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Foundation
Aumism was founded by Shoko Asahara in Japan. The group initially promoted meditation and yoga as means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. Combining elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. -
Growth and Expansion of The Group
The movement slowly attracted followers in middle classes. Asahara’s teachings emphasize the coming of an apocalyptic event. With the group’s followers destined to survive the end of the world. The group also begins to expand outside of Japan, expanding to Russia, the United States, and other countries. -
Coming Violence
Aum Shinrikyo began to make chemical weapons like sarin gas. The group’s beliefs shift toward preparing for an apocalyptic battle, and Asahara started to believe that violent actions are necessary to bring about the end of the world. -
Subway Incident
Aum Shinrikyo carried out a gas attack on the Tokyo subway system. The attack killed 13 people and injured over a thousand. This marks the group’s transformation from a religious movement to a violent terrorist organization. -
Legal Consequences
Key members of Aum Shinrikyo are arrested and put on trial. The group is linked to other violent acts, including the murder of several individuals. The Japanese government begins to dismantle the group. -
Rebranding as Alphe
Aumism rebrands itself as Aleph, distancing itself from the violent events in the 1990s. However, the group still holds many of the same core beliefs. It is still under heavy surveillance by the Japanese authorities. -
Conviction
Asahara is convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the subway attack and other crimes. His death sentence is upheld by the Japanese Supreme Court in 2006. -
Surveillance
Despite rebranding and past violence, Aleph remains under scrutiny. Japan’s government continues to monitor the group’s activities to ensure it does not attempt to revive its violent past. Some former members have been arrested for illegal activities related to the group. -
Execution
Shoko Asahara was executed by hanging, along with six other former Aumism members, for their involvement in the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack. -
Current Status
Aumism also known as Aleph still exists today, although its membership and influence are significantly smaller compared to its peak in the 1990s. The group continues to face legal restrictions, and its activities are monitored by Japanese authorities. Despite efforts to distance itself from violence, it remains a controversial organization.