What is the current name of the organization formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo?

The organization formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo is now known as Aleph.

Who founded Aum Shinrikyo, and when and where was it established?

Shoko Asahara founded Aum Shinrikyo in 1987 in Tokyo, Japan. The movement itself evolved from a yoga school established by Asahara in February 1984.

What type of organization was Aum Shinrikyo, and what were its primary classifications?

Aum Shinrikyo was a Japanese new religious movement and a doomsday cult. It is classified as a Buddhist new religious movement with a Dharmic orientation.

What was the theological orientation of Aum Shinrikyo?

The organization's theology was formerly characterized by Western millenarianism or millennialism.

What were the main activities or structures of Aum Shinrikyo?

Aum Shinrikyo's structure involved yoga meetings.

Which deadly attack did Aum Shinrikyo carry out in 1995?

In 1995, Aum Shinrikyo carried out the deadly Tokyo subway sarin attack.

What other major attack was Aum Shinrikyo found responsible for in 1994?

Aum Shinrikyo was also found responsible for the Matsumoto sarin attack, which occurred the year before the Tokyo subway attack.

When were Shoko Asahara and his followers executed, and for what crimes?

Shoko Asahara and six followers were executed on July 6, 2018, and six additional followers were executed on July 26, 2018. These executions were punishment for the 1995 attacks and other crimes committed by the group.

How did Aum Shinrikyo split, and into what groups?

Aum Shinrikyo split in 2007 into Aleph and Hikari no Wa. Other groups that separated from the original organization include Yamada's Club and Keroyon Club.

Which countries have formally designated Aum Shinrikyo as a terrorist organization?

Aum Shinrikyo has been formally designated a terrorist organization by Russia, Canada, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, and the European Union.

When did the United States remove Aum Shinrikyo from its terror blacklist, and why?

The United States removed Aum Shinrikyo from its terror blacklist in 2022 because the State Department determined the group to be largely defunct.

How did the movement evolve from its initial form?

The movement evolved out of a yoga school founded by Shoko Asahara in Tokyo in February 1984, initially known as Oumu Shinsen no Kai (Aum Heavenly Sage Association).

What were some of the public relations and recruitment strategies employed by Aum Shinrikyo?

Aum Shinrikyo used public relations activities like publishing comics and animated cartoons that linked its religious ideas to popular anime and manga themes, including space missions, powerful weapons, world conspiracies, and the quest for ultimate truth. They also advertised health improvement techniques and life goal realization through improved intelligence and positive thinking, based on ancient teachings.

What kind of practices were reportedly involved in Aum Shinrikyo's initiation rituals?

According to authors David E. Kaplan and Andrew Marshall, initiation rituals often involved the use of hallucinogens like LSD. Religious practices also included extremely ascetic practices claimed to be "yoga," such as members being hung upside down or given shock therapy.

What were some of the criminal activities Aum Shinrikyo was accused of before the major attacks?

Before the major attacks, the cult faced accusations of deception of recruits, holding members against their will, forcing members to donate money, and murdering a member who tried to leave in February 1989.

What happened to Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family?

Tsutsumi Sakamoto, an anti-cult lawyer, his wife, and child went missing in November 1989 after negotiations with the group failed. Their bodies were discovered after the 1995 Tokyo attack, revealing they had been murdered by cult members.

How did Aum Shinrikyo attempt to cause an anthrax epidemic?

In July 1993, cult members sprayed liquid containing Bacillus anthracis spores from a cooling tower at their Tokyo headquarters. However, the attempt failed, likely because they used a nonpathogenic vaccine strain of the bacteria.

What chemical weapons did Aum Shinrikyo secretly manufacture, and where did they test sarin?

Aum Shinrikyo began secretly manufacturing the nerve agents sarin and VX at the end of 1993. They tested their sarin on sheep at Banjawarn Station in Western Australia, resulting in the deaths of 29 sheep.

Describe the Matsumoto sarin attack. When and where did it occur, and what was its immediate impact?

On the night of June 27, 1994, the cult released sarin in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, using a converted refrigerator truck. The attack targeted judges overseeing a lawsuit against the cult and resulted in eight deaths and injuries to approximately 500 people. Police investigations at the time failed to implicate the cult.

What nerve agent did Aum Shinrikyo members synthesize in late 1994 and early 1995, and how was it used?

In December 1994 and January 1995, Aum Shinrikyo members synthesized VX, which was used to attack three individuals. One victim, Tadahito Hamaguchi, died 10 days after being attacked on the street in Osaka.

What was the objective of the cult's break-in at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries factory?

At the end of 1994, the cult broke into the Hiroshima factory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with the aim of stealing technical documents related to military weapons such as tanks and artillery.

When and how did the Tokyo subway sarin attack occur, and what was its impact?

On the morning of March 20, 1995, Aum members released a chemical weapon, chemically similar to sarin, on five coordinated trains in the Tokyo subway system. This attack killed 13 commuters, seriously injured 54, and affected around 980 people, with some estimates suggesting up to 6,000 injuries in total.

What did police discover at Aum Shinrikyo's headquarters in Kamikuishiki after the subway attack?

Following the subway attack, police raided the cult's headquarters in Kamikuishiki and found explosives, chemical weapons, a Mil Mi-17 military helicopter, stockpiles of chemicals sufficient for producing large amounts of sarin, laboratories for drug manufacturing (LSD, methamphetamine), millions of dollars in cash and gold, and cells containing prisoners.

Who was Hideo Murai, and what happened to him?

Hideo Murai was the head of Aum's Ministry of Science. He was stabbed to death outside the cult's Tokyo headquarters on April 23, 1995, in front of reporters and cameras.

What was discovered in a toilet at Shinjuku station in May 1995, and what was its potential impact?

On May 5, 1995, a burning paper bag containing a hydrogen cyanide device was found in a toilet at Shinjuku station. Had it not been extinguished, it could have released enough gas into the ventilation system to potentially kill 10,000 commuters.

When and where was Shoko Asahara arrested?

Shoko Asahara was arrested on May 16, 1995, while hiding within a wall of a cult building known as "The 6th Satian" in the Kamikuishiki complex.

What was the outcome of Shoko Asahara's trial?

Shoko Asahara's trial, described as "the trial of the century" by the press, found him guilty of masterminding the subway attack and sentenced him to death. His conviction was upheld on appeal.

What did Asahara acknowledge in June 1995 regarding internal cult activities?

In June 1995, Asahara acknowledged that he had ordered the killing of a sect member named Kotaro Ochida in January 1994, who had attempted to escape from a cult compound.

What actions were taken against Aum Shinrikyo's legal status and finances after Asahara's arrest?

On October 10, 1995, Aum Shinrikyo was ordered to be stripped of its status as a "religious legal entity," and the group was declared bankrupt in early 1996.

How did the group continue to operate after being declared bankrupt?

Despite being declared bankrupt, the group continued to operate under the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion. It was funded by a successful computer business and donations, and remained under strict surveillance.

When did the organization officially change its name to "Aleph," and what does the name signify?

The organization changed its name to "Aleph" in February 2000. The name refers to the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

What doctrinal changes did the group announce when it re-grouped as Aleph?

When it re-grouped as Aleph, the organization announced a change in doctrine, removing religious texts related to controversial Vajrayana Buddhist doctrines and the Bible. The group also issued an apology to the victims of the sarin gas attack and established a special compensation fund.

Who became the official head of the organization in 1999, and what happened to a legislator who formed an anti-Aum committee?

Fumihiro Joyu, a former spokesman and head of Aum's Moscow operation, became the official head of the organization in 1999. The legislator Kōki Ishii, who formed an anti-Aum committee in the National Diet in 1999, was murdered in 2002.

When did the last remaining fugitives of Aum Shinrikyo surrender or get captured, and who were they?

The last fugitives were Makoto Hirata, who surrendered on December 31, 2011; Naoko Kikuchi, captured on June 3, 2012; and Katsuya Takahashi, captured on June 15, 2012. Takahashi was reportedly the driver in the Tokyo gas attack and had been on the run for 17 years.

What is Aum Shinrikyo's belief system described as, and what elements does it incorporate?

Aum Shinrikyo's belief system is described as syncretic, drawing upon Shoko Asahara's interpretations of early Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism (with Shiva as the main image of worship), Christian millennialist ideas, yoga, and the writings of Nostradamus.

What did Shoko Asahara claim about himself in 1992?

In 1992, Shoko Asahara published a foundational book declaring himself to be "Christ," Japan's only fully enlightened master, and identifying himself as the "Lamb of God."

How did Aum Shinrikyo justify its violence through its interpretation of Buddhist concepts?

Aum Shinrikyo justified its violence by interpreting Buddhist concepts like *Mappō* and *Shōbō*, claiming they would restore *Shōbō* by bringing about the end of the world. They also interpreted the Tibetan Buddhist concept of *phowa* to claim that killing those contrary to the group's aims was a form of salvation, preventing them from accumulating bad karma.

What was the predicted doomsday scenario according to Aum Shinrikyo's teachings?

Aum Shinrikyo taught that a nuclear apocalypse was predicted to occur soon, caused by a conspiracy involving Jewish financiers, Freemasons, and war profiteers. They also predicted World War III, instigated by the U.S. using particle beam weapons, and referred to the United States as "The Beast" from the Book of Revelation.

What was the Public Security Intelligence Agency's assessment of Aleph and Hikari no Wa in January 2015?

In January 2015, the Public Security Intelligence Agency announced that Aleph and Hikari no Wa would remain under surveillance for three more years, considering them branches of a "dangerous religion."

What did the Public Security Intelligence Agency photograph inside Aleph's facilities in 2013?

In 2013, the Public Security Intelligence Agency photographed a bundle of papers pierced with a knife on an altar-like object within Aleph's facilities. These papers included photographs of PSIA employees, directors, police officers, and a lawyer who had helped followers leave Aum Shinrikyo.

What happened in Montenegro in March 2016 related to Aum Shinrikyo?

In March 2016, Montenegro expelled 58 foreigners suspected of being associated with Aum Shinrikyo, including individuals from Japan, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

What action did the Russian government take against Aum Shinrikyo in September 2016?

On September 20, 2016, the Russian government banned Aum Shinrikyo, declaring it a terrorist organization within the country.

What was the nature of the 2019 Tokyo car attack, and what was the alleged motive?

On January 1, 2019, in Tokyo's Harajuku district, a man identified as Kazuhiro Kusakabe intentionally rammed his car into pedestrians on Takeshita Street. He allegedly admitted to the act as a terrorist attack in "retaliation for an execution," possibly referencing the 2018 executions of Aum Shinrikyo members.

What specific types of weapons or materials did Aum Shinrikyo attempt to manufacture or possess?

Aum Shinrikyo attempted to manufacture assault rifles (specifically copies of the AK-74), successfully produced sarin and VX nerve agents, and possessed chemicals that could produce large quantities of sarin. They also had laboratories for producing drugs like LSD and methamphetamine.

What was the significance of the "Aum affair" in terms of casualties and arrests?

The "Aum affair" resulted in 27 deaths and over 6,000 injuries. It led to the arrest of Shoko Asahara and 192 other individuals, with 13 eventually being executed.

What was the stated goal of Fumihiro Joyu's group, Hikari no Wa?

Fumihiro Joyu's group, Hikari no Wa ("The Circle of Light"), stated its commitment to uniting science and religion and creating "the new science of the human mind." This group aimed to move away from the organization's criminal history and focus on its spiritual roots.

How did Aum Shinrikyo's doctrine incorporate elements of Western millennialism and Nostradamus?

Aum Shinrikyo's doctrine incorporated Christian millennialist ideas, predicting a nuclear apocalypse and World War III. It also drew upon the writings of Nostradamus for its doomsday prophecies, contributing to its apocalyptic worldview.

What was the alleged role of Shoko Asahara in the Tokyo subway sarin attack, according to prosecutors?

Prosecutors alleged that Shoko Asahara was tipped off by an insider about planned police raids and subsequently ordered the Tokyo subway attack to divert police attention away from the group.

What is the meaning of the name "Aleph" adopted by the organization?

The name "Aleph" was adopted by the organization in 2000 and refers to the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Aum Shinrikyo Wiki: The Aum Revelation: Anatomy of a Doomsday Cult

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Historical Trajectory

Origins and Early Growth

Aleph, formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo, emerged from a yoga school founded by Shoko Asahara in Tokyo in 1984. Initially named Oumu Shinsen no Kai, it gained official religious status in 1989. The movement attracted a significant number of graduates from elite universities, earning it the moniker "religion for the elite." Its early activities involved public relations, including the use of comics and anime themes to convey religious ideas, and a missionary approach that contributed to its rapid growth.

Legal and Societal Scrutiny

From its inception, Aum Shinrikyo was viewed with controversy in Japan. Accusations included deceptive recruitment practices, unlawful confinement of members, financial extortion, and the murder of a member who attempted to leave in February 1989. The group's actions, such as the alleged murder of anti-cult lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family in November 1989, drew increasing attention and suspicion from authorities and the public.

Escalation to Terrorism

The organization's trajectory shifted dramatically with its involvement in violent acts. Prior to the infamous 1995 Tokyo subway attack, Aum Shinrikyo was responsible for the Matsumoto sarin attack in 1994. The group also engaged in clandestine activities, including the manufacturing of chemical weapons like sarin and VX, and attempted to acquire military hardware. These actions culminated in the coordinated sarin gas release on Tokyo subway trains, causing widespread casualties and societal shock.

Doctrinal Synthesis

Syncretic Belief System

Aum Shinrikyo's doctrine is a syncretic blend, drawing heavily from Asahara's interpretations of Indian Buddhism (including Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism), Hinduism (venerating Shiva), Christian millennialism, yoga practices, and the prophecies of Nostradamus. Asahara declared himself "Christ," Japan's sole enlightened master, and the "Lamb of God," claiming to absorb the world's sins and transfer spiritual power.

Apocalyptic Prophecies

Central to Aum's teachings was the prediction of an imminent nuclear apocalypse, orchestrated by a conspiracy of Jewish financiers, Freemasons, and war profiteers. They foresaw a US-led nuclear attack on Japan and World War III fought with advanced weaponry. This eschatological narrative provided a framework for the group's actions, including violence, which they justified as necessary to bring about the end times and restore a perceived spiritual order.

The group's prophecies included a predicted gathering at Armageddon in 1997 and a Third World War initiated by the United States, which they identified as "The Beast" from the Book of Revelation. Asahara's interpretation of Tibetan Buddhist concepts like phowa (transferring consciousness) was used to justify violence, claiming that killing opponents prevented them from accumulating bad karma and thus saved them.

Spiritual Practices and Power Transfer

The group's practices, often described as extreme yoga, included ascetic disciplines and the alleged use of hallucinogens like LSD. Asahara claimed to bestow spiritual power and absolve followers of their sins. The name "Aum Shinrikyo" itself combines the Sanskrit syllable "Aum," representing the universe, with the Japanese "Shinrikyo," meaning "Teaching of Truth."

Key Incidents and Attacks

Matsumoto Sarin Attack (1994)

In June 1994, Aum Shinrikyo members released sarin gas in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, using a converted refrigerator truck. The attack targeted judges involved in a real estate dispute unfavorable to the cult. It resulted in eight deaths and approximately 500 injuries, initially leading authorities to wrongly suspect a local resident.

Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995)

On March 20, 1995, coordinated attacks using a sarin-based chemical weapon occurred on five Tokyo subway trains during peak hours. Perpetrators punctured plastic bags filled with sarin, causing the deaths of 13 commuters and seriously injuring over 540 others, with thousands more affected. This event exposed the scale of the cult's terrorist capabilities.

Post-Attack Raids and Revelations

Following the subway attack, police raids on Aum facilities, particularly at Kamikuishiki near Mount Fuji, uncovered extensive stockpiles of chemicals for sarin production, explosives, biological agents (anthrax, Ebola cultures, though claims were exaggerated), and laboratories for drug manufacturing. The scale of these findings revealed the cult's advanced infrastructure for chemical and biological warfare.

Legal Consequences and Executions

Shoko Asahara was arrested in May 1995 and subsequently charged with numerous offenses, including masterminding the subway attack. The trial, widely publicized, resulted in Asahara's death sentence, which was upheld on appeal. Over the years, numerous members were arrested, tried, and convicted. In July 2018, Asahara and six followers were executed by hanging, followed by six more members later that month, marking the culmination of the legal process for the 1995 attacks.

Operational Activities

Chemical and Biological Weapons Development

Aum Shinrikyo actively pursued the development and production of chemical and biological weapons. They synthesized sarin and VX nerve agents, testing VX on sheep in Western Australia. Attempts were made to weaponize anthrax spores, though likely using a non-pathogenic strain. These activities demonstrated a sophisticated, albeit dangerous, scientific and manufacturing capability within the cult.

Arms Manufacturing and Acquisition

Beyond chemical weapons, the cult attempted to manufacture assault rifles, specifically copies of the Soviet AK-74. While they only completed one such rifle, they also sought technical documents related to military weapons and acquired components. This indicates an ambition to arm its followers and potentially engage in conventional warfare.

Financial Operations and Recruitment

The cult funded its extensive operations through donations, business ventures (notably in computer technology), and alleged extortion. Recruitment efforts, termed the "Aum Salvation plan," promised cures for illnesses, enhanced intelligence, and life goals through ancient teachings, attracting a diverse membership and contributing to its rapid expansion.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Aum Shinrikyo" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about aum_shinrikyo while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

guano

first taiwan strait crisis

cerebral edema

digital terrestrial television

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Aum Shinrikyo Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Critical Advisory

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information is presented for educational and analytical purposes only. The subject matter involves sensitive topics related to terrorism, violence, and religious extremism.

This is not an endorsement or validation of any group or ideology discussed. The information provided is not a substitute for professional historical, sociological, or security analysis. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert academic research for a comprehensive understanding. The creators of this page are not liable for any misinterpretations or actions taken based on the information presented.

The Aum Revelation

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Trajectory

Origins and Early Growth

Legal and Societal Scrutiny

Escalation to Terrorism

Doctrinal Synthesis

Syncretic Belief System

Apocalyptic Prophecies

Spiritual Practices and Power Transfer

Key Incidents and Attacks

Matsumoto Sarin Attack (1994)

Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995)

Post-Attack Raids and Revelations

Legal Consequences and Executions

Operational Activities

Chemical and Biological Weapons Development

Arms Manufacturing and Acquisition

Financial Operations and Recruitment

Related Topics

Governmental and Legal Context

Societal Impact and Aftermath

Ideological Parallels

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

References

References

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Critical Advisory

The Aum Revelation

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Trajectory 📜

🌱 Origins and Early Growth

⚖️ Legal and Societal Scrutiny

💥 Escalation to Terrorism

Doctrinal Synthesis 🕉️

🌍 Syncretic Belief System

🔥 Apocalyptic Prophecies

🧘 Spiritual Practices and Power Transfer

Key Incidents and Attacks 💥

☣️ Matsumoto Sarin Attack (1994)

🚇 Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995)

🚨 Post-Attack Raids and Revelations

⚖️ Legal Consequences and Executions

Operational Activities 📅

🔬 Chemical and Biological Weapons Development

🔫 Arms Manufacturing and Acquisition

💰 Financial Operations and Recruitment

Related Topics 🔗

🏛️ Governmental and Legal Context

👥 Societal Impact and Aftermath

💡 Ideological Parallels

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Critical Advisory

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Trajectory

Origins and Early Growth

Legal and Societal Scrutiny

Escalation to Terrorism

Doctrinal Synthesis

Syncretic Belief System

Apocalyptic Prophecies

Spiritual Practices and Power Transfer

Key Incidents and Attacks

Matsumoto Sarin Attack (1994)

Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995)

Post-Attack Raids and Revelations

Legal Consequences and Executions

Operational Activities

Chemical and Biological Weapons Development

Arms Manufacturing and Acquisition

Financial Operations and Recruitment

Related Topics

Governmental and Legal Context

Societal Impact and Aftermath

Ideological Parallels

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Critical Advisory