Operating Thetan

In Scientology, the state of Operating Thetan is a spiritual state above Clear. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, defined it as "knowing and willing cause over life, thought, matter, energy, space and time (MEST)."

Description

Scientology doctrine states that a person who has achieved the state of Operating Thetan is essentially a being able to operate free of the encumbrances of the material universe. This state is represented by a symbol consisting of the letters OT with the T inside the O and each of the points of the T ending at the O's circumference.

The secrets of attaining the Operating Thetan states are taught in a series of courses called "levels", numbered with Roman numerals and starting at OT I. Operating Thetan levels up to OT VIII have been released by the Church of Scientology. Hubbard claimed to have written OT levels up to OT XV.

After having removed one's own reactive mind and thus attaining the state of Clear, one may then go on to, amongst other things, remove one's Body Thetans (each of which has its own reactive mind) through Dianetic auditing. The levels above OT III were later replaced by New Era Dianetics for OTs (or NOTs L. Ron Hubbard wrote on September 15 1978: "There is a special handling for OTs who have been run on Dianetics since Clear. It is called 'NED for OTs'."

The Fishman Affidavit contains much text from the old versions of the Operating Thetan levels. The versions of OT I to OT VII in the Fishman Affidavit are considered authentic as the Church of Scientology has brought copyright lawsuits over their release on the Internet.

Note that the claimed OT VIII in Fishman, which refers to Jesus as "a lover of young men and boys", is not considered authentic — not only has the Church stated it is inauthentic and not brought suit over it, but ex-members who reached OT VIII have come forward and concurred. The Church claimed it as a copyright violation in the suit against Arnaldo Lerma, but later said this was an error. Fishman stated that he had obtained his copy of OT VIII from a different source than his copies of the other OT Levels, purchased from a fellow Scientologist.

Official descriptions of the Operating Thetan levels

The first fifteen OT levels, as described in official Church of Scientology literature are:

• OT I

"This Solo-audited level is the first step a Clear takes toward full OT abilities, and that first step is a fresh causative OT viewpoint of the MEST universe and other beings."

• OT II

"By confronting hidden areas of one's existence on the whole track, vast amounts of energy and attention are released. Those on this Solo-audited level experience a resurgence of self-determinism and native ability. OT II unlocks the aberrative factors on the whole track that have allowed the thetan to lose his innate freedom and ability and one achieves the ability to confront the whole track."

• OT III - "The Wall of Fire"

"This Solo-audited level takes on through what is called the "Wall of Fire" that surrounds a previously impenetrable whole track mystery. What prevents a being from being himself? This level answers that question. Once complete, a being is free of the whole track overwhelm that has trapped him. Here he confronts and eradicates the fourth dynamic engram that has plagued this universe for millennia."

• OT IV - OT Drug Rundown

"This level handles the hidden problems and stops in a being's universe caused by the effects of drugs and poisons on the whole track. This is the final polish that rids one of any last vestige of the effects of drugs on the spirit. Ministered at Advanced Organizations or Flag. Approximately 12 1/2 to 25 hours."

• OT V - New Era Dianetics for OTs

"The Second Wall of Fire consists of 26 separate rundowns and has been described as dealing with "living lightning, the very stuff of life itself." This level addresses the last aspects of one's case that can prevent him from achieving total freedom on all dynamics. An audited level ministered at Advanced Organizations or Flag. Approximately 50 hours."

• OT VI - Hubbard Solo New Era Dianetics for OTs (Solo NOTs) Auditing Course

"The training one receives before starting to solo audit on New OT VII is so powerful that it actually constitutes an entire OT level. On Solo NOTs one is dealing with complexities intended to crush one's true power and abilities as a thetan. Solo NOTs auditors acquire a wide range of auditing skills to handle the vast phenomena that can occur on OT VIII. Approximately 3-4 weeks with the new Solo Auditor Course done."

• OT VII - Hubbard Solo New Era Dianetics for OTs Auditing

"On New OT VII one solo audits at home daily. This is a lengthy level, requiring a considerable amount of time to complete. It is the final pre-OT level, and culminates in attainment of the state of CAUSE OVER LIFE."

• OT VIII - Truth Revealed

"This Solo-audited level addresses the primary cause of amnesia on the whole track and lets one see the truth of his own existence. This is the first actual OT level and brings about a resurgence of power and native abilities for the being himself. This may be done at the Flag Ship Service Organization only."

• OT IX - Orders of Magnitude

"Not yet released"

• OT X - Character

"Not yet released"

• OT XI - Operating

"Not yet released"

• OT XII - Future

"Not yet released"

• OT XIII - New Section XIII OT

"Not yet released"

• OT XIV - New Section XIV OT

"Not yet released"

• OT XV - New Section XV OT

"Not yet released"

See also

• Thetan
• Xenu
• Body thetan

External links

• The NOTs Scholars Home Page (Scientology) (David S. Touretzky)
• Ariane JACKSON answers about OT8 (Ariane Jackson)
• The complete Fishman papers