Science of Identity Foundation

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

Science of Identity Foundation
AbbreviationSIF
Formation1977[1]
FounderChris Butler (Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa)
TypeReligious organization
HeadquartersHawaii, United States
Websitewww.scienceofidentity.org

www.scienceofidentityfoundation.net

sif.yoga

Early history

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

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.[3] Butler had a late-night television show called "Chris Butler Speaks" on Channel 13 in the 1980s.[4][5]

Theology

The organization combines the teaching of yoga and other aspects of Vaishnava Hinduism.[6] Although grounded in Hinduism, Butler has said of the SIF philosophy of Bhakti yoga, "It 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'."[4] The teachings are similar to those of Prabhupada: that human beings are "sparks" of God whose sole purpose is to please the Lord.[7]

Followers must practice vegetarianism and are not allowed to drink alcohol, smoke, have illicit sex, or gamble.[4]

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; Ryan, James D. (2006). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Infobase Publishing. pp. 411–412. ISBN 9780816075645. [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. Wright, Walter (August 22, 1977). "Hawaii's 'other' Krishnas". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. p. A-1. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  4. Christensen, John (November 23, 1982). "Chris Butler: About this guru business". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. p. B-1.
  5. Ronck, Ronn (December 9, 1983). "Arts Scene". Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
  6. "Science of Identity one of founders". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. July 1, 1991. p. A-4. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
  7. Farrar, Derek (August 12, 1992). "Rick Reed's Inner Self" (PDF). Honolulu Weekly. p. 4. Retrieved November 26, 2019.


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