The Truth About Scientology: Basic Principles and Auditing

This article is the second in a series exposing the truth about Scientology. If you haven't already read the first article, which talks about the aims of Scientology and what the word 'Scientology' actually means, you can read it here.

This article will focus on some basic Scientology principles, as well as the central practice of Scientology - auditing, or spiritual counseling.

Basic Scientology Principles - The Eight Dynamics

One of the basic principles in Scientology is the Eight Dynamics of life. According to Scientology.org, "The basic command followed by all life, "Survive!" is subdivided into eight dynamics (dynamic meaning urge, drive or impulse). All activities in one's varied life can be inspected, understood and harmonized with all others to increase survival."

To find out what the eight dynamics are, click here.

One of the goals of Scientology is to help a person realize and extend the influence they have across all of the dynamics. Suddenly life stops being just about you, or just about you, your family and friends. Suddenly "the guy over there who doesn't have anything to do with me" has something to do with you, and you might even find yourself trying to - gasp! - help him.

The ARC Triangle

ARC stands for Affinity, Reality, and Communication. Together, these form an interdependent triangle that adds up to understanding.

Let's break this down. Affinity is your degree of liking, or lack thereof, for something. If you're angry at someone, for example, you obviously don't have much affinity for them. On the other hand, if you love someone, your affinity for them is high. Maybe you can think of teachers you've had varying degrees of affinity for.

Reality is your level of agreement with someone else. If you're trying to have a conversation with someone about music, and you love classical music, which they hate, you don't have much reality on the subject, and it may be hard to communicate.

As for communication, you probably know what that is - the exchange of thoughts, ideas, information, between people.

One of the basic principles in Scientology is the Eight Dynamics of life.