Science of Identity Foundation

Science of Identity Foundation: Origins, Controversy, and Influence

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) emerged in the 1970s as a new religious movement in Hawaii, founded by Chris Butler, also known as Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, after he parted ways with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Initially drawn to the Hare Krishna movement, Butler became a prominent figure within it before diverging from its orthodox practices. This divergence led to public denunciation by ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, particularly after Butler permitted disciples to marry and forgo traditional monastic appearances. Following Prabhupada’s death in 1977, Butler founded SIF, previously known as the Hari Nama Society, and gradually expanded his teachings beyond Vaishnava orthodoxy to include a mix of yoga philosophy and eclectic spiritual commentary.

Butler’s followers have described the foundation’s teachings as a fusion of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and yoga principles, mandating a strict lifestyle of vegetarianism and prohibiting gambling, intoxication, and what they term “illicit sex.” However, the group has also been linked to controversial social views, including condemnation of homosexuality and open hostility towards Islam. Butler’s earlier teachings, particularly from the 1980s, reportedly included claims that bisexuality could lead to pedophilia and bestiality, stoking further criticism.

SIF’s political and social influence has also been notable. In the 1970s, Butler’s followers formed a political entity called Independents for Godly Government, positioning themselves as a conservative, multifaith coalition while concealing their ties to Butler and the Krishna movement. Funding for this effort came through a network of follower-operated businesses, including newspapers and health food stores. By the 1980s, Butler was hosting a television show titled Chris Butler Speaks and cultivating a quiet public image in the decades that followed. His wife, Wai Lana, received the Padma Shri award from the Indian government in 2016 for her role in promoting yoga globally through the Wai Lana Yoga program.

While Butler himself has stayed out of the spotlight, numerous former members have labeled SIF a cult, alleging that he maintains a divine status among followers and discourages dissent. They recount being ridiculed in public, which Butler supposedly described as a form of “Krishna’s mercy.” These claims have been met with denial from Butler and his organization, with Butler going so far as to threaten legal action against media outlets like the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for planning to report on testimonies from ex-members.

The connection between SIF and U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has brought renewed media scrutiny to the organization. Gabbard was raised within the SIF community in Hawaii and has publicly referred to Butler as her spiritual mentor. Her parents, Mike and Carol Gabbard, are also long-standing members. In a 2015 video made for an ISKCON anniversary event, Gabbard acknowledged Butler as her guru, and he has, in turn, described her as a “star pupil.” Despite these ties, Gabbard has made efforts to distance herself from the group publicly, working to obscure the depth of her relationship with Butler and SIF in the political arena.

The Science of Identity Foundation continues to draw attention due to its secretive nature, controversial beliefs, and its entanglement with political figures, making it a subject of both religious study and investigative journalism.