Dianetics is a word derived from the Greek διά (dia) meaning "through" and νους (nous), mind; so it literally means "through mind". It is a set of ideas and practices regarding the relationship between the spirit, mind and body that were developed by L. Ron Hubbard. According to Hubbard, mental and psychosomatic physical problems are caused by traumatic recordings called engrams that are stored in the reactive mind. The goal of Dianetics is to erase the engrams in the reactive mind to achieve the state of Clear. Once this state of "Clear" is achieved according to Hubbard, an individual is able to function at his or her full potential.
Dianetics is still employed and disseminated by the Church of Scientology, as reaching the state of "Clear" is a requirement to access Scientology's upper levels.
