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Aum Shinrikyo, also known as '''Aum Supreme Truth''', was a Japanese Religious group which mixed Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The group gained international notoriety in 1995, when several of its followers carried out a Poison Gas Attack on the Tokyo Subways . The name "Aum Shinrikyo" ('' (which represents the Universe ), followed by the three Kanji characters ''shin'' ("truth," "reality," "Buddhist sect"), ''ri'' ("reason," "justice," "truth"), and ''kyō'' ("teaching," "faith," "doctrine"). In 2000, the organization changed its name to Aleph (the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet ), changing its logo as well. In 1995 the group was reported as having 9,000 members in Japan, and as many as 40,000 worldwide. As of 2004 , Aum Shinrikyo/Aleph membership is estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 persons. DOCTRINE Aum attempted to borrow scriptural authority for its doctrines by claiming it was based on the ancient Buddhist scriptures included in the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. Aum/Aleph also borrowed and reinterpreted other religious texts, including a number of Tibetan Buddhist sutras, some Hindu yogic sutras, and Taoist scriptures. Some scholars of new religious movements view Aum's doctrine as a pastiche of various traditions, arguing that the primary deity revered by Aum followers is Shiva (the Hindu deity symbolizing the power of creation and the power of destruction). In fact, the Aleph's Lord Shiva (also known as Samantabhadra, Kuntu-Zangpo, or Adi-Buddha ) derives from Tibetan Vajrayana tradition and has no connection to the Hindu Shiva. There is also controversy as to what role Christianity plays in Aleph's doctrine, since it was mentioned in some of Shoko Asahara's speeches and books. Asahara himself referred to Aum's doctrine as 'truth', arguing that 'while various Buddhist and yogic schools lead to the same goal by different routes, the goal remains the same' and insisting that the major world's religions are closely related. The 'true religion' in his view shouldn't only offer the path but should also lead to the final destination (what the religion terms 'Final Realization'). According to Aum, this path entails a multitude of small enlightenments that elevate the consciousness of a practitioner to a higher level, thus making him or her a more intelligent and 'better' person. As Asahara believed the Buddhist path to be the most effective, he chose original Shakyamuni Buddha sermons as a foundation; however, he also added various elements from other traditions, such as Chinese gymnastics (said to improve overall bodily health) or yogic asanas (to prepare for keeping a meditation posture). He also translated much of traditional Buddhist terminology into modern Japanese, and later changed the wording to make the terms easier to understand, pointing to Shakyamuni who chose Pali instead of Sanskrit in order to make sermons accessible for ordinary population, who couldn't understand the language of ancient Indian educated elite. In (aimed at personal enlightenment), Mahayana (the "great vehicle," aimed at helping others), and Tantric Vajrayana (the "diamond vehicle," which involves secret initiations, secret mantras, and advanced Esoteric meditations). In his book '' Initiation '' he compares the stages of enlightenment according to the deist '' Yoga Sutra '' by Patanjali with the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path , arguing that these two traditions speak about the same experiences in different words. Asahara has also authored a number of other books, among which the best known are ''Beyond Life and Death,'' ''Mahayana-Sutra,'' and ''Initiation'' (translated into English). The books explains the process of attaining various stages of enlightenment provided in ancient scriptures and compares it with the experiences of Asahara and his followers. He also published commentaries to ancient scriptures. Aum claimed to apply modern scientific methodologies to arranging studies in accordance with a special ''kogaku'' (learning) system. In ''kogaku'', each new stage is reached only after examinations are passed successfully, imitating the familiar Japanese university entrance exam paradigm. Meditation practice is combined with and based upon theoretic studies. Followers are divided into two groups: lay practitioners and "samana" (a Pali word for Monk s but also used to include " Nun s"), which comprise a " Sangha " (monastic order). The former live with their families; the latter lead ascetic lifestyles, usually in groups. According to Aum's classification, a follower can attain the following invented stages by religious practice: Raja Yoga , Kundalini Yoga , Mahamudra (sometimes called Jnana Yoga ), Mahayana Yoga, Astral Yoga, Causal Yoga and the ultimate stage, the Ultimate Realization. The overwhelming majority of such alleged attainers were monks, though there were some lay Raja Yoga and Kundalini Yoga attainers. For a follower to be considered an attainer, specific conditions had to be met before senior sangha members would recognize them as such. For instance, the "Kundalini Yoga" stage requires demonstration of reduction in Oxygen consumption, changes in electromagnetic brain activity, and reduction of heart rate (measured by corresponding equipment). A follower who demonstrates such changes is considered to have entered the " Samadhi " state and thus deserved the title and permission to teach others. Each stage has its own requirements. Advancements in theoretical studies did not give followers the right to teach others anything except the basic doctrine. According to Asahara, real meditation experience could be the only criteria for deciding the actual ability to coach. Aum also inherited the Indian esoteric yoga tradition of Shaktipat , also mentioned in Mahayana Buddhist texts. The Shaktipat, which is believed to allow a direct transmission of spiritual energy from a teacher to a disciple, was practiced by Asahara himself and several of his top disciples, including Fumihiro Joyu and Hisako Ishii. Fumihiro Joyu also performed a shaktipat-like ceremony in the beginning of XXI century. Following the formal closure of Aum Shinrikyo, a number of steps was undertaken that changed some of the aspects that concerned both the society and authorities. Some of the most controversial parts of the doctrine (see below for details) were removed, but the basic, general aspects remained intact. For this reason, information on religious doctrine remains largely relevant to new organization Aleph as well. ACTIVITIES The movement was granted official "religious group" status by the Japanese government in 1987. Founded by Shoko Asahara in his one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo 's Shibuya district in 1984, it steadily grew the following years. Indeed, it attracted such a considerable number of young graduates from Japan's elite universities that it was soon dubbed a "religion for the elite" (statistically speaking, the social diversity situation was better than publicized). Asahara engaged in lecture tours, during which he explained his views on religion, society, and life, and answered questions with reportedly unusual wit. Asahara also traveled abroad on multiple occasions and met various notable yogic and Buddhist religious teachers and figures, such as the 14th Dalai Lama and Kalu Rimpoche , a patriarch of the Tibetan Kagyupa school. Aum's activities aimed at the popularization of Buddhist texts were also noted by the governments of Sri Lanka , Bhutan , and the Tibetan Government-in-exile located in Dharamsala, India. While Aum was considered a rather controversial phenomena in Japan, it was not yet associated with serious crimes. It was during this period that Asahara received rare Buddhist scriptures and was awarded a Stupa with remains of the Shakyamuni Buddha. Aum's PR activities included publishing. In Japan, where comics and animated cartoons enjoy unprecedented popularity among all ages, Aum attempted to tie religious ideas to popular Anime and Manga themes - space missions, extremely powerful weapons, world conspiracies and conquest for ultimate truth. Followers were discouraged from consuming Aum's publications like ''Enjoy the Happiness'' and ''Vajrayana Sacca'', which were aimed primarily at the outside world; researchers later misinterpreted the ideas as being part of Aum's internal belief system. One of their most extraordinary publications about Ninja traced the origins of martial arts and espionage to ancient China and linked the supernatural abilities ninja were rumored to possess with religious spiritual practices, concluding that the "true ninja" was interested in "preserving peace" in times of military conflict. Science fiction novels by Isaac Asimov "depicting as it does an elite group of spiritually evolved scientists forced to go underground during an age of barbarism so as to prepare themselves for the moment ... when they will emerge to rebuild civilization" were referenced as widely as basic Buddhist ideas to impress the shrewd and picky educated Japanese not attracted to boring, purely traditional sermons. (Lifton, p258) Later, the discussions about pre-requisites of Aum appeal factor resulted in some traditional Japanese Buddhist shrines adapting the Aum 'weekend meditation seminars' format. The necessity to 'modernize' also became the common refrain. According to Asahara, he needed "to demonstrate charisma" to attract the modern audience. Following his decision, Aum underwent a radical image change. The rebranded Aum looked less like an elite meditation boutique and more like an organization attractive to a broader, larger population group. Public interviews, bold controversial statements, and vicious opposition to critique were incorporated into the religion's PR style. In private, both Asahara and his top disciples continued their humble lifestyles, the only exception being the armored Mercedes gifted by a wealthy follower concerned over his Guru's traffic safety. In rather rare footage, Asahara is seen on the street in front of a large clown doll resembling himself, smiling happily. He never ceased repeating that personal wealth or fame was of little importance to him, but he had to be known in order to attract more people. Intense advertising and recruitment activities, dubbed the 'Aum Salvation plan' included curing physical illnesses with yoga health improvement techniques, realizing life goals by improving intelligence and positive thinking, and concentrating on what was important at the expense of leisure and spiritual advancement. This was accomplished by practicing the ancient teachings, accurately translated from original Pali sutras (these three were referred to as 'three-fold Salvation'). Extraordinary efforts resulted in Aum becoming the fastest-growing religion group in Japan's history. SARIN GAS ATTACKS AND AFTERMATHS ''Main article: Sarin Gas Attack On The Tokyo Subway '' In 1995, following a Tokyo subway Sarin gas attack in which 12 commuters died and thousands were injured, Shoko Asahara and a number of senior Aum Shinrikyo officials were arrested and accused of planning the attack. The trial, dubbed "the trial of the century" by the press, ruled Asahara guilty of masterminding the attack and sentenced him to Death . The indictment is currently in the process of appeal at the High Court. A number of senior members accused of participation, such as Masami Tsuchiya , also received death sentences. Following the police searches and arrests, a number of Aum followers were accused of other crimes, including several murders. The following people are believed to be murdered: two Aum Shinrikyo members, including follower Shuji Taguchi (reportedly for trying to leave the group), lawyer Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family members (including his wife, Satoko and their one-year-old child, Tatsuhiko, reportedly in revenge for some public speech). For detailed information, see Sakamoto Family Murder . The reasons why a small circle of mostly senior Aum members committed atrocities and extend personal involvement of Asahara remain unclear to this day, although several theories attempted to explain the events. Prosecutors charged that Asahara had obtained inside information on police activities, specifically plans to conduct coordinated searches of all the Aum facilities in Japan. The subway attack, by this theory, was an attempt to distract the police investigation, while in reality it resulted in extraordinary problems (initially police suggested the attack was a beginning of a failed attempt by Shoko Asahara to become a king of Japan). The defense maintained that Asahara was not aware of events, pointing to his deteriorating health condition. Shortly after his arrest, Asahara abandoned the post of organization's leader and since then had maintained silence, refusing to communicate even to lawyers and family members. Many believe the trials failed to establish truth behind the events. The group still continues to operate in Japan, but it underwent a number of transformations in the aftermath of Asahara's arrest and trial. It has announced a change in its doctrine: religious texts related to controversial Vajrayana Buddhist doctrines that authorities claimed were "justifying murder" were removed. The group apologized to the victims of the sarin gas attack and established a special compensations fund. Provocative publications and activities that alarmed the society during Aum times are no longer in place. Those living close to Aleph-related facilities are alarmed more by people demonstrating in close proximity and broadcasting their opinions from loudspeaker-equipped minivans than they are the Aleph members themselves. The transformation caused an internal debate among Aleph members, however. Fumihiro Joyu , a charismatic senior leader of the group under Asahara, is currently the official head of the organization (since 1999). Previously, the group was led by six senior executives (the so-called Chorobu), who transferred the decision-making power to Joyu. Democratic tendencies initiated by Joyu and changes aimed at softening social tensions didn't bring Aleph followers much immediate value, but caused internal disagreements among the followers. According to the Public Security Investigation Agency, as of December 2005 the group is split over a dispute over its future; a larger number of members, including senior members would like to keep the organization as close to pre-1995 structure as realistically possible. Joyu and his numerically larger faction advocate a milder course aimed at re-integration to society. Matters such as whether Asahara's portraits should be retained or abandoned remain the cornerstone of disagreements. The fundamentalist faction reportedly refuses to comply with Joyu's decisions, and they reportedly are attempting to influence the sympathizers not to communicate at all with Joyu, who still remains the official leader of the group. 'AUM SURVEILLANCE LAW': UNDER PRESSURE In January 2000, the group was placed under surveillance for a period of three years. (Highlights of the bill) In January 2003, Japan's Public Security Investigation Agency received permission to extend the surveillance for another three years. According to a Religious News Blog report issued in April 2004, the government still considers Aum "a threat to society." In January 2006, the Public Security Investigation Agency was able to extend the surveillance for another three years. Despite the doctrinal changes and banning of Vajrayana texts, the PSIA advocates an increase of surveillance and increases in funding of the agency itself; periodically, the group airs concerns that texts are still in place, and that danger remains while Asahara remains leader. Aleph leaders carefully insert passages into almost everything they say or write to prevent misinterpretation, including (oddly enough) karaoke songs. OVERSEAS PRESENCE Aum Shinrikyo has had several overseas branches: a Sri Lanka branch, small branches in New York City , United States and Bonn , Germany . The group also had several centers in Moscow , Russia . REFERENCES IN POPULAR CULTURE Books, documentaries, and fiction attempting to explain the Aum phenomena became best-sellers not only in Japan, but overseas as well. Below are characteristic examples:
FURTHER READING
EXTERNAL LINKS
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