About Dianetics
Understanding the history, principles, and founder of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices regarding the relationship between the mind and body. Developed by L. Ron Hubbard and first published in 1950, Dianetics aims to address the source of unwanted emotions, sensations, and psychosomatic conditions through a process called auditing.
The word "Dianetics" comes from the Greek words dia (through) and nous (mind or soul), meaning "through the mind" or "through the soul." It represents a systematic approach to understanding how past experiences affect present behavior and mental wellness.
Core Principles of Dianetics
Dianetics proposes that the mind has two parts: the analytical mind (rational, conscious thought) and the reactive mind (unconscious, stimulus-response). The reactive mind stores painful experiences called "engrams" that can trigger unwanted emotions and behaviors.
An engram is a mental image picture of a past painful or unconscious experience. According to Dianetics, engrams are stored in the reactive mind and can be "restimulated" by similar circumstances, causing irrational behavior, psychosomatic illness, and unwanted emotions.
Dianetics auditing is a one-on-one session between an auditor (trained practitioner) and a preclear (person receiving auditing). The auditor guides the preclear through past experiences to locate and address engrams, with the goal of achieving a state called "Clear."
"Clear" is the term used in Dianetics to describe a person who no longer has a reactive mind. According to Dianetics, a Clear individual experiences improved memory, creativity, emotional stability, and freedom from psychosomatic conditions.
About L. Ron Hubbard
Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (1911-1986) was an American author and the founder of Dianetics and Scientology. Before developing Dianetics, Hubbard was a prolific writer of science fiction and adventure stories.
Hubbard's research into the mind began in the 1930s and 1940s, drawing from his experiences, observations, and study of various philosophies and practices. In 1950, he published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, which became an immediate bestseller and laid the foundation for what would later become Scientology.
Throughout his life, Hubbard wrote extensively on the subjects of the mind, spirit, and human potential. His works have been translated into dozens of languages and continue to be studied by millions worldwide.
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
Published on May 9, 1950, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health introduced the world to Dianetics principles and techniques. The book became a phenomenon, spending 28 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.
The book outlines the theory of the reactive mind, explains how engrams are formed and restimulated, and provides detailed instructions for Dianetics auditing procedures. It remains the foundational text for anyone interested in understanding or practicing Dianetics.
To date, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 50 languages.
Order the Book- • The discovery of the reactive mind
- • How engrams are formed and stored
- • The relationship between mind and body
- • Psychosomatic illness explained
- • Detailed auditing procedures
- • The goal of achieving Clear
- • Case studies and examples
- • Practical applications for daily life
Dianetics and Scientology
While Dianetics focuses specifically on the mind and its relationship to the body, Scientology is a broader applied religious philosophy that builds upon Dianetics principles and extends into spiritual matters.
Dianetics addresses the reactive mind and aims to help individuals achieve the state of Clear. Scientology, developed by L. Ron Hubbard in the years following Dianetics, addresses the spiritual nature of the individual and offers a path to greater spiritual awareness and freedom.
Many people begin with Dianetics auditing and later explore Scientology. Others focus solely on Dianetics for mental wellness. Both are practiced at Churches of Scientology and Dianetics organizations worldwide.
Learn More
Visit the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation in South Africa for local services, books, and auditing.
Visit FoundationAccess the official Dianetics website for comprehensive information, online courses, and resources.
Visit dianetics.orgExplore the life, philosophy, and extensive body of work by L. Ron Hubbard.
Visit lronhubbard.orgWatch videos, documentaries, and learn about Scientology and its relationship to Dianetics.
Visit scientology.tvSuccess Stories from South Africa
Real experiences from South Africans who have used Dianetics to overcome mental health challenges.
"After being hijacked at gunpoint, I couldn't sleep for months. Every car that came near me triggered panic attacks. My doctor wanted to put me on medication for life. Through Dianetics auditing, I was able to process the trauma and let it go. Now I can drive without fear. It changed my life."
Challenge: PTSD from hijacking
"I was on antidepressants for 8 years. They helped a bit, but I felt numb and gained 20kg. I wanted to get off them but was terrified of what would happen. Dianetics helped me address the root cause of my depression. I've been medication-free for 2 years and I finally feel like myself again."
Challenge: Depression and medication dependency
"I spent years in therapy talking about my anxiety, but nothing really changed. I was spending R1,500 per session with no end in sight. Dianetics was different—it had a clear goal and a finite process. After completing my auditing, the anxiety that controlled my life for 15 years was gone. Worth every cent."
Challenge: Chronic anxiety disorder
*Individual results may vary. These testimonials represent personal experiences and are not a guarantee of specific results.
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