SCI
page 2 / 4
One must be "invited" to do the OT levels. OT preps are preparatory steps to ensure that one is ready for them, and this includes security checks (confessionals) to make certain that the person is not a security risk and will keep the confidentiality of the OT materials.
Scientology has been active in litigating to keep their OT levels secret. During the 1980s Wollersheim case, the OT III materials were entered into evidence by Lawrence Wollersheim to show how they made him psychotic, eventually getting published in the news when an agency got their hands on a copy from the courthouse. In the 1990s Fishman case, materials from all the OT levels (I through VIII) were presented, eventually leading to others obtaining them and later posting them on the internet. This led to several raids of homes and offices, and lawsuits against several people who had put copies on the internet. Such acts collectively became known as Scientology versus the Internet.
On March 24, 2008, WikiLeaks published on its website the previously secret training instructions for the eight OT levels. Three days later the law firm of Moxon & Kobrin sent a letter to Wikileaks on behalf of the Church of Scientology demanding to have the documents removed. In response, Wikileaks stated they would not comply and would instead post even more Scientology documents. The Church of Scientology failed to get the documents removed from the website.
Hugh Urban explores reasons behind the secrecy in the OT levels within the Church by discussing its related controversies. He claims that secrecy is a motivating tool for Scientologists to desire to climb "The Bridge of Total Freedom", specifically to attain the level of OT VIII.
== OT levels ==
Although The Bridge to Total Freedom lists 15 OT levels above the state of Clear, only seven were released during Hubbard's lifetime, while OT VIII was released to the public in 1988, two years after Hubbard's 1986 death. The Church considers levels I through VII to be "pre-OT" levels, and level VIII to be the only true OT level. Most Scientologists omit the "pre-" and simply call them "OT levels".
Levels OT I through OT V can be delivered only at Church of Scientology Advanced Organizations. OT VI and OT VII can be delivered only at Flag Service Org. OT VIII can be delivered only at Flag Ship Service Org aboard Scientology's ship Freewinds.
=== OT I ===
According to the Church of Scientology, "This Solo-audited level is the first step a Clear takes toward full OT abilities, and that first step is a fresh causative OT viewpoint of the MEST universe and other beings." The cost to move to level OT I was $2,750 as of 2013.
=== OT II ===
According to the Church of Scientology, "By confronting hidden areas of one's existence on the whole track [that is, by confronting past incarnations], vast amounts of energy and attention are released. Those on this Solo-audited level experience a resurgence of self-determinism and native ability. OT II unlocks the aberrative factors on the whole track that have allowed the thetan to lose his innate freedom and ability and one achieves the ability to confront the whole track." The cost to move from OT I to OT II was $5,225 as of 2013.
=== OT III: Wall of Fire ===
Of all the levels, media attention has mostly focused on OT III, which tells Hubbard's version of the history of the universe from 75 million years ago. This level is called the "Wall of Fire" and claims to "reveal the cause of earthly human suffering". Hubbard claims that he himself had difficulty discovering it.
Hubbard announced his breakthrough less than a month after founding the Sea Org, a core group of Hubbard's most dedicated followers. He described it as a "means of erasing those mental factors that stand in the way of peace and toleration of mankind". The new material made up the new Operating Thetan III.
"This Solo-audited level goes through what is called the 'Wall of Fire' that surrounds a previously impenetrable whole track mystery. What prevents a being from being himself? This level answers that question. Once complete, a being is free of the whole track overwhelm that has trapped him. Here he confronts and eradicates the fourth dynamic engram that has plagued this universe for millennia." The cost to move from OT II to OT III was $8,910 as of 2013.
The Church positions OT III as a dangerous process which could lead to pneumonia, lack of sleep or even death if not undertaken correctly. In Church of Scientology of California v. Kaufman, it was noted that the defendant had been required to sign a waiver to the effect that "the Scientology Organization, its branches and members, and L. Ron Hubbard are not responsible for anything that might happen to my body or mind on OT III".
OT III contains material that the Church of Scientology regards as confidential. Access to the level is restricted, and members are required to receive an invitation and agree to confidentiality conditions before participating.
=== OT IV: OT Drug Rundown ===