Can I join SIF?

Can I join the Science of Identity Foundation?

In yoga, the focus is not on joining a particular group or organization. Rather, the focus is on you applying the meditation practices and yoga principles in your personal life.

Do I have to convert to follow the teachings of SIF?

If I'm a member of a particular church or religion other than Hinduism, do I have to convert? Do I have to go through some kind of a conversion process to become a follower of Vaishnava Hinduism?

No. You can apply the principles and practices of the Science of Foundation without having to convert or give up their particular religion.

Can a Christian follow these teachings?

If I'm a Catholic or a member of some other Christian denomination, can I continue to go to my church if I want to?

If there is a path or practices that you feel are helping you spiritually, you are encouraged to continue those practices.

Does SIF require tithing?

Are followers of Science of Identity Foundation required to tithe or donate to SIF?

No. The Science of Identity Foundation does not have tithing or donation requirements.

Source of SIF teachings

Are the teachings of the Science of Identity Foundation a new "creation" or are they a modern interpretation or a new twist on the Vedic teachings?

The teachers and teachings of the Science of Identity Foundation are firmly rooted in one of the most ancient branches of Vaishnava Hinduism. Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda (Chris Butler), the founder of the Science of Identity Foundation, is a bona fide spiritual master coming in an ancient line of spiritual masters known as the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya.

Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda (Chris Butler) is a disciple of His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad; who is a disciple of His Divine Grace, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami; who is a disciple of Srila Gaurakishore das Babaji; who is an intimate student and friend of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur. This disciplic succession goes back to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared in India 500 years ago to teach the easiest and most effective yoga method for achieving true inner peace and spiritual realization in this age of chaos (Kali yuga).

The Science of Identity Foundation and its teachers are passing down these teachings in a way which can be easily understood and applied by people in contemporary society.

Does SIF teach that we are all God?

I've come across some Hindu gurus who claim that they are God and that if you meditate, that you too can realize that you are God. Does Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda teach this?

No, Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda does not teach this.

According to Jagad Guru: “There are so many swamis, yogis, and gurus teaching people that they are ‘God.’ It is a good business. People like to be told that they are God or will become God. What I am teaching is, ‘Guess what? You're not God, I'm not God, none of us is God.’ None of us is the Supreme Lord; we're all spirit souls, sparks of God. We are not these material bodies. We are all parts and parcels of the Supreme Soul. If a so-called God forgets His identity and needs to meditate in order to remember His identity, then by definition that so-called God cannot really be God.”

SIF and ISKCON

People often equate the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra with being a member of the Hare Krishnas/the ISKCON Society. Is the Science of Identity Foundation part of or a branch of ISKCON?

ISKCON is an organization founded by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad for his preaching work. As a disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami, Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupanada Paramahamsa worked within and in cooperation with ISKCON for a number of years in the 1970s. Following the disappearance of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami, Jagad Guru founded his own organization, the Science of Identity Foundation, to further spread the transcendental knowledge and practices of yoga.