Q: Optimum for whom?
A: Optimum for Scientology.
And yet, Scientology *markets* itself as being about 'having a better life' and 'finding out who you are'. In fact, OT VIII's 'EP' is 'Now I know who I'm not and want to find out who I am'.
But, why would anyone care what's 'optimum for Scientology?' Scientology and Scientologists care, because Scientology is sold as 'Mankind's Only Hope'. Because Scientology is a 'Doomsday Cult', recruiting and indoctrinating itself as 'The Greatest Good For The Greatest Number of Dynamics' because the *alternative* is 'The Every Dwindling Spiral!!'; 'Nuclear War!!'; 'Toxins!'; 'Social Collapse!'
All of which are about as polar opposite to 'transcending' *anything* as you can get.
From the beginning Scientology's 'appeal' has been Terror. 'Either We Clear The Planet Or We're Doomed! Doomed I tells ya!'
The only thing Scientology is good for is more Scientology. Yes; some 'processes' can be used by the individual, and may (or may not) help a person 'improve his life', but, that's not their intent, as you so cogently recognize.
But, your assertion that Scientology's 'greater goal' is transcendance is transparently hogwash. Hard to imagine a 'buddha' or other 'enlightened being' frantically racing around screaming 'The Sky is Falling!! Doom! Doom! The End is near!!'
Because, for *any* kind of transcendance, an 'organization' is hogwasy. According to you Alex, your interest in Scientology *is* spiritual in nature; yet you fail to present *any* evidence for any kind of linkage between the Scientology Organization or 'movement' and its goals and what may very well be some kind of 'spiritual' gain.
If you want spirituality Alex; why do you need 'The Church' or 'The Movement'?
Zinj