via David Touretzky.
  28. ^ Cooper, Anderson (December 2, 2005). "Inside the Church of Scientology". Anderson Cooper 360°.
  29. ^ Westbrook, Donald A. (2017). "Researching Scientology and Scientologists in the United States: Methods and Conclusions". In Lewis, James R.; Hellesøy, Kjersti (eds.). Handbook of Scientology. Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion. Brill. ISBN 9789004330542.
  30. ^ Hubbard, L. Ron (November 29, 1966), Scientology Definitions I: OT and Clear Defined (lecture transcript), Saint Hill Special Briefing Course)