Science of Identity Foundation

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) is a Vaishnavite Yoga religious organization based in Hawaii, United States, founded by Chris Butler (Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa) in 1977.[1][3]

Science of Identity Foundation
AbbreviationSIF
MottoInsights & Inspirations
Established1977 (1977)[1]
FounderChris Butler [2]
Founded atHawaii, United States
TypeReligious organization
PurposeEducational, Philanthropic, Religious studies, Spirituality
HeadquartersHonolulu, Hawaii, United States
Region served
Worldwide
ServicesYoga classes
Official language
English
Jagad Guru
Chris Butler (Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa)
AffiliationsGaudiya Vaishnavism
Websitescienceofidentity.org

scienceofidentityfoundation.net

sif.yoga
Formerly called
Hari Nama or Holy Name Society

Early history
Part of a series on
Vaishnavism
Supreme deity
Vishnu (Narayana) / Krishna / Rama / Vithoba
Important deities
Dashavatara
Other Avatars
Consorts
Related
Holy scriptures
Puranas
Sampradayas
Teachers–acharyas
Related traditions
 Hinduism portal

Butler gained followers after founding the Haiku Meditation Center in 1969. He joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1970, but after the death of ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Butler broke away from ISKCON and founded SIF.[2][4]

SIF was initially known as the Hari Nama or Holy Name Society.[2] In 1977, Butler estimated the group had 1,000 devotees throughout the world.[5] Butler had a late-night television show called "Chris Butler Speaks" on Channel 13 in the 1980s.[6][7]

Theology

The organization combines the teaching of yoga and other aspects of Krishnaite Vaishnava Hinduism.[3][8] 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'."[6] The teachings are similar to those of Prabhupada: that human beings are "sparks" of God whose sole purpose is to please the Lord.[9]

Followers must practice vegetarianism and are not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke, have illicit sex, or gamble.[6]

Notable people

Tulsi Gabbard — the first Hindu member of the United States Congress (specifically the US House of Representatives).[10][11]

References
  1. "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. Jones, Constance A.; Ryan, James D. (2007). "Siddhaswarupananda, Jagad Guru". Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Encyclopedia of World Religions. J. Gordon Melton, Series Editor. New York: Facts On File. pp. 411–412. 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.
  3. Reflections on Hindu Demographics in America: An Initial Report on the First American Hindu Census. 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. Swami B. A. Paramadvaiti (1999). Our Family — the Gaudiya Math. A study of the expansion of Gaudiya Vaisnavism and the many branches developing around the Gaudiya Math. VRINDA The Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies. p. 58. ISBN 3-927745-90-1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019.
  5. Wright, Walter (August 22, 1977). "Hawaii's 'other' Krishnas". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. p. A-1. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  6. Christensen, John (November 23, 1982). "Chris Butler: About this guru business". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. p. B-1.
  7. Ronck, Ronn (December 9, 1983). "Arts Scene". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  8. "Science of Identity one of founders". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. July 1, 1991. p. A-4. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  9. Farrar, Derek (August 12, 1992). "Rick Reed's Inner Self" (PDF). Honolulu Weekly. p. 4. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  10. What Does Tulsi Gabbard Believe?, Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, Oktober 30, 2017.
  11. Tulsi Gabbard Had a Very Strange Childhood, Kerry Howley, New York Intelligencer, Juni 11, 2019.
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