Aumism is a minor religious sect founded in 1969 by Gilbert Bourdin (1923–1998). Centered on the "holy city" of Mandarom, near Castellane in the French Alps, it has approximately 400 members, down from 1200 at its peak. It is a synthesis of a number of religions, most prominently Hinduism.[1] Its name derives from the mystical "aum" sound used in Hindu meditation, which is said to be the sound that gave birth to all other sounds.[1] There is debate about whether Bourdin's founding of the Ashram (Holy City) of Mandarom in 1969[1] marked the beginning of the Aumist movement.
Aumism is founded upon five "truths":
- Death is nothing but a change of state[1]
- Suffering arises from the fear of moving forward[1]
- Pain makes one take "giant steps towards God"[1]
- Evolution is a law which dictates that every being must have the attainment of a higher level as its purpose[1]
- Final truth on "the ultimate goal to be reached".[1]
The Aumists believe that the Earth is itself a living being,[2] and that every animal is connected to a group soul.[2] Aumists are told not to cause animals to suffer.[2] They also believe in several "ages" of time, like the Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Copper age.[2] Aumists also reject modern technologies.[2]
- ^ a b c d e f g h Zoccatelli, PierLuigi (2004). "Notes on the Aumist Religion". In Lewis, James R.; Petersen, Jesper Aagaard (eds.). Controversial New Religions (1st ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-515682-9.
- ^ a b c d e Introvigne, Massimo (1999). "Holy Mountains and Anti-Cult Ecology: The Campaign Against the Aumist Religion in France". Social Justice Research. 12 (4): 365–375. doi:10.1023/A:1022073109646. S2CID 140520801.