Science of Identity Foundation

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Science of Identity Foundation
AbbreviationSIF
EstablishedApril 12, 1977 (46 years ago) (1977-04-12)
Philanthropic, Religious studies, Spirituality
HeadquartersHonolulu, Hawaii, United States
Region served
Worldwide
ServicesYoga classes
Official language
English
AffiliationsGaudiya Vaishnavism
Websitescienceofidentity.org
Formerly called
Hari Nama Society
Holy Name Society

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) is a

Hawaii, United States.[1] Its theology is broadly based on Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana.[4][5]

Early history

Part of a series on
Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
Supreme deity
Vishnu / Krishna / Rama
Important deities
Dashavatara
Other forms
Consorts
Related
Holy scriptures
Puranas
Sampradayas
Others
Teachers—acharyas
Related traditions

Butler gained followers after founding the Haiku Meditation Center in 1969. He joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1970, and had received the name Siddhaswarupananda. After the death of ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Butler broke away from ISKCON and founded SIF.[6][7]

SIF was initially known as the Hari Nama or Holy Name Society.[6] In 1977, Butler estimated the group had 1,000 devotees throughout the world.[8] Butler had a late-night television show called "Chris Butler Speaks" on Hawaii's Channel 13 in the 1980s.[2][9]

Theology

The organization combines the teaching of yoga and other aspects of Krishnaite Vaishnava Hinduism.[3][10] Although grounded in Hinduism, Butler has asserted that SIF philosophy of Bhakti yoga "does not conflict with Christianity, with Islam, with any bona fide religious system. We're trying to teach the essence of Bhakti yoga without having anybody say 'Oh that's Hindu' or 'Oh that's Christian'."[2] The teachings are similar to those of Prabhupada: that human beings are "sparks" of God whose sole purpose is to please the Lord.[11]

Followers must practice vegetarianism and are not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke, have illicit sex, or gamble.[2]

Activities & Evolution

SIF developed a close-knit community of disciples in

Vaishnava Hinduism.[12]

In 2019, the

Vaishnava movement. [12]

Criticism

According to an article in The Independent, a former member has described SIF's teachings as "virulently homophobic, often anti-Islamic and misogynist...they were forced to worship Butler, who is considered to be akin to a God."[13] The same article described SIF as a "secretive cult".[13]

A 2022 Insider article has also referred to SIF as "an abusive 'cult'" and mentions how Butler teaches that "homosexuality is evil" and how his teachings are not to be questioned by members.[14]

Butler has denied these allegations and maintains that he has never said anything hateful.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Science of Identity Foundation business information on the website of Hawaii State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs". Hawaii State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  2. ^ a b c d Christensen, John (November 23, 1982). "Chris Butler: About this guru business". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. p. B-1.
  3. ^ a b Reflections on Hindu Demographics in America: An Initial Report on the First American Hindu Census. Archived 2019-10-20 at the Wayback Machine J. Gordon Melton & Constance A. Jones. A paper presented at the Association for the Study of Religion, Economics & Culture meeting in Washington, D.C., April 7–10, 2011. p. 14.
  4. ISBN 9780865477759
    .
  5. ISBN 9781138492455
    .
  6. ^
    ISBN 978-0-8160-5458-9
    . [Butler] remained with ISKCON until after Prabhupada died in 1977. [...] He founded the Science of Identity Foundation as a vehicle to facilitate his teachings. [...] The Science of Identity Foundation (originally the Hari Nama or Holy Name Society) is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  7. ISBN 3-927745-90-1. Archived from the original
    on April 13, 2019.
  8. ^ Wright, Walter (August 22, 1977). "Hawaii's 'other' Krishnas". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. p. A-1. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  9. ^ Ronck, Ronn (December 9, 1983). "Arts Scene". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  10. ^ "Science of Identity one of founders". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. July 1, 1991. p. A-4. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  11. ^ Farrar, Derek (August 12, 1992). "Rick Reed's Inner Self" (PDF). Honolulu Weekly. p. 4. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  12. ^ a b Sanneh, Kelefa (October 30, 2017). "What Does Tulsi Gabbard Believe?". New Yorker. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  13. ^ a b Hurley, Bevan (2022-10-16). "Tulsi Gabbard's ties to secretive cult may explain her perplexing political journey". The Independent. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  14. ^ a b Han, Yoonji. "Tulsi Gabbard's ties to the Science of Identity Foundation, a controversial religious sect that some call an abusive 'cult'". Insider. Retrieved 2023-05-09.

External links


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