The truth about Scientology
Yvette Shank, National Post
Published: Monday, March 03, 2008

Jonathan Kay's article on Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard
("In fear of Xenu," Jan. 18.) certainly didn't give the picture of the
religion I have known for the past 40 years. From a very young age I
found myself asking many questions: Who am I? What am I? Where do I come
from? How can I help my friends and family? And I finally found what I
was looking for in Dianetics and Scientology.

When I discovered Scientology, I wanted to know all I could about it by
learning first hand. I found that the word "Scientology" itself is taken
from the Latin word scio, meaning "knowing in the fullest sense of the
word," and the Greek word logos, meaning "study of." Scientology can
therefore be described as "the study of wisdom" or "knowing how to know."

L. Ron Hubbard's book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health is
actually a forerunner and substudy of Scientology. The book represents
major breakthroughs and unlocks the secrets of the mind -- I can assure
you that Dianetics provides a trip into previously unknown territory. Of
course, the book remains unpopular among those who profit from the
billions of dollars being pumped into brain "research" and "treatment."
But there is no question that when enough people have read, understood
and applied Dianetics, this monopoly will fall.

Dianetics and Scientology materials comprise the largest body of
information ever assembled on the mind, spirit and life. Through study,
you can find the hidden source of your worries, upsets and insecurity. I
certainly did. Studying Scientology has helped me and my family, and
when my friends have been thrown a loop (and sometimes they are mighty
big loops), I find I am able to help them. One thing I know is that all
of us, except for maybe a small percent of the population bent on
harming their fellows, live to help. I've been helping people for 40 years.

In studying Scientology, I have never been required to believe anything,
and I appreciate that. Mr. Hubbard states this in his writings on
personal integrity: "What is true for you is what you have observed
yourself and when you lose that you have lost everything . Nothing in
Dianetics and Scientology is true for you unless you have observed it
and it is true according to your observation. That is all."

In the end, the study of Scientology will lead you to find out your true
nature -- that you are indeed basically good, that you can regain your
intrinsic goodness and make life better for yourself and others. It
produces a whole new look at life.

I leave you with a quote from Mr. Hubbard that echoes what many of the
great religious leaders of the past have expressed, an idea that is
especially applicable now: "Happiness and strength endure only in the
absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the
road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness.
And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe."

-Yvette Shank is president of the Church of Scientology of Toronto.

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