Dianetics, a system of thought and practice developed by L. Ron Hubbard, presents itself as a path to improved mental and spiritual well-being. At its core, Dianetics proposes that the mind is comprised of two parts: the analytical mind, which is rational and thinking, and the reactive mind, which stores painful experiences and involuntary reactions. The central tenet of Dianetics is the concept of the “engram,” a mental image picture containing the perception of pain or unconsciousness at a time of stress, which is then imprinted on the reactive mind. These engrams, according to Dianetics, are the source of unwanted emotions, irrational behavior, psychosomatic illnesses, and other mental and physical ailments.
The ultimate goal of Dianetics is to achieve a state of “Clear,” a condition where the reactive mind is free from these engrams. This is purportedly achieved through a process called auditing, a one-on-one counseling session where a person, guided by an auditor, confronts and addresses painful past experiences. By recalling and re-experiencing these incidents in a safe and controlled environment, the individual is said to release the charge of the engrams, thus freeing themselves from their negative effects. Dianetics offers a detailed philosophy and a structured approach to achieving this state of mental liberation.
The Core Concepts of Dianetics
Dianetics delves into the nature of the mind and consciousness, proposing a framework for understanding human behavior and distress. Hubbard’s work outlines specific components of the mind and their perceived functions, laying the groundwork for his therapeutic system.
The Analytical and Reactive Minds
Hubbard distinguishes between two primary aspects of the mind: the analytical mind and the reactive mind.
The Analytical Mind
The analytical mind is described as the rational, thinking part of the mind. It is responsible for logic, reason, memory recall, calculation, and general consciousness. This is the part of the mind that we consciously engage with when solving problems, learning, or making decisions. It operates when one is awake, aware, and functioning normally. The analytical mind processes information, categorizes experiences, and forms conclusions based on logical reasoning. In the Dianetic framework, the analytical mind is considered the higher functioning aspect, capable of clarity and control.
The Reactive Mind
The reactive mind, in contrast, is depicted as a more primitive and involuntary part of the mind. It is not under conscious control and operates on a stimulus-response basis. The reactive mind is believed to store painful or traumatic experiences, referred to as engrams, as well as painful physical sensations and unconsciousness. These engrams are not subject to rational thought or reason; they are simply recorded. When a similar situation arises, the reactive mind can be triggered by the associated engram, leading to irrational behavior, unwanted emotions, fear, anger, or even physical discomfort, without the analytical mind being able to discern the root cause or rationally override the response. It is seen as a repository of painful moments and the source of many of life’s difficulties.
Engrams and Their Impact
The concept of the engram is central to Dianetic theory. These are not merely memories but rather complete recordings of a painful or traumatic experience.
What is an Engram?
An engram is defined as a mental image picture of a moment of pain and unconsciousness. It contains all the perceptions (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, pain, emotion) that occurred during the incident. Crucially, the engram is not stored in the analytical mind but in the reactive mind. During the traumatic event, the analytical mind may have been shut down due to unconsciousness or extreme pain, leaving the reactive mind to record the experience in its entirety, without rational processing. This recording is believed to be a perfect snapshot of that painful moment, including the physical sensations and emotional states experienced.
The Influence of Engrams
According to Dianetics, engrams exert a powerful, unconscious influence on a person’s life. They are the root cause of a wide range of problems, including:
- Unwanted Emotions: Fear, anger, sadness, and other negative emotions can be triggered by the recall of engrams, even if the individual is unaware of the original incident.
- Irrational Behavior: Individuals may find themselves acting in ways they don’t understand or can’t control, driven by the impulses stored within their engrams.
- Psychosomatic Illnesses: Dianetics posits that many physical ailments have their origin in engrams, where the stress and pain recorded in the reactive mind manifest as physical symptoms. This includes chronic pain, allergies, and other bodily dysfunctions.
- Mental Distress: Anxiety, depression, phobias, and other forms of mental suffering are attributed to the burden of unaddressed engrams.
- Lack of Full Potential: The presence of engrams is seen as a barrier to achieving one’s full capabilities and happiness.
Dianetics proposes that by addressing and neutralizing these engrams, individuals can overcome these limitations and achieve a higher state of being.
Auditing: The Dianetic Process
Auditing is the practical application of Dianetic principles. It is a form of spiritual counseling designed to locate and neutralize engrams, thereby freeing the individual from their negative effects.
The Role of the Auditor
The auditor is a trained practitioner of Dianetics who guides the individual, known as the preclear, through the auditing process. The auditor’s role is not to interpret, analyze, or offer advice. Instead, they act as a facilitator, using specific techniques to help the preclear recall and confront their engrams. The auditor maintains a neutral, non-judgmental stance, creating a safe space for the preclear to explore their past experiences. Their primary tool is a set of carefully crafted questions and commands designed to lead the preclear deeper into their reactive mind.
The E-Meter
A key tool used in Dianetics auditing is the E-meter (Electropsychometer). This device measures minute changes in the electrical resistance of the body. In Dianetics, these changes are interpreted as indicators of mental energy or the presence of “charge” associated with engrams. When a preclear is being audited, they hold two metallic cylinders connected to the E-meter. As the auditor asks questions or gives commands, the E-meter’s readings are observed. A significant change in the reading is believed to indicate that the preclear is in communication with or confronting an engram. The E-meter acts as a guide for the auditor, helping them identify areas of the reactive mind that require attention.
The Auditing Session
A typical Dianetic auditing session involves the auditor and preclear sitting opposite each other. The preclear is encouraged to recall and recount experiences from their past, focusing on moments of pain or trauma. The auditor uses specific commands, such as “Recall a time when you felt like this,” or “Go back to the time of the pain,” to guide the preclear. The preclear is not forced to confront anything they are not ready for, and the process is designed to be gradual. The goal is to bring the engram into consciousness, allowing the preclear to re-experience it from a safe distance, thereby reducing its emotional and physical impact. As the engram is processed and its “charge” is released, the preclear is said to experience relief and increased clarity. This process is repeated across numerous sessions, with the aim of clearing progressively deeper levels of the reactive mind.
The State of Clear
The ultimate objective of Dianetics is to achieve the state of “Clear.” This is a significant milestone in the Dianetic path, representing a state of improved mental and spiritual well-being.
Characteristics of a Clear
A Clear, according to Dianetics, is an individual who has been fully audited and is free from their reactive mind. This means that they no longer carry the burden of engrams and their associated negative impacts. The characteristics of a Clear are described as follows:
- Freedom from Past Trauma: Clears are free from the unconscious influence of past painful experiences. They do not suffer from irrational fears, unwanted emotions, or psychosomatic illnesses stemming from engrams.
- Enhanced Rationality: With the reactive mind neutralized, the analytical mind is free to function at its full potential. Clears are characterized by increased rationality, logic, and problem-solving abilities.
- Improved Well-being: They experience greater happiness, vitality, and zest for life. Their relationships tend to improve, and they are more capable of achieving their goals.
- No Psychosomatic Ailments: Clears are free from physical ailments caused by the reactive mind.
- Self-Determinism: They are considered to be in control of their own lives, free from the compulsions and irrationalities previously dictated by the reactive mind.
Achieving the state of Clear is presented as a profound transformation, allowing individuals to live a life free from the limitations imposed by their own subconscious.
Beyond Clear
While Clear is a significant achievement, Dianetics is a stepping stone to further spiritual development within the broader framework of Scientology, another subject created by L. Ron Hubbard. Dianetics focuses on freeing the mind from the limitations of the reactive mind. However, it is understood that even a Clear may still possess certain abilities or spiritual potentials that can be further explored and enhanced. Thus, Dianetics serves as a foundational practice, paving the way for individuals to engage with higher levels of spiritual understanding and capability.