Aum Shinrikyo – a religious sect or a modern terrorist organization?

Abstract

This article examines the history of the Japanese totalitarian sect Aum Shinrikyo. Characteristics of the biography of its founder is given. The main aspects of religious teaching, based on the expectations of the Judgment Day and the salvation of mankind thanks to Aum, were clarified and determined. The activity of the organization in Russia has been analyzed and the terrorist actions of Aum Shinrikyo members themselves have been covered.