The Dilemma of “Authentic Self” Ideology in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

This paper examines dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of the modern ideology of "authentic self", which first emerged in the 1960s and is now widespread in contemporary cultures. The ideology is exemplified, in a religious scene, as "self-transformative" religions wherein seekers seek to transform themselves spiritually in order to realize their authentic, or "sacred" selves. Through an examination of Aum Shinrikyo, which began as a typical "self-transformative" religion but later transformed into a destructive cult, I will explain the intrinsic moral imperatives of the ideology of "authenticity". This study of Aum explores the introverted lifestyle and extreme desocialization, which resulted in obsession with the central guru, being legitimated by the ideology. This search for "authenticity" resulted in the members cutting themselves off from the reality of the world". The final analysis suggests that possible consequences of the endless pursuit of the "authentic self" are a "vacuum" self and a loss of empathy with other people. The ontological conditions created by this bring about potential destructiveness, either internal or external.

Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency

“…Members of both groups were intimately involved with psychedelic manufacture and use. Aum Shinrikyo began as a small yoga school in the mid-1980s, attracting New Age spiritual seekers with teachings directed toward “enlightenment” and “awakening” (Maekawa, 2001 ). Many top leaders in Aum Shinrikyo admitted to using LSD in ritual practices “to stimulate spiritual activity,” and psychedelics were also administered to Aum's recruits as part of the conditioning and indoctrination process (Kogo, 2002 ; Thornton, 2017 ).…”

A New Understanding of Terrorism

“…Consequently, this decreased the number of causalities. Second, the attack was based on the millennium vision (Cameron, 1999;Maekawa, 2001;Whitsel, 2000). Based on this vision, the Aum cult believed that they are ones who are selected for the new world, and the terrorists thought they could save society through their attack.…”

“…It demanded an absolute devotion to its leader and secession from the rest of the world (Reader, 2002). These dissocializing and introverted ways of life came from the ideology of "authenticity," and they were part of the new age religions' characteristics (Maekawa, 2001). With their charismatic leader, Shoko Asahara, the cult members believed that they would become the leaders and survivors of the Armageddon (Cameron, 1999).…”

Chapter Nine. Spiritual culture: Transcendence of the fundamental problems of life

“…This seems to be the case of the New Age Movement or, more broadly, "the new spirituality movements and culture." (Shimazono 1996(Shimazono , 2002Maekawa 2001). The aim of these movements roughly seems to be selfrealization and seeking a more authentic self.…”