Scientology (for comparative purposes)

Scientology is a spiritual movement founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, emphasizing personal development through a set of beliefs and practices aimed at spiritual awareness and self-improvement. It teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings called "thetans," who have past traumas and misperceptions influencing current life. Through auditing—a form of counseling—and study of Hubbard’s writings, members seek to attain higher states of enlightenment and freedom from spiritual limitations. Scientology often emphasizes self-knowledge, ethical conduct, and community involvement, but it has also faced criticism for its secretive practices, organizational structure, and claims regarding its benefits.