Sea Org

My Thoughts on the Scientology Religious Order—the Sea Organization on its 50th Anniversary

Sea Org
A museum at the Flag Building that documents the history of the Sea Org.
The religious order of the Scientology religion—the Sea Organization—celebrates its Golden Anniversary

It was August 12, 1967, in the Spanish Canary Islands. Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard had resigned from the position of Executive Director of the Church a year before, was pursuing a research project into the spiritual nature of mankind, assisted by a handful of veteran Scientologists. On this date, he published a directive stating that this group, the Sea Organization, is now “a permanent establishment within the official Scientology network.”

Today, a corps of some 7,000 men and women, the Sea Org is the religious order of the Scientology religion. Its members administer and protect the purity of the religion.

Historical Background of Religious Orders

Gautama Buddha (ca. 563–483 BCE) created the bhikkhus and bhikkhunis (monks and nuns). Followers of Jesus Christ also formed into groups of monks and nuns and lived communally. They emulated Jesus and his disciples.

This form of monastic religious life and its rationale is explained by Prof. Frank Flinn PhD., (d 2015), in his study “The Sea Organization and its Role Within the Church Of Scientology.”

To Enjoy a Better Life

Members of the Sea Organization dedicate their lives to service, as does a Franciscan, Dominic, Jesuit or Buddhist monk or nun. Sea Organization (often called Sea Org) members dedicate their lives to the Aims of Scientology: “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights.” Their purpose is to see to it that all may enjoy a better life.

As Sea Org members, we live in community. Operating on the basis of directives of L. Ron Hubbard, and under the astute and highly valued guidance or our ecclesiastical leader, Mr. David Miscavige, we are not only responsible for the expansion of the religion but also for the growth and reach of our social programs: These initiatives address drug abuse, criminality, illiteracy, the deterioration of values and morality in our cultures, and the disrespect for and violation of human rights. We nurture the hope of a better life for millions, making its achievement possible with practical tools developed by our Founder, whom Sea Org members also refer to as the Commodore of the Sea Org.

Scientologists and community partners around the globe are thankful and proud of Sea Organization members who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to improve the lives of others.

L. Ron Hubbard's office
L. Ron Hubbard’s office aboard the Apollo, the flagship of the Sea
Organization, recreated at the Flag Building in Clearwater, Florida.
Advanced Spiritual Levels

True enlightenment and spiritual freedom is available. This is the ultimate message of Scientology. And it is in the hands of Sea Org members to administer the most advanced spiritual levels,known as the OT Levels. OT stands for Operating Thetan, an advanced spiritual state. By Operating is meant “able to act and handle things” and by Thetan is meant “The spiritual being that is the basic self.” It does not mean one has become a God. It means one is wholly oneself.

A Word of Thanks

From my position as Director of the Church of Scientology European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights, I take great pride in all Sea Org members for what they have done, for what they are doing, and for all they continue to do to make this troubled world, a better place.

I am thankful that they help to create a world in which children will no longer be drugged by soulless companies and groups with vested interest, simply for acting like the lively, energetic, active beings that they are. I thank them for helping ensure that children can learn and be educated, not only to memorize but to gain understanding that will allow them to achieve their dreams. I thank them for working to create a world in which the elderly are properly cared for with respect and dignity, where their knowledge and successful experiences can be shared with the children who will govern our world tomorrow. And I am thankful that they are helping to create a better life for all, never limiting that help to those who share our beliefs and ideologies.

Why We Work

“You need to rest” some people tell us. “You need to look more to yourself” others say. It is true, as Mr. Hubbard wrote in The Way To Happiness, that one needs to “take care of self”. However, once one’s basic needs are seen to, I consider that by taking care of this fragile world, we are taking care of our greater selves, as life is a highly interactive activity in which our actions affect the lives of everyone else.

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