The state of "Clear" is one of the most significant milestones on the Bridge to Total Freedom in Scientology. It represents a state of spiritual and mental clarity where an individual is said to be free from the effects of the "reactive mind"—the part of the mind that stores traumatic memories, or "engrams," which negatively influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Achieving Clear is considered a pivotal step on the path to spiritual enlightenment, as it signifies a fundamental transformation in a person’s mental state. This article explores what it means to be Clear, the process of reaching this state, the significance for Scientologists, and some controversies surrounding the concept.
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1. What is the State of Clear?
In Scientology, Clear is defined as a state in which an individual no longer has a reactive mind. The reactive mind is believed to be the source of irrational behavior, fears, insecurities, and psychosomatic illnesses. It operates below the level of conscious awareness, recording painful or traumatic experiences as engrams, which can be triggered by similar events in the present, causing negative emotions or physical symptoms.
A person who reaches the state of Clear is said to have eliminated the reactive mind’s influence, achieving a higher level of personal freedom, self-awareness, and emotional stability. Scientologists believe that Clears are more capable, rational, and happy because they are no longer weighed down by the negative effects of past traumas.
2. The Characteristics of a Clear
According to Scientology teachings, a person who has attained the state of Clear exhibits several key characteristics:
Freedom from Reactive Thought: Clears no longer experience irrational fears, compulsions, or unwanted emotions caused by the reactive mind. They can respond to situations based on rational thought rather than automatic reactions linked to past traumas.
Improved Mental Clarity: Without the interference of the reactive mind, a Clear is said to possess greater mental clarity, allowing them to think more clearly, solve problems more effectively, and make better decisions.
Emotional Stability: Clears are believed to have better control over their emotions, experiencing fewer mood swings and being less affected by external stresses.
Increased Vitality and Well-being: The elimination of engrams is thought to lead to improved physical health, greater energy, and a more positive outlook on life.
Higher Awareness: As a Clear, the person is considered to have a heightened sense of awareness and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
3. The Process of Becoming Clear
Reaching the state of Clear requires a series of auditing sessions, a central practice in Scientology where a trained auditor helps the individual, known as a "preclear," to identify and address engrams. The auditing process involves the use of the E-Meter, a device that measures changes in skin resistance believed to indicate spiritual distress or "charge" associated with engrams.
A. Steps in the Auditing Process
Identifying Engrams: The auditor asks specific questions to help the preclear recall incidents from their past that might be stored as engrams in the reactive mind. The E-Meter is used to detect changes in the preclear’s emotional state, guiding the session toward areas with unresolved charge.
Revisiting and Addressing Past Incidents: Once an engram is identified, the preclear is encouraged to re-experience the event multiple times, in detail, until the emotional charge associated with it diminishes or disappears. This process is known as "running" an engram.
Measuring Progress with the E-Meter: The auditor continues to use the E-Meter to assess whether the charge associated with the engram has been reduced. A "floating needle" on the E-Meter indicates that the preclear has reached a state of release on the topic.
Confirming the State of Clear: When the auditing process eliminates all significant engrams and there is no remaining reactive mind, the individual is considered to have reached the state of Clear. This achievement is usually confirmed through a special auditing session known as a "Clear Certainty Rundown."
4. The Significance of Achieving Clear
Attaining the state of Clear is one of the most important goals in Scientology, as it marks a profound transformation in an individual's life. Being Clear is not only seen as an accomplishment for the person but also for the Church, as it signifies the effectiveness of Scientology practices.
For Scientologists, reaching Clear is often celebrated as a major life event, sometimes with ceremonies or acknowledgments at Scientology centers. It represents a turning point where the person is no longer affected by past traumas and can begin to focus on higher spiritual levels, known as the Operating Thetan (OT) levels.
5. Moving Beyond Clear: The Operating Thetan Levels
After achieving Clear, the next steps on the Bridge involve advancing through the Operating Thetan (OT) levels. These levels are intended to further increase a person’s spiritual abilities and awareness. While the state of Clear focuses on eliminating the reactive mind, the OT levels involve addressing deeper spiritual issues, such as the presence of "body thetans" and other spiritual phenomena.
The OT levels aim to enable individuals to achieve complete spiritual freedom, giving them the ability to control or influence aspects of the physical universe. This progression is considered essential for attaining the highest states of spiritual enlightenment in Scientology.
6. The History of the State of Clear
The concept of Clear has been a fundamental part of Scientology since its inception. The term was first introduced by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, in his 1950 book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health." In Dianetics, Hubbard described the goal of auditing as the eradication of the reactive mind, thereby enabling a person to achieve the state of Clear.
The concept has evolved over time, with further elaboration and refinement in Scientology literature. Despite its central role in the religion, the exact criteria for achieving Clear and the processes involved have occasionally been revised or updated by the Church to reflect new teachings or discoveries.
7. Controversies and Criticism Surrounding the State of Clear
The state of Clear has been a subject of controversy both within and outside Scientology. Some of the key criticisms include:
Lack of Scientific Evidence: Critics argue that there is no scientific basis for the concept of the reactive mind or engrams, and that the effects claimed by Scientologists to result from reaching Clear may be explained by placebo effects, suggestibility, or confirmation bias. The auditing process and the use of the E-Meter have been dismissed by some mental health professionals as pseudoscience.
Failures to Demonstrate Superhuman Abilities: While Scientology literature suggests that Clears may exhibit superior mental abilities or even "superhuman" qualities, such claims have not been consistently demonstrated. Some former members who were declared Clear have reported that they did not experience the dramatic improvements in mental and physical abilities that were promised.
Questioning the Effectiveness of Auditing: Some former Scientologists and critics have alleged that the auditing process can be psychologically harmful, especially for those dealing with deep emotional trauma. They claim that repeatedly revisiting traumatic experiences in auditing sessions can exacerbate mental health issues rather than resolve them.
Financial Cost of Achieving Clear: Reaching Clear can be an expensive endeavor, with auditing sessions and related courses often costing thousands of dollars. This has led to accusations that Scientology monetizes spiritual progress, making higher states like Clear accessible primarily to those who can afford them.
8. The Role of Clear in Scientology's Cultural and Religious Identity
Within the Church of Scientology, the state of Clear is not just a personal achievement but also a cultural symbol. It signifies the power of Scientology’s technology (auditing and training) to transform lives and demonstrates the validity of its spiritual practices. The idea of achieving a state of mental and spiritual freedom resonates deeply with the Church’s teachings, which emphasize self-determination, empowerment, and the ability to shape one’s destiny.
Public acknowledgment of attaining Clear can serve as a motivator for other members, inspiring them to commit more fully to the auditing process. The concept also reinforces the idea that spiritual progress in Scientology is both achievable and measurable, giving adherents a clear path to follow.
9. Personal Experiences of Clears
While the Church of Scientology frequently shares success stories from members who have achieved Clear, personal experiences can vary widely. Some individuals report significant changes in their lives, such as improved relationships, better emotional control, and a heightened sense of purpose. Others may have a less dramatic experience, feeling incremental benefits or finding the state to be more of a stepping stone to higher spiritual levels rather than an end in itself.
Personal stories of Clears often feature in Scientology publications and testimonials, serving to illustrate the benefits of the religion's practices. However, there are also accounts from former members who did not experience the advertised results, leading to disillusionment and criticism.
Conclusion
The state of Clear is a core goal in Scientology, representing a life-changing transformation in which an individual overcomes the limitations imposed by their reactive mind. Achieving Clear is considered a significant spiritual milestone, providing a foundation for further advancement toward higher levels of spiritual awareness on the Bridge to Total Freedom.
While the Church of Scientology holds the state of Clear as a powerful testament to its spiritual technology, it remains a controversial topic. Questions about the scientific basis for the reactive mind, the effectiveness of auditing, and the substantial costs associated with reaching Clear continue to fuel debate.
For Scientologists, however, attaining Clear is often seen as a profound and liberating experience, paving the way for further spiritual growth and the pursuit of true freedom. It is a state that represents not just an absence of mental barriers