Case file · Remote viewing & psi research
Asahara's 'levitation' photograph
In 1985 occult magazines printed a photograph of yoga teacher Shōkō Asahara seemingly levitating in the lotus position, an image that helped launch his movement Aum Shinrikyō.
1985 CE · 35.70, 139.72 · status: hoax
The account
The group grew to thousands of members with claims of psychic powers and end-time prophecy, and in 1995 carried out the sarin attack on the Tokyo subway, killing 13 people (14 by later counts).
The sceptical view
The photo shows a cross-legged jump caught at its height; Asahara never levitated under observation.