Aum Shinrikyo

From dKosopedia

Categories: Religion | Terrorist groups

Aum Shinrikyo オウム真理教 or Ōmu Shinrikyō is a Japanese New Religion established by Shoko Asahara. The group's name comes from the Hindu syllable Aum (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.

The theology of Aleph (Aum Shinrikyo) is a fusion of Hindu yogic, Tibetan Buddhist and Christian millennial practices and beliefs. Christian millennialism proved to be the most toxic element. In 1995 Aum Shinrikyo adherents conducted Sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway system.