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In Scientology, the concept of the thetan (/ˈθeɪtən/) is similar to the concept of self, or the spirit or soul as found in several belief systems. The term is derived from the Greek letter Θ, theta, which in Scientology beliefs represents "the source of life, or life itself."[1] In Scientology it is believed that it is the thetan, not the central nervous system, which commands the body.[2]
Thetan has been described as:
- A "thetan is an immortal spiritual being; the human soul."[3]
- "The being who is the individual and who handles and lives in the body."[1]
- "A thetan is not a thing, a thetan is the creator of things."[1]
- A thetan is "the person himself—not his body or his name, the physical universe, his mind, or anything else; that which is aware of being aware; the identity which is the individual."[1]
The concept for the thetan was first described in the early 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, drawing on reports by Dianetics practitioners, who in session found clients came up with descriptions of past-life experiences. A thetan can be incarnated many times over lifetimes and does not cease to exist at body-death, nor go to a heaven or hell. An important goal in Scientology is to develop a greater awareness and higher levels of ability to operate in the physical universe as an Operating Thetan.
- ^ a b c d Hubbard (June 1975). Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary. Bridge Publications. p. 432. ISBN 0-88404-037-2.
- ^ "Nerve Assist – Assists for Illnesses and Injuries, How can Scientology help me". Scientologyhandbook.org. February 15, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ Official Glossary of Scientology & Dianetics Terms Archived November 12, 2005, at the Wayback Machine