Aum Shinrikyo is a Japanese new religious movement founded by Shoko Asahara, who claimed to be an enlightened being called El Cantante. The group has been known for its controversial and violent actions, including the sarin gas attack on Tokyo's subway system in 1995 that killed twelve people and injured thousands more.
Less attention has been paid to the group's beliefs about sexuality and intimate behaviors. In this article, I will explore how these norms are shaped by Aum Shinrikyo's hierarchical and religious ideology.
Aum Shinrikyo believes that the world is divided into four levels, each of which corresponds to a different state of consciousness. At the highest level is 'the Kingdom of the Law,' where all members strive to attain, while at the lowest level is the physical world, which is considered illusory and temporary. Within this hierarchy, there is a clear distinction between those who have achieved higher states of consciousness and those who have not. This can lead to a power imbalance within relationships, as some members may feel entitled to greater access to others' bodies or emotions due to their perceived spiritual superiority.
The group also promotes asceticism, encouraging members to abstain from sex except during fertility treatments. This practice can create pressure on couples to conform to traditional gender roles, with men expected to initiate and women expected to resist. These expectations can make it difficult for individuals to express their true desires and needs in intimate situations.
Aum Shinrikyo teaches that the body is an obstacle to enlightenment, and that sexual pleasure should be avoided. Members are discouraged from engaging in masturbation or other forms of self-pleasure, which can lead to feelings of guilt or shame if they do so. This attitude towards the body can also limit one's ability to experience pleasure and connection in intimate relationships.
Despite these restrictions, some members still engage in consensual sexual activities, often within a hierarchical framework.
Leaders may engage in sexual relationships with followers in exchange for spiritual guidance or blessings. This dynamic can create an unequal power balance and lead to exploitation and harm.
Aum Shinrikyo's ideology shapes sexual norms and intimate behaviors in ways that can be harmful to both individuals and society. By examining the impact of this belief system on sexuality and intimacy, we can better understand how religious groups can influence personal choices and experiences.
How are sexual norms and intimate behaviors shaped by Aum Shinrikyo's hierarchical and religious ideology?
The Aum Shinrikyo cult is an apocalyptic new religious movement that was founded in Japan in 1987 by Shoko Asahara. The group subscribes to a hierarchy of spiritual attainment through which followers can achieve perfection, enlightenment, or salvation from earthly existence. This religious doctrine promotes strict adherence to a set of rules that regulate behavior in all spheres of life, including sexuality and intimacy.