Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
vitaminc
()
Date: August 25, 2013 08:29AM
Looking forward to seeing Flash again as well, his contributions were profoundly helpful to the cause
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
corboy
()
Date: August 25, 2013 11:04AM
Unlike the groups and gurus discussed here, Mr Ross stepped forward to tell us what had happened and to apologize.
So far as I know, none of us has an entourage.
We are each private citizens.
Here is our chance to pull together as a bunch of human beings for whom being ordinary and human is enough.
So far as I know, none of us has an entourage.
We are each private citizens.
Here is our chance to pull together as a bunch of human beings for whom being ordinary and human is enough.
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 02:00PM
THE PENULTIMATE SUMMARY OF THE BUTLER CULT
The Science of Identity Foundation, founded in Hawaii in 1977, is centre to a network of business, political and spiritual enterprises operating throughout the world under the direction of Chris Butler (Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa).
The 'science of identity' is also the title given to a distinct doctrine, as defined by Chris Butler, centered on the concept of spiritual life being dependent on any individual discovering thier 'actual identity' and being prepared to live according to their 'true nature'.
As organisation and philosophy are entirely co-existent both are essentially referred to by the abbreviation of SoI.
SoI is based around an authoritarian pyramid structure with Chris Butler, accepted as being the only genuine spiritual authority on earth and a direct link to God, at the top.
The means for achieving 'liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death' (re-incarnation) in SoI and 'going home to Godhead' (existing in the eternal bliss of Krishna's heavenly abode) is to accept Chris Butler's teachings as the 'absolute truth' and to engage in 'bhaki yoga' (devotional service).
Devotional service includes acting as a servant in Chris Butler's mansion or his personal kitchen, working in one of the businesses owned by SoI (and 'donating' a mandatory 25% deducted directly from employees wages), serving as a political candidate or other public position under Chris Butler's instruction or acting as an armed bodyguard. Every need for Chris Butler is catered for from doing his laundry to standing up wind from wherever he is as an 'air-sniffer' on alert for toxins and offensive odours or paddling in the surf to give the impression that the beach is crowded so he may surf undisturbed.
Deceptive and co-ercive tactics are used to recruit and maintain followers (devotees) such as claiming to be non-religious and non-sectarian or to be teaching meditation for 'stress relief' and yoga for 'fitness'. Details of Chris Butler's personal history and teachings are routinely concealed or fabricated. Shunning and retribution are imposed on disobedient and former followers.
While claiming to be teaching ancient and traditional forms of meditation and yoga all disciplines within SoI are the modern creation of Chris Butler derived from various influences. "Gauranga breathing" is claimed by Butler to be able to extend one's life while "Deep Peace" meditation is identical to the practice of progressive relaxation hypnosis. SoI has progressively evolved to the level of deception of presenting the ways in which devotees are instructed to live by Chris Butler as a form of yoga. Jaya yoga (Jaya meaning 'victory') was implemented by massage entreprenuer Brandon Raynor as a means of guiding recruits to Hawaii where the largest population of devotees and Butler himself live.
Chris Butler's own training in yoga and meditation is practically non-existent. He has never acknowledged any teacher of his own despite claiming to be a world renowned yoga master and draws from a range of diverse and conflicting disciplines. One example of his lack of insight is that he claims to have experienced adverse and irreversible effects as a result of practicing Kundalini yoga, going on to teach that it is dangerous and to be avoided. At the same time he instructs his followers to teach the Chinese discipline of Qi-Gong (also called Chi-Kung) which is identical to Kundalini in every aspect.
Chris Butler 'chastises', humilates, punishes, fines and banishes those who are displeasing to him. 'Chastisement' is a common theme in his recorded lectures where he details the problems his followers have written to him about, seeking his guidance, and derides them or is heard to berate a follower speaking with him in person.
Followers live in the general community, although they maintain strict isolation. Chris Butler teaches that to associate with non-devotees, is dangerous to one's consciousness and will lead to the destruction of their spiritual life. Devotees often live co-dependently of each other, sharing houses and with younger devotees taken in by disciples. There are some small communes especially for young single women where they are kept in near total isolation until marriage.
As it is not acceptable to marry non-devotees many families are related. Marriages and divorces are ordered by Butler and he condones his male
followers having more than one wife. Women are guided to feel useless and incapable of spiritual advancement if they do not have a husband.
Family is taught to be a false identification and raising children is accepted as being 'devotional service' with the only goal of parenting to be raising souls to be followers of Chris Butler.
Once a child turns five they are considered to be of age to become serious about spiritual life and not be concerned by 'unneccessary' childish behaviour, such as playing with toys. Sending a child to public school has been declared by Butler to be the equivalent of murdering them.
Followers of Chris Butler or 'devotees' fall into categories on the descending hierachy - 'pure devotees', 'senior disciples', 'disciples', 'students' and 'new people'.
Pure devotee is a distinction reserved for Chris Butler himself and those who are his close personal associates, such as his wife Wai Lana, who he gave the initiated name of Vaishnava dasi - meaning servant of a pure devotee.
In his own teachings Chris Butler places himself on the same level of character and devotion as Jesus Christ who he claims is also a pure devotee of Krishna.
Any action of a pure devotee is deemed to be pleasing to God, even when it contradicts the standards which Chris Butler expects of his followers or the scripture he refers to and has written himself.
Senior disciples are slightly more elite than disciples, ranked according to the length of time they have served Chris Butler as 'surrendered souls' and the closer their personal relationship is to him. Those who are considered to be senior disciples have been on friendly terms with Chris Butler personally and worked on his more ambitious or lucrative 'projects'. Mere disciples have often not even met or personally communicated with Chris Butler, even on their initiation.
The signifigance of 'initiation' is that a devotee has offerred their life and every action to Chris Butler and, according to him, that he accepts them on these terms makes the relationship equal. On initiation Chris Butler bestows a 'spiritual name' which his disciples become known by, typically a Vedic word which corressponds alphabetically to their original name. He also chants a mantra on their japa beads and returns them in exchange for the promise that they will chant a set number, usually sixteen, of 'rounds' a day for the rest of their lives. A 'round' is one 'Maha' (great) mantra (ie - Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) on each of a set of one hundred and eight beads which takes with takes about two hours a day.
Disciples are to be deferred to by students in the abscence of Chris Butler, which is typical as he is increasingly reclusive and uncontactable by all but a select few. They act to discipline through meeting among themselves and organise recruitment and projects.
Despite Chris Butler's personally absent spiritual guidance copious instructions are issued by him through his network of secretaries and staff in Hawaii and in his writings and recorded lectures. Disciples rely on contacting him indirectly through these means and issues which are considered important are brought to his attention through his secretary.
Students have had to demonstrate sufficient belief in Chris Butler to become progressively more exposed to his teachings, association with other devotees and involvement in his projects. Most long term students do not contribute a significant amount of money or have been displeasing to Chris Butler in some way. Not being initiated does not provide for liberation, creating an imperative to be as pleasing and devoted as possible.
Some disciples have taken advantage of this situation by soliciting money from students for investment and pyramid schemes, developing their businesses via free labour and manipulating sexual favours and money from students in exchange for recommending them for initiation. Chris Butler has shown no interest in these issues when they are brought to his attention beyond directing that all money should be sent directly to him.
New people are defined as those who are not deemed 'serious enough' by the controlling disciples to be given anymore than superficial access to the spiritual nature of the organisation and Chris Butler's teachings.
If a person becomes involved when they are aged beyond their twenties they are regarded with suspicion and may never progress above open classes simply because Chris Butler preaches that the older a person is without becoming his follower the more degraded their consciousness has become. Other factors which are considered is whether a person has a spouse or children that do not attend, whether they are regular attendants and if they have any assets or skills that are useful to service.
Chris Butler has an estimated twenty thousand 'devotees' with confirmed prescences in Australia, Belgium, Canada,China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Phillipines, Poland,Russia, Switzerland and the United States - particularly Hawaii, California, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Texas.
SoI meditation and yoga centres, which serve as the primary means of recruitment, operate under various names. Typically titles are based on the location (eg- Australian School of Meditation) or favour the names of 'Chaitanya' or 'Gauranga' (eg- Chaitanya Mission and Gauranga School of Meditation). Names which contradict this general practice have also been documented (eg- Mantra Meditation in Hawaii and Gokula House in Melbourne,
Australia).
SoI also carries on recruitment through dedicated 'outreach' operating in public spaces, such as libraries, community and youth centres, member's private homes, university campuses, through the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms) project, Brandon Raynor Massage Schools and Down to Earth 'Lifestyle Centres'.
Subliminal indoctrination is attempted according to the belief that exposing 'karmis' (non-believers) to the sounds of Chris Butler chanting and the consumption of 'prashadam' (food that has been ritually offered to the deity
Krishna).
Based on these beliefs SoI has established Wai Lana Yoga, which features the chanting of Chris Butler - credited as Siddha, Ajita's Vege Chips, the Down to Earth food chain, Healing Noni Juice and a multitude of smaller scale food service and musical projects, including Chris Butler's own failed rock star aspirations.
Even more abstract attempts to introduce SoI beliefs to an unsuspecting public include the cartoons Ninjai, Karma Kula and Wai Lana's 'Little Yogis' and coveting exposure in the entertainment industry.
As Chris Butler instructs his followers in what career they should take up it is interesting to note how many dedicate themselves to modelling, and acting, especially considering that Butler preaches the superficial nature of such professions and refers to watching movies as a waste of time. Under the guidance of Chris Butler is Radha Mitchell and minor actress Satcha Bellord, a stable of young models and aspiring musicians in Hawaii and Ground Up TV in the Phillipines featuring pop culture alongside solicitous female modelling.
Butler has pursued his political interests over four decades, telling his followers that one of them will eventually be president of the United States. To date he has succeeded in having a disciple on every level of Hawaiian government.
The 70s party Independents for Godly Government which included Rick Reid, Wayne Nishiki, Kathy Hoshijo, Larry Olsen and John Moore dissolved in controversy after Reid was exposed for engaging in dirty campaign tactics, on Chris Butler's orders, by his former wife. Other attempts to manipulate the democratic process have also surfaced.
In 1998 the EarthSave party was established in Australia by disciple Brandon Raynor in which every candidate was a fellow devotee. They failed to win any influence and have since disbanded.
Chris Butler's most successful political endeavour to date has been the Gabbard family. Mike Gabbard (Krishna Kartha das) was elected Senator for Hawaii in 2006. Wife Carol Gabbard (Devaruti dasi) spent a record amount to win a place on the Hawaiian Board of Education and daughter Tulsi Gabbard-Tamayo won a seat in the House of Representatives in 2002.
Chris Butler's candidates show no party preference with Republican and Democrat candidates running simultaneously and Mike Gabbard switching from Republican to Democrat less than a year after being elected. Mike Gabbard has denied his allegiance to Chris Butler claiming to be Catholic, despite clear evidence to the contrary including 95% of his very unusual campaign contributions coming directly from SoI members. The only objective is to assure Chris Butler of as much influence as possible. With this same goal selected followers are directed to take up policing and positions with other government departments.
Various pressure groups have also been established by Chris Butler in the interests of gaining a controlling influence in the Vaishnava religious community and demonising homosexuality, with some interest extended to environmental issues. These include being a founding member and installing the president of the World Vaishnava Association, establishing and directing the Vaishnava Internet News Agency, Alliance Against Religous Vilification, Dharam Rakshak, Stand Up for America, several chapters of Stop Promoting Homosexuality and Save Traditional Marriage and the Healthy Hawaii Coalition.
Who is Chris Butler?
The youngest of three sons and a daughter born to Dr Willis Butler and his wife Barbara on 14th June 1948 Chris was born in Louisiana shorlty before the family relocated to Hawaii.
In his lectures to followers Chris does not remember his childhood fondly and as an adult became estranged from his family, apart from his brother Bruce, who became his disciple. He ordered his disciples in personal service to provide no details to his parents about where he was living refused to attend his own mother's funeral.
As an example of how unattached he is to his own 'material body' Chris Butler claimed to not realise that he was white until he was discriminated against by the local indigenous Hawaiians.
Brahman Realisation
Regardless of the different names the experience is the same. During this experience, the individual soul temporarily forgets his individual existence and merges into the impersonal Brahman effulgence. This effulgence is actually the personal bodily luster of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This effulgence is boundless and all-pervading, and is known as the brahmajyoti. In colloquial terms it is known as the "clear light" or the "white light".
The experience involved can be brought about through various methods of meditation, prayer, chanting, and in some very rare cases, through the use of psychedelic drugs combined with any of the above mentioned processes.
Footnote : The author of this thesis in no way advocates the use of psychedelic drugs. The use of psychadelic drugs can be very dangerous. In this regard, it should be noted that many persons who have experimented with psychedelic drugs, and who think that they have attained great levels of spiritual awareness, are infact simply "space cases" who are out of touch with reality, both material and spiritual.
Tusta Krishna das (David Muncie) The Quest : An Enquiry into the Existence and Nature of the Supreme Being. Page 190.
The Quest, published by The Science of Identity Foundation in 1980 and 1999 is the thesis of Chris Butler's closest personal friend and first disciple in attaining his Master of Arts degree.
Despite his disclaimer Tusta's devotion to Chris Butler did not permit him to dismiss the ability to attain "Brahman realization" through use of psychedelic drugs, since he was well aware this is what led Chris Butler to becoming a guru.
According to legend among Butler's followers it was during an LSD "trip" that he reached the "white light" and claimed that he heard a voice telling him that he needed permission to enter. With this Chris Butler had a realisation that if he needed permission that there must be a higher authority above the impersonal goal. At that point he returned to material existence to share the realisation that God existed.
Origins In ISKCON
That difference of opinion will continue, what can be done. Siddha Swarupananda Maharaja and his group, whenever they see me they give me money. So they are not against me.
-AC Bhaktivedanta Swami in a letter to his disciple Bhurijana 11th Nov 1975
In philosophy and lifestyle, in addition to sharing many critical aspects, SoI is derived from and maintains a strong resemblance to the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) 'Hare Krishna' movement.
Most of Butler's philosophy, inferred credibility as a guru and his early following stems from his relationship with ISKCON.
There is an abundance of evidence to sugguest that he had a profound effect on the organisation in defining it's more controversial aspects and instigating challenges to authority that have proven highly divisive to this day.
Chris Butler claims to be the only true representative of ISKCON founder and guru AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. He portrays himself as a matyr violently oppossed for his devotion by those who became set on corruption following AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's death.
Chris Butler arrived in ISKCON in late 1970 bringing with him a substantial donation of $18 800, property in Hawaii and between 50 to 100 of his own followers. While the estimation of numbers varies considerably it is generally
agreed that Sai, as Butler was then known, and his following where the largest group to ever join ISKCON.
Bhaktivedanta would initiate over five thousand disciples, but only one received a page in ISKCON's Back To Godhead magazine to commemorate the occassion. Butler wrote offering his obeisances (respects) to Bhaktivedanta Swami, declaring his commitment to ISKCON and lamenting his past
spiritual misjudgements.
Chris Butler was given the initiated name Siddhasvarupa - meaning 'one that is accomplished in image'in June 1971.
Just six months prior to his initiation Butler had produced Sai Speaks to promote Krishna Yoga Community, a reinvention of his pre-existing commune, which was linked to Sivananda Ashram. Sai claimed to have mastered every traditional form of yoga, although he was still only twenty years old, and to be a genuine spiritual master although, he admitted at the time, not in disciplic succession.
In his considerably revised personal history Butler would come to represent to his followers that he had attained to the highest level of enlightenment in the 'impersonal' philosophies (those which do not recognise God as an individual but within each human soul) only to encounter God himself and so become certain of his genuine existence.
At the time Butler was regularly using LSD, a fact he admits to in Sai Speaks and his publication "Drugs" and it was during a 'trip' that he experienced his divine awakening. He would later claim that the name Sai, which means 'master' was bestowed on him by Krishna. The name was actually bestowed on him by his initiating spiritual master of Sivananda Ashram as part of his full initiated name Sai Stokala Adhikari, which appears in Sai Speaks.
Hawaiian followers of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami were affronted by Sai's imitiation of their practices, including leading sankirtan (public chanting parties), collecting money and claims to be following their guru. Bhaktivedanta renounced any connection to Sai and directed his disciples to print and distribute a leaflet of his own design to inform the general public that Sai was not representing Krishna Consciousness.
At the time Hare Krishna had become a household name and being denounced by Bhaktivedanta severely restricted Sai's ability to recruit new followers as he had intended as well as challenging his authority in front of his
existing following.
Butler sent his closest friend David Muncie, who would become known as Tusta Krishna das, to study with ISKCON and began to corresspond with Bhaktivedanta in a series of letters enquiring about how he could become accepted. The offer of money and other assets was made immediately and received with much enthusiasm.
Despite their success and already having amassed considerable wealth ISKCON was involved with several very ambitious projects and experiencing some difficulty meeting debts. In particular the society's magazine Back to Godhead, founded by Bhaktivedanta in 1944, was unable to meet costs and under threat of being shut down. Butler may have been aware of this fact due to his association with regarded hallucenogenic artist Bob Schnepp who had taken up residence at Krishna Yoga Community after working for Back to Godhead.
Interestingly, under the influence of LSD Schnepp was responsible for producing Butler's 'authorised' images of Krishna. These he tells his followers are the only true and therefore acceptable depictions of God based on his own claims of having seen him in person.
Sai instructed his following who were accustomed to spending their days 'tripping', surfing and embracing the concept of 'free love' that they were joining ISKCON. All copies of Sai Speaks were directed to be burnt and the customs of ISKCON fully adhered to. Specific instructions were given about where followers were to go sugguesting that there was some intention to assume influence within ISKCON in Sai's favour.
Less than two years into initiation Butler was no longer concerned with fitting in and was running his own following benefitting significantly from the guise of being condoned by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. Tusta Krishna das assumed control of the ISKCON temple in New Zealand while Siddhasvarupa ran ISKCON in Hawaii. He also had a controlling influence in the infamous Californian Laguna Temple which cooperated with Timothy Leary's 'Brotherhood of Eternal Love' to distribute vast amounts of LSD and hash smuggled from India. Eventually scandal would arise when Laguna was raided by the FBI.
Chris Butler was continuously brought to AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's attention by his other disciples with concern for the many ways in which he asserted his independence and ultimately assumed his own authority. Butler appealed to those who had difficulty adapting to standards of temple living such as shaving their heads and wearing orange robes. Such things Butler declared were unimportant. He never attempted to explain why such a saintly and genuine guru as he prepetuated Bhaktivedanta Swami as being would bother to make instructions which were so spiritually irrelevant as to be discarded.
Butler himself could not abide the vow of celibacy he had taken in accepting the initiation as a sanyassin and was forced to marry his secretary when it was discovered that he had been sleeping with her.
Although he maintains to this day that he is celibate and has been his entire life according to some of his former disciples he was in a relationship with his long-time friend and early disciple Kathy Hoshijo, known as Katayani dasi, and he married his 'spiritual daughter' Wai Lana in 1984.
The ISKCON religion is derived from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition of India which recognises Krishna as the 'Supreme Lord' among the many gods and goddesses of the complex Hindu belief system. Although maintaining that this theology or 'revealed knowledge' is the original religion - based on the most ancient scripture in existence - Gauidiya Vaishnavism was actually defined and popularised by the Indian sage Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the early 15th century.
According to the key scripture of the Bhagavad Gita a spiritual master is situated in a disciplic succession that originated with God himself and has carried on through the tradition of students representing their departed guru in teachings and example. It is taught that there can be no spiritual enlightenment without 'submissive surrender' to him. Spiritual masters are always male in this belief system as women are deemed too inferior.
The concept of not contradicting a standard derived directly from God is upheld as a guide to authenticity of a guru. Infact each generation, beginning with Chaitanya, has made major alterations to the teachings and example of their predecessor. Chaitanya personally wrote only eight short prayers and never claimed to be God although he would be worshipped as a direct incarnation descended for the purpose of reviving devotion on earth following his death and his teachings would be voluminously declared by others.
AC Bhaktivedanta Swami was an elderly retired pharmacist when he left his native India with the mission of bringing 'Krishna Consciousness' to the Western world in 1966. He was not well regarded among his 'godbrothers' on account of his casual devotion. While he claimed to have been given the instruction to preach in english while still a young man he did not adopt the rigid constraints of his religion until his business was bankrupt, his children were grown and married life had become tiresome, just eleven years before his death. He was also criticised for assuming the title of his deceased spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Bhaktivedanta roundly condemned his godbrothers claiming to be the only true representative of his spiritual master, declaring that they were 'low class', less than human and had lost all meaning of their mission. The anomisity was not resolved on either side until ISKCON had become a popular and very wealthy success.
By 1966 Gaudiya Vaishnavism was an obscure sect in a land of thousands but by actively appealing to the American 'hippie' culture and aided by highly influential figures including Timothy Leary Bhaktivedanta managed to convince thousands that his was the one true religion.
ISKCON was heavily focussed towards raising money as Bhaktivedanta directed 'by hook or by crook'. Any act intended to benefit the society was deemed not only acceptable but morally superior. As such the popular image of Hare Krishnas became irretrivably linked to public solicition. Contemporary observations refer to dodging gauntlets of saffron robed preachers in every conceivable public space. The New York zoo posted signs advising not to donate to the Hare Krishnas alongside the more traditional Do not feed the animals. A lawsuit was required to remove the abundance of preachers from airport terminals.
The older generations were troubled at seeing so many young people withdrawing from society to live in temples and follow a heavily ritualised lifestyle. Claims of 'brainwashing', control, criminal enterprises and abuse began to surface almost immediately.
In a long running courtcase, beginning in 1976, a minor named Robin George and her parents pursued claims of brainwashing and false imprisonment. In 1983 they were awarded $32 million in damages by a Californian jury, which was reduced to $485 000 in 1993 and eventually finalised by a private
settlement.
ISKCON was futher tainted by widespread pick-pocketing and various street scams, drug use and dealing, abuse and repression of female members, high divorce rates, seperating parents from their children and abuse of children in their boarding schools.
Sulochana das who documented the direction of ISKCON following AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's death in his book The Guru Business was murdered in retaliation two days after publication in 1982. His killer maintained that he had acted on the orders of his guru Kirtananda, who was later jailed for racketeering.
In 2000 forty four complainants titled "children of ISKCON" filed a lawsuit for physical, emotional and sexual abuse in ISKCON boarding schools.
When AC Bhaktivedanta Swami died in 1977 he left no clear instruction as to who his successor should be. Eleven disciples making up the Governing Body Commission GBC, which Bhaktivedanta had founded himself claimed that they had been appointed. ISKCON was immediately divided by those who accepted the 'successor gurus' and those that did not. Some maintained that Bhaktivedanta had been poisoned.
Chris Butler was the first to publicly denounce the'successor gurus', claiming that they had fraudulently assumed control of the organisation since he himself was the only one qualified to continue AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's mission. Immediately following his death Chris Butler assumed Bhaktivedanta's title of 'Srila Prabhupad' - meaning he who has taken the position of the Lord.
Butler and his close followers have maintained vague and unsubstantiated claims for over three decades that 'people' within ISKCON are plotting against him determined to assassinate his character if not his person. He has never been attacked despite his many public gatherings and high profile projects, including his involvement alongside several ISKCON members in the World Vaishnava Association.
In contrast Butler's history of self-interest, disrespect and disruption within ISKCON is well documented.
The premise of being in perptual threat from ISKCON has served to convince Butler's followers that he is protecting them from 'spiritual suicide' by having any association with ISKCON members, fostering fear, mistrust and contempt which prevents them from seeking or believing any accounts of his personal history.
Followers and even former followers of Chris Butler who have maintained some element of faith along the lines of ISKCON are reluctant to examine his relationship to Bhaktivedanta Swami, or to venture any further back in history. The belief in the need for a genuine spiritual master is so pervading in Krishna Consciousness that acknowledging critical facts or enquiring into the background of Chris Butler or Bhaktivedanta severely undermines the will to believe.
Many are ultimately drawn to gurus claiming an unrelated descent in order to continue belief through denoucing Bhaktivedanta and his disciples as bogus.
Inside SoI
SoI maintains the most fundamental philosophy of ISKCON combined with Chris Butler's impersonalist and zen learnings, elements of chinese mysticism, and various psuedo-sciences.
The recognition and worship of Krishna as God, with a focus on the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
SoI does not recognise the distinctive dress code of ISKCON and Butler explicitly instructs not to resemble ISKCON devotees in anyway. There is no position of sanyassi (celibate male preachers) central in the structure of ISKCON and no attempt to follow the emphasis that Bhaktivedanta Swami placed on public chanting, maintaining temples, book distribution and charity.
Chris Butler has never built a temple or undertaken a single charitable project. Gatherings of followers typically take place in parks or on a beach.
Chris Butler's instructions are for religious practices to be cloaked in euphemisms such as 'yoga sound' for names of Krishna, mantra rock (for worshipping Krishna to loud music) and 'yoga lifestyle' for following his teachings on a daily basis.[/quote]
The Science of Identity Foundation, founded in Hawaii in 1977, is centre to a network of business, political and spiritual enterprises operating throughout the world under the direction of Chris Butler (Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa).
The 'science of identity' is also the title given to a distinct doctrine, as defined by Chris Butler, centered on the concept of spiritual life being dependent on any individual discovering thier 'actual identity' and being prepared to live according to their 'true nature'.
As organisation and philosophy are entirely co-existent both are essentially referred to by the abbreviation of SoI.
SoI is based around an authoritarian pyramid structure with Chris Butler, accepted as being the only genuine spiritual authority on earth and a direct link to God, at the top.
The means for achieving 'liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death' (re-incarnation) in SoI and 'going home to Godhead' (existing in the eternal bliss of Krishna's heavenly abode) is to accept Chris Butler's teachings as the 'absolute truth' and to engage in 'bhaki yoga' (devotional service).
Devotional service includes acting as a servant in Chris Butler's mansion or his personal kitchen, working in one of the businesses owned by SoI (and 'donating' a mandatory 25% deducted directly from employees wages), serving as a political candidate or other public position under Chris Butler's instruction or acting as an armed bodyguard. Every need for Chris Butler is catered for from doing his laundry to standing up wind from wherever he is as an 'air-sniffer' on alert for toxins and offensive odours or paddling in the surf to give the impression that the beach is crowded so he may surf undisturbed.
Deceptive and co-ercive tactics are used to recruit and maintain followers (devotees) such as claiming to be non-religious and non-sectarian or to be teaching meditation for 'stress relief' and yoga for 'fitness'. Details of Chris Butler's personal history and teachings are routinely concealed or fabricated. Shunning and retribution are imposed on disobedient and former followers.
While claiming to be teaching ancient and traditional forms of meditation and yoga all disciplines within SoI are the modern creation of Chris Butler derived from various influences. "Gauranga breathing" is claimed by Butler to be able to extend one's life while "Deep Peace" meditation is identical to the practice of progressive relaxation hypnosis. SoI has progressively evolved to the level of deception of presenting the ways in which devotees are instructed to live by Chris Butler as a form of yoga. Jaya yoga (Jaya meaning 'victory') was implemented by massage entreprenuer Brandon Raynor as a means of guiding recruits to Hawaii where the largest population of devotees and Butler himself live.
Chris Butler's own training in yoga and meditation is practically non-existent. He has never acknowledged any teacher of his own despite claiming to be a world renowned yoga master and draws from a range of diverse and conflicting disciplines. One example of his lack of insight is that he claims to have experienced adverse and irreversible effects as a result of practicing Kundalini yoga, going on to teach that it is dangerous and to be avoided. At the same time he instructs his followers to teach the Chinese discipline of Qi-Gong (also called Chi-Kung) which is identical to Kundalini in every aspect.
Chris Butler 'chastises', humilates, punishes, fines and banishes those who are displeasing to him. 'Chastisement' is a common theme in his recorded lectures where he details the problems his followers have written to him about, seeking his guidance, and derides them or is heard to berate a follower speaking with him in person.
Followers live in the general community, although they maintain strict isolation. Chris Butler teaches that to associate with non-devotees, is dangerous to one's consciousness and will lead to the destruction of their spiritual life. Devotees often live co-dependently of each other, sharing houses and with younger devotees taken in by disciples. There are some small communes especially for young single women where they are kept in near total isolation until marriage.
As it is not acceptable to marry non-devotees many families are related. Marriages and divorces are ordered by Butler and he condones his male
followers having more than one wife. Women are guided to feel useless and incapable of spiritual advancement if they do not have a husband.
Family is taught to be a false identification and raising children is accepted as being 'devotional service' with the only goal of parenting to be raising souls to be followers of Chris Butler.
Once a child turns five they are considered to be of age to become serious about spiritual life and not be concerned by 'unneccessary' childish behaviour, such as playing with toys. Sending a child to public school has been declared by Butler to be the equivalent of murdering them.
Followers of Chris Butler or 'devotees' fall into categories on the descending hierachy - 'pure devotees', 'senior disciples', 'disciples', 'students' and 'new people'.
Pure devotee is a distinction reserved for Chris Butler himself and those who are his close personal associates, such as his wife Wai Lana, who he gave the initiated name of Vaishnava dasi - meaning servant of a pure devotee.
In his own teachings Chris Butler places himself on the same level of character and devotion as Jesus Christ who he claims is also a pure devotee of Krishna.
Any action of a pure devotee is deemed to be pleasing to God, even when it contradicts the standards which Chris Butler expects of his followers or the scripture he refers to and has written himself.
Senior disciples are slightly more elite than disciples, ranked according to the length of time they have served Chris Butler as 'surrendered souls' and the closer their personal relationship is to him. Those who are considered to be senior disciples have been on friendly terms with Chris Butler personally and worked on his more ambitious or lucrative 'projects'. Mere disciples have often not even met or personally communicated with Chris Butler, even on their initiation.
The signifigance of 'initiation' is that a devotee has offerred their life and every action to Chris Butler and, according to him, that he accepts them on these terms makes the relationship equal. On initiation Chris Butler bestows a 'spiritual name' which his disciples become known by, typically a Vedic word which corressponds alphabetically to their original name. He also chants a mantra on their japa beads and returns them in exchange for the promise that they will chant a set number, usually sixteen, of 'rounds' a day for the rest of their lives. A 'round' is one 'Maha' (great) mantra (ie - Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) on each of a set of one hundred and eight beads which takes with takes about two hours a day.
Disciples are to be deferred to by students in the abscence of Chris Butler, which is typical as he is increasingly reclusive and uncontactable by all but a select few. They act to discipline through meeting among themselves and organise recruitment and projects.
Despite Chris Butler's personally absent spiritual guidance copious instructions are issued by him through his network of secretaries and staff in Hawaii and in his writings and recorded lectures. Disciples rely on contacting him indirectly through these means and issues which are considered important are brought to his attention through his secretary.
Students have had to demonstrate sufficient belief in Chris Butler to become progressively more exposed to his teachings, association with other devotees and involvement in his projects. Most long term students do not contribute a significant amount of money or have been displeasing to Chris Butler in some way. Not being initiated does not provide for liberation, creating an imperative to be as pleasing and devoted as possible.
Some disciples have taken advantage of this situation by soliciting money from students for investment and pyramid schemes, developing their businesses via free labour and manipulating sexual favours and money from students in exchange for recommending them for initiation. Chris Butler has shown no interest in these issues when they are brought to his attention beyond directing that all money should be sent directly to him.
New people are defined as those who are not deemed 'serious enough' by the controlling disciples to be given anymore than superficial access to the spiritual nature of the organisation and Chris Butler's teachings.
If a person becomes involved when they are aged beyond their twenties they are regarded with suspicion and may never progress above open classes simply because Chris Butler preaches that the older a person is without becoming his follower the more degraded their consciousness has become. Other factors which are considered is whether a person has a spouse or children that do not attend, whether they are regular attendants and if they have any assets or skills that are useful to service.
Chris Butler has an estimated twenty thousand 'devotees' with confirmed prescences in Australia, Belgium, Canada,China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Phillipines, Poland,Russia, Switzerland and the United States - particularly Hawaii, California, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Texas.
SoI meditation and yoga centres, which serve as the primary means of recruitment, operate under various names. Typically titles are based on the location (eg- Australian School of Meditation) or favour the names of 'Chaitanya' or 'Gauranga' (eg- Chaitanya Mission and Gauranga School of Meditation). Names which contradict this general practice have also been documented (eg- Mantra Meditation in Hawaii and Gokula House in Melbourne,
Australia).
SoI also carries on recruitment through dedicated 'outreach' operating in public spaces, such as libraries, community and youth centres, member's private homes, university campuses, through the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms) project, Brandon Raynor Massage Schools and Down to Earth 'Lifestyle Centres'.
Subliminal indoctrination is attempted according to the belief that exposing 'karmis' (non-believers) to the sounds of Chris Butler chanting and the consumption of 'prashadam' (food that has been ritually offered to the deity
Krishna).
Based on these beliefs SoI has established Wai Lana Yoga, which features the chanting of Chris Butler - credited as Siddha, Ajita's Vege Chips, the Down to Earth food chain, Healing Noni Juice and a multitude of smaller scale food service and musical projects, including Chris Butler's own failed rock star aspirations.
Even more abstract attempts to introduce SoI beliefs to an unsuspecting public include the cartoons Ninjai, Karma Kula and Wai Lana's 'Little Yogis' and coveting exposure in the entertainment industry.
As Chris Butler instructs his followers in what career they should take up it is interesting to note how many dedicate themselves to modelling, and acting, especially considering that Butler preaches the superficial nature of such professions and refers to watching movies as a waste of time. Under the guidance of Chris Butler is Radha Mitchell and minor actress Satcha Bellord, a stable of young models and aspiring musicians in Hawaii and Ground Up TV in the Phillipines featuring pop culture alongside solicitous female modelling.
Butler has pursued his political interests over four decades, telling his followers that one of them will eventually be president of the United States. To date he has succeeded in having a disciple on every level of Hawaiian government.
The 70s party Independents for Godly Government which included Rick Reid, Wayne Nishiki, Kathy Hoshijo, Larry Olsen and John Moore dissolved in controversy after Reid was exposed for engaging in dirty campaign tactics, on Chris Butler's orders, by his former wife. Other attempts to manipulate the democratic process have also surfaced.
In 1998 the EarthSave party was established in Australia by disciple Brandon Raynor in which every candidate was a fellow devotee. They failed to win any influence and have since disbanded.
Chris Butler's most successful political endeavour to date has been the Gabbard family. Mike Gabbard (Krishna Kartha das) was elected Senator for Hawaii in 2006. Wife Carol Gabbard (Devaruti dasi) spent a record amount to win a place on the Hawaiian Board of Education and daughter Tulsi Gabbard-Tamayo won a seat in the House of Representatives in 2002.
Chris Butler's candidates show no party preference with Republican and Democrat candidates running simultaneously and Mike Gabbard switching from Republican to Democrat less than a year after being elected. Mike Gabbard has denied his allegiance to Chris Butler claiming to be Catholic, despite clear evidence to the contrary including 95% of his very unusual campaign contributions coming directly from SoI members. The only objective is to assure Chris Butler of as much influence as possible. With this same goal selected followers are directed to take up policing and positions with other government departments.
Various pressure groups have also been established by Chris Butler in the interests of gaining a controlling influence in the Vaishnava religious community and demonising homosexuality, with some interest extended to environmental issues. These include being a founding member and installing the president of the World Vaishnava Association, establishing and directing the Vaishnava Internet News Agency, Alliance Against Religous Vilification, Dharam Rakshak, Stand Up for America, several chapters of Stop Promoting Homosexuality and Save Traditional Marriage and the Healthy Hawaii Coalition.
Who is Chris Butler?
The youngest of three sons and a daughter born to Dr Willis Butler and his wife Barbara on 14th June 1948 Chris was born in Louisiana shorlty before the family relocated to Hawaii.
In his lectures to followers Chris does not remember his childhood fondly and as an adult became estranged from his family, apart from his brother Bruce, who became his disciple. He ordered his disciples in personal service to provide no details to his parents about where he was living refused to attend his own mother's funeral.
As an example of how unattached he is to his own 'material body' Chris Butler claimed to not realise that he was white until he was discriminated against by the local indigenous Hawaiians.
Brahman Realisation
Regardless of the different names the experience is the same. During this experience, the individual soul temporarily forgets his individual existence and merges into the impersonal Brahman effulgence. This effulgence is actually the personal bodily luster of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This effulgence is boundless and all-pervading, and is known as the brahmajyoti. In colloquial terms it is known as the "clear light" or the "white light".
The experience involved can be brought about through various methods of meditation, prayer, chanting, and in some very rare cases, through the use of psychedelic drugs combined with any of the above mentioned processes.
Footnote : The author of this thesis in no way advocates the use of psychedelic drugs. The use of psychadelic drugs can be very dangerous. In this regard, it should be noted that many persons who have experimented with psychedelic drugs, and who think that they have attained great levels of spiritual awareness, are infact simply "space cases" who are out of touch with reality, both material and spiritual.
Tusta Krishna das (David Muncie) The Quest : An Enquiry into the Existence and Nature of the Supreme Being. Page 190.
The Quest, published by The Science of Identity Foundation in 1980 and 1999 is the thesis of Chris Butler's closest personal friend and first disciple in attaining his Master of Arts degree.
Despite his disclaimer Tusta's devotion to Chris Butler did not permit him to dismiss the ability to attain "Brahman realization" through use of psychedelic drugs, since he was well aware this is what led Chris Butler to becoming a guru.
According to legend among Butler's followers it was during an LSD "trip" that he reached the "white light" and claimed that he heard a voice telling him that he needed permission to enter. With this Chris Butler had a realisation that if he needed permission that there must be a higher authority above the impersonal goal. At that point he returned to material existence to share the realisation that God existed.
Origins In ISKCON
That difference of opinion will continue, what can be done. Siddha Swarupananda Maharaja and his group, whenever they see me they give me money. So they are not against me.
-AC Bhaktivedanta Swami in a letter to his disciple Bhurijana 11th Nov 1975
In philosophy and lifestyle, in addition to sharing many critical aspects, SoI is derived from and maintains a strong resemblance to the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) 'Hare Krishna' movement.
Most of Butler's philosophy, inferred credibility as a guru and his early following stems from his relationship with ISKCON.
There is an abundance of evidence to sugguest that he had a profound effect on the organisation in defining it's more controversial aspects and instigating challenges to authority that have proven highly divisive to this day.
Chris Butler claims to be the only true representative of ISKCON founder and guru AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. He portrays himself as a matyr violently oppossed for his devotion by those who became set on corruption following AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's death.
Chris Butler arrived in ISKCON in late 1970 bringing with him a substantial donation of $18 800, property in Hawaii and between 50 to 100 of his own followers. While the estimation of numbers varies considerably it is generally
agreed that Sai, as Butler was then known, and his following where the largest group to ever join ISKCON.
Bhaktivedanta would initiate over five thousand disciples, but only one received a page in ISKCON's Back To Godhead magazine to commemorate the occassion. Butler wrote offering his obeisances (respects) to Bhaktivedanta Swami, declaring his commitment to ISKCON and lamenting his past
spiritual misjudgements.
Chris Butler was given the initiated name Siddhasvarupa - meaning 'one that is accomplished in image'in June 1971.
Just six months prior to his initiation Butler had produced Sai Speaks to promote Krishna Yoga Community, a reinvention of his pre-existing commune, which was linked to Sivananda Ashram. Sai claimed to have mastered every traditional form of yoga, although he was still only twenty years old, and to be a genuine spiritual master although, he admitted at the time, not in disciplic succession.
In his considerably revised personal history Butler would come to represent to his followers that he had attained to the highest level of enlightenment in the 'impersonal' philosophies (those which do not recognise God as an individual but within each human soul) only to encounter God himself and so become certain of his genuine existence.
At the time Butler was regularly using LSD, a fact he admits to in Sai Speaks and his publication "Drugs" and it was during a 'trip' that he experienced his divine awakening. He would later claim that the name Sai, which means 'master' was bestowed on him by Krishna. The name was actually bestowed on him by his initiating spiritual master of Sivananda Ashram as part of his full initiated name Sai Stokala Adhikari, which appears in Sai Speaks.
Hawaiian followers of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami were affronted by Sai's imitiation of their practices, including leading sankirtan (public chanting parties), collecting money and claims to be following their guru. Bhaktivedanta renounced any connection to Sai and directed his disciples to print and distribute a leaflet of his own design to inform the general public that Sai was not representing Krishna Consciousness.
At the time Hare Krishna had become a household name and being denounced by Bhaktivedanta severely restricted Sai's ability to recruit new followers as he had intended as well as challenging his authority in front of his
existing following.
Butler sent his closest friend David Muncie, who would become known as Tusta Krishna das, to study with ISKCON and began to corresspond with Bhaktivedanta in a series of letters enquiring about how he could become accepted. The offer of money and other assets was made immediately and received with much enthusiasm.
Despite their success and already having amassed considerable wealth ISKCON was involved with several very ambitious projects and experiencing some difficulty meeting debts. In particular the society's magazine Back to Godhead, founded by Bhaktivedanta in 1944, was unable to meet costs and under threat of being shut down. Butler may have been aware of this fact due to his association with regarded hallucenogenic artist Bob Schnepp who had taken up residence at Krishna Yoga Community after working for Back to Godhead.
Interestingly, under the influence of LSD Schnepp was responsible for producing Butler's 'authorised' images of Krishna. These he tells his followers are the only true and therefore acceptable depictions of God based on his own claims of having seen him in person.
Sai instructed his following who were accustomed to spending their days 'tripping', surfing and embracing the concept of 'free love' that they were joining ISKCON. All copies of Sai Speaks were directed to be burnt and the customs of ISKCON fully adhered to. Specific instructions were given about where followers were to go sugguesting that there was some intention to assume influence within ISKCON in Sai's favour.
Less than two years into initiation Butler was no longer concerned with fitting in and was running his own following benefitting significantly from the guise of being condoned by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. Tusta Krishna das assumed control of the ISKCON temple in New Zealand while Siddhasvarupa ran ISKCON in Hawaii. He also had a controlling influence in the infamous Californian Laguna Temple which cooperated with Timothy Leary's 'Brotherhood of Eternal Love' to distribute vast amounts of LSD and hash smuggled from India. Eventually scandal would arise when Laguna was raided by the FBI.
Chris Butler was continuously brought to AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's attention by his other disciples with concern for the many ways in which he asserted his independence and ultimately assumed his own authority. Butler appealed to those who had difficulty adapting to standards of temple living such as shaving their heads and wearing orange robes. Such things Butler declared were unimportant. He never attempted to explain why such a saintly and genuine guru as he prepetuated Bhaktivedanta Swami as being would bother to make instructions which were so spiritually irrelevant as to be discarded.
Butler himself could not abide the vow of celibacy he had taken in accepting the initiation as a sanyassin and was forced to marry his secretary when it was discovered that he had been sleeping with her.
Although he maintains to this day that he is celibate and has been his entire life according to some of his former disciples he was in a relationship with his long-time friend and early disciple Kathy Hoshijo, known as Katayani dasi, and he married his 'spiritual daughter' Wai Lana in 1984.
The ISKCON religion is derived from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition of India which recognises Krishna as the 'Supreme Lord' among the many gods and goddesses of the complex Hindu belief system. Although maintaining that this theology or 'revealed knowledge' is the original religion - based on the most ancient scripture in existence - Gauidiya Vaishnavism was actually defined and popularised by the Indian sage Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the early 15th century.
According to the key scripture of the Bhagavad Gita a spiritual master is situated in a disciplic succession that originated with God himself and has carried on through the tradition of students representing their departed guru in teachings and example. It is taught that there can be no spiritual enlightenment without 'submissive surrender' to him. Spiritual masters are always male in this belief system as women are deemed too inferior.
The concept of not contradicting a standard derived directly from God is upheld as a guide to authenticity of a guru. Infact each generation, beginning with Chaitanya, has made major alterations to the teachings and example of their predecessor. Chaitanya personally wrote only eight short prayers and never claimed to be God although he would be worshipped as a direct incarnation descended for the purpose of reviving devotion on earth following his death and his teachings would be voluminously declared by others.
AC Bhaktivedanta Swami was an elderly retired pharmacist when he left his native India with the mission of bringing 'Krishna Consciousness' to the Western world in 1966. He was not well regarded among his 'godbrothers' on account of his casual devotion. While he claimed to have been given the instruction to preach in english while still a young man he did not adopt the rigid constraints of his religion until his business was bankrupt, his children were grown and married life had become tiresome, just eleven years before his death. He was also criticised for assuming the title of his deceased spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Bhaktivedanta roundly condemned his godbrothers claiming to be the only true representative of his spiritual master, declaring that they were 'low class', less than human and had lost all meaning of their mission. The anomisity was not resolved on either side until ISKCON had become a popular and very wealthy success.
By 1966 Gaudiya Vaishnavism was an obscure sect in a land of thousands but by actively appealing to the American 'hippie' culture and aided by highly influential figures including Timothy Leary Bhaktivedanta managed to convince thousands that his was the one true religion.
ISKCON was heavily focussed towards raising money as Bhaktivedanta directed 'by hook or by crook'. Any act intended to benefit the society was deemed not only acceptable but morally superior. As such the popular image of Hare Krishnas became irretrivably linked to public solicition. Contemporary observations refer to dodging gauntlets of saffron robed preachers in every conceivable public space. The New York zoo posted signs advising not to donate to the Hare Krishnas alongside the more traditional Do not feed the animals. A lawsuit was required to remove the abundance of preachers from airport terminals.
The older generations were troubled at seeing so many young people withdrawing from society to live in temples and follow a heavily ritualised lifestyle. Claims of 'brainwashing', control, criminal enterprises and abuse began to surface almost immediately.
In a long running courtcase, beginning in 1976, a minor named Robin George and her parents pursued claims of brainwashing and false imprisonment. In 1983 they were awarded $32 million in damages by a Californian jury, which was reduced to $485 000 in 1993 and eventually finalised by a private
settlement.
ISKCON was futher tainted by widespread pick-pocketing and various street scams, drug use and dealing, abuse and repression of female members, high divorce rates, seperating parents from their children and abuse of children in their boarding schools.
Sulochana das who documented the direction of ISKCON following AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's death in his book The Guru Business was murdered in retaliation two days after publication in 1982. His killer maintained that he had acted on the orders of his guru Kirtananda, who was later jailed for racketeering.
In 2000 forty four complainants titled "children of ISKCON" filed a lawsuit for physical, emotional and sexual abuse in ISKCON boarding schools.
When AC Bhaktivedanta Swami died in 1977 he left no clear instruction as to who his successor should be. Eleven disciples making up the Governing Body Commission GBC, which Bhaktivedanta had founded himself claimed that they had been appointed. ISKCON was immediately divided by those who accepted the 'successor gurus' and those that did not. Some maintained that Bhaktivedanta had been poisoned.
Chris Butler was the first to publicly denounce the'successor gurus', claiming that they had fraudulently assumed control of the organisation since he himself was the only one qualified to continue AC Bhaktivedanta Swami's mission. Immediately following his death Chris Butler assumed Bhaktivedanta's title of 'Srila Prabhupad' - meaning he who has taken the position of the Lord.
Butler and his close followers have maintained vague and unsubstantiated claims for over three decades that 'people' within ISKCON are plotting against him determined to assassinate his character if not his person. He has never been attacked despite his many public gatherings and high profile projects, including his involvement alongside several ISKCON members in the World Vaishnava Association.
In contrast Butler's history of self-interest, disrespect and disruption within ISKCON is well documented.
The premise of being in perptual threat from ISKCON has served to convince Butler's followers that he is protecting them from 'spiritual suicide' by having any association with ISKCON members, fostering fear, mistrust and contempt which prevents them from seeking or believing any accounts of his personal history.
Followers and even former followers of Chris Butler who have maintained some element of faith along the lines of ISKCON are reluctant to examine his relationship to Bhaktivedanta Swami, or to venture any further back in history. The belief in the need for a genuine spiritual master is so pervading in Krishna Consciousness that acknowledging critical facts or enquiring into the background of Chris Butler or Bhaktivedanta severely undermines the will to believe.
Many are ultimately drawn to gurus claiming an unrelated descent in order to continue belief through denoucing Bhaktivedanta and his disciples as bogus.
Inside SoI
SoI maintains the most fundamental philosophy of ISKCON combined with Chris Butler's impersonalist and zen learnings, elements of chinese mysticism, and various psuedo-sciences.
The recognition and worship of Krishna as God, with a focus on the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
SoI does not recognise the distinctive dress code of ISKCON and Butler explicitly instructs not to resemble ISKCON devotees in anyway. There is no position of sanyassi (celibate male preachers) central in the structure of ISKCON and no attempt to follow the emphasis that Bhaktivedanta Swami placed on public chanting, maintaining temples, book distribution and charity.
Chris Butler has never built a temple or undertaken a single charitable project. Gatherings of followers typically take place in parks or on a beach.
Chris Butler's instructions are for religious practices to be cloaked in euphemisms such as 'yoga sound' for names of Krishna, mantra rock (for worshipping Krishna to loud music) and 'yoga lifestyle' for following his teachings on a daily basis.[/quote]
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 03:33PM
Regarding open and free speech/protest against American politicians, everyone should be mindful of the laws. This is not to discourage posting about the Gabbards; only to do so with the understanding that the laws that protect free speech have changed.
One in particular ~ H.R. 347
ANTI-PROTEST LAW PASSES UNANIMOUSLY 2013
July 28th, 2013
"So I have some great news folks! The Republicans and the Democrats in Congress and the White House FINALLY came together and agreed on something. This is HUGE. These guys disagree on EVERYTHING! Getting them to see eye-to-eye is like getting the Jews and the Palestinians to do a trust fall together. Or getting Eskimos and polar bears to play Jenga.
I’m referring to the bill H.R. 347 that was signed by President Obama the other day, passed unanimously in the Senate, and 388-3 in the House. That’s nearly EVERY SINGLE lawmaker. The last time they agreed that closely on something, it was a bill raising monthly Congressional pay to include a box of Ding Dongs, two erotic cakes featuring Bonanza star Pernell Roberts, and a gentle yet inquisitive prostate exam every Tuesday.
What did this magical universally-loved bill say? Well some are calling it the anti-Occupy law and it allows the government to bring charges against Americans involved in many kinds of political protest at any location the secret service, quote, “is or will be temporarily visiting.” So basically if the government wants to shut down a protest, they just send a secret service officer down there to scratch his balls, and then they can start putting people in jail for a year or more."
ANTI-PROTEST/TRESSPASS LAW
Especially in light of the Sherbow incident (of which I am not certain if this is just a crazy person or someone doing so on Butler's command to gain sympathy for Tulsi Gabbard) be very mindful. Those of you who are coming forward with evidence regarding the Gabbard's deceptive biographies and denials of the depth of involvement with Butler's cult need to be aware [in my opinion].
Also it is essential when posting that you are aware of how to frame ALL comments with "in my opinion...", "it seems to me...", "it appears as if...", "this was my experience...", etc. Persuasion, not coercion, is the solution.
It is also essential not to post anything that could be misconstued as incitement that threatens harm. This can NOW be loosely interpreted.
FROM ACLU WEBSITE [They have not updated since the new law passed]:
Free Speech & Expression
The Constitution's framers believed that freedom of inquiry and free expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society. But historically, at times of national stress — real or imagined — First Amendment rights come under enormous pressure. During the Red Scare of the early 1920s, thousands were deported for their political views.
During the McCarthy period, the infamous blacklist ruined lives and careers. Today, the creators, producers and distributors of popular culture are being blamed for the nation's deep social problems. Calls for censorship threaten to erode free speech.
The First Amendment exists precisely to protect the most offensive and controversial speech from government suppression. The best way to counter obnoxious speech is with more speech. Persuasion, not coercion, is the solution.
What speech is protected?
The First Amendment protects many forms of expression, including the right to free speech, participating in demonstrations like protests and marches, leafleting, chanting, drumming and dancing. It also protects "symbolic speech," e.g., wearing T-shirts with messages, carrying signs, sculptures or puppets, etc. [but if you wear t-shirts too close to a politician or Secret Service Agent, you can be arrested as per H.R. 347.]
Are there limits on what I can say?
Yes. The First Amendment broadly protects speech, including controversial viewpoints and criticism of virtually anything, including government officials, but there are limits. You can be arrested for encouraging "imminent" violence or other immediate illegal activities that threaten harm to people or property. It's a federal crime to threaten to harm the president or vice president.
Can violence or property destruction ever be constitutionally protected?
No. Violence or criminal activity does not become constitutional simply because you do it while expressing a political message.
Where can I exercise my speech rights?
On any private property where the owner gives permission (the owner always decides) and in any area open to the public, such as streets, sidewalks, town squares or parks. If you plan to or actually block passage on a street or sidewalk, you must apply for a permit. [The new law places more restictions on proximity to secret service agents
Can I express myself in public places without a permit?
Yes, you can picket or leaflet in public places by yourself or in small groups without a permit so long as you are not blocking streets or sidewalks. [But now you will need to be a certain distance away from a Secret Service Agent - how would you know?]
Can I approach other people in public areas?
Yes. You may approach pedestrians with leaflets, newspapers, petitions and requests for donations. But you cannot prevent people from getting by or walking away, and should leave them alone if asked to do so. You cannot block building entrances.
Can I heckle other speakers?
Yes, unless you attempt to physically disrupt an event or drown out other speakers. If speakers have a permit to use a public space, hecklers may be required to stand outside that area. Police may keep two opposing groups separated but should allow them to be within the same general area.
What should I do if I am ordered to disperse?
A police officer can order a "disorderly" group to leave an area, even in a place where they have a right or a permit to be, if that officer reasonably expects the group's presence will result in substantial harm or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. If you hear an officer give an order to disperse, you will be arrested if you do not obey.
Is civil disobedience constitutionally protected?
No. Civil disobedience - peaceful, but unlawful, activities as a form of protest - can legally be (and often is) prosecuted. You may be arrested. Make arrangements with a lawyer in advance.
FOOTNOTES:
OLIVER STONE COMMENTS ON NEW LAWS
AFTEREARTH "Danger is Real; Fear is a Choice"
And yeah, I'm copying and pasting all my posts into WORD before I post.
One in particular ~ H.R. 347
ANTI-PROTEST LAW PASSES UNANIMOUSLY 2013
July 28th, 2013
"So I have some great news folks! The Republicans and the Democrats in Congress and the White House FINALLY came together and agreed on something. This is HUGE. These guys disagree on EVERYTHING! Getting them to see eye-to-eye is like getting the Jews and the Palestinians to do a trust fall together. Or getting Eskimos and polar bears to play Jenga.
I’m referring to the bill H.R. 347 that was signed by President Obama the other day, passed unanimously in the Senate, and 388-3 in the House. That’s nearly EVERY SINGLE lawmaker. The last time they agreed that closely on something, it was a bill raising monthly Congressional pay to include a box of Ding Dongs, two erotic cakes featuring Bonanza star Pernell Roberts, and a gentle yet inquisitive prostate exam every Tuesday.
What did this magical universally-loved bill say? Well some are calling it the anti-Occupy law and it allows the government to bring charges against Americans involved in many kinds of political protest at any location the secret service, quote, “is or will be temporarily visiting.” So basically if the government wants to shut down a protest, they just send a secret service officer down there to scratch his balls, and then they can start putting people in jail for a year or more."
ANTI-PROTEST/TRESSPASS LAW
Especially in light of the Sherbow incident (of which I am not certain if this is just a crazy person or someone doing so on Butler's command to gain sympathy for Tulsi Gabbard) be very mindful. Those of you who are coming forward with evidence regarding the Gabbard's deceptive biographies and denials of the depth of involvement with Butler's cult need to be aware [in my opinion].
Also it is essential when posting that you are aware of how to frame ALL comments with "in my opinion...", "it seems to me...", "it appears as if...", "this was my experience...", etc. Persuasion, not coercion, is the solution.
It is also essential not to post anything that could be misconstued as incitement that threatens harm. This can NOW be loosely interpreted.
FROM ACLU WEBSITE [They have not updated since the new law passed]:
Free Speech & Expression
The Constitution's framers believed that freedom of inquiry and free expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society. But historically, at times of national stress — real or imagined — First Amendment rights come under enormous pressure. During the Red Scare of the early 1920s, thousands were deported for their political views.
During the McCarthy period, the infamous blacklist ruined lives and careers. Today, the creators, producers and distributors of popular culture are being blamed for the nation's deep social problems. Calls for censorship threaten to erode free speech.
The First Amendment exists precisely to protect the most offensive and controversial speech from government suppression. The best way to counter obnoxious speech is with more speech. Persuasion, not coercion, is the solution.
What speech is protected?
The First Amendment protects many forms of expression, including the right to free speech, participating in demonstrations like protests and marches, leafleting, chanting, drumming and dancing. It also protects "symbolic speech," e.g., wearing T-shirts with messages, carrying signs, sculptures or puppets, etc. [but if you wear t-shirts too close to a politician or Secret Service Agent, you can be arrested as per H.R. 347.]
Are there limits on what I can say?
Yes. The First Amendment broadly protects speech, including controversial viewpoints and criticism of virtually anything, including government officials, but there are limits. You can be arrested for encouraging "imminent" violence or other immediate illegal activities that threaten harm to people or property. It's a federal crime to threaten to harm the president or vice president.
Can violence or property destruction ever be constitutionally protected?
No. Violence or criminal activity does not become constitutional simply because you do it while expressing a political message.
Where can I exercise my speech rights?
On any private property where the owner gives permission (the owner always decides) and in any area open to the public, such as streets, sidewalks, town squares or parks. If you plan to or actually block passage on a street or sidewalk, you must apply for a permit. [The new law places more restictions on proximity to secret service agents
Can I express myself in public places without a permit?
Yes, you can picket or leaflet in public places by yourself or in small groups without a permit so long as you are not blocking streets or sidewalks. [But now you will need to be a certain distance away from a Secret Service Agent - how would you know?]
Can I approach other people in public areas?
Yes. You may approach pedestrians with leaflets, newspapers, petitions and requests for donations. But you cannot prevent people from getting by or walking away, and should leave them alone if asked to do so. You cannot block building entrances.
Can I heckle other speakers?
Yes, unless you attempt to physically disrupt an event or drown out other speakers. If speakers have a permit to use a public space, hecklers may be required to stand outside that area. Police may keep two opposing groups separated but should allow them to be within the same general area.
What should I do if I am ordered to disperse?
A police officer can order a "disorderly" group to leave an area, even in a place where they have a right or a permit to be, if that officer reasonably expects the group's presence will result in substantial harm or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. If you hear an officer give an order to disperse, you will be arrested if you do not obey.
Is civil disobedience constitutionally protected?
No. Civil disobedience - peaceful, but unlawful, activities as a form of protest - can legally be (and often is) prosecuted. You may be arrested. Make arrangements with a lawyer in advance.
FOOTNOTES:
OLIVER STONE COMMENTS ON NEW LAWS
AFTEREARTH "Danger is Real; Fear is a Choice"
And yeah, I'm copying and pasting all my posts into WORD before I post.
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 03:43PM
When Shyam Dodge published his memoirs in 2009, “Wet Hot and Wild American Yogi” about his life growing up in Butler’s cult, he stated that some names were changed to protect the innocent. He obliquely describes life in the cult without "outing" Mr. Butler by using common euphemisms understood by the mainstream yoga community. He only refers to him as Sai, and shares little of the practices of the cult. He never mentions Katyayani by name and she is clearly described in the book. He speaks of “ashrams” instead of the reality of Butler’s decentralized system of house cells, compounds, and yoga centers. He speaks of being a Hindu monastic or monk instead of using the term brahmachary. He does not expose the cult head on. It is a cult of secrecy and masks. His book reflects a culture not accustomed to full disclosure.
Yet it is an authentic description and indictment of Butler’s cult. Those who were there know of whom and what he is talking about. He validates everything that has been reported on this forum. For example, he describes how over time Butler became more authoritarian, remote, and orthodox until he became flat out OCD crazy.
Even with all of his precautions he has been severely punished by the cult as a aparadha or blasphemer. He received death threats from Butler followers. He has blood relatives who will not speak to him. At one point, he was not allowed to be in the same room alone with his little sister after the book was written, because he was thought of as "crazy" and might rape her... The majority of the people with whom he grew up (friends and relatives) no longer speak with him. These were instructions coming from his guru and other "leaders". These leaders need to be exposed, even more so than the unfortunate followers.
Shyam Dodge is an outcast to most everyone he knew.... because he chose to write a book about his experiences. He was raised from a very young age to be a guru where people bowed down to him and thought him a saint… only to be thrown out like a piece of trash for telling the truth.
The book title and cover art are perfect.
People remember Butler’s story about meeting Jimi Hendrix during the Rainbow Bridge Festival on Maui in 1970. RAINBOW BRIDGE/MAUI 1970
It was like two Alpha Males converging in the same space. Siddha thought him very arrogant and said “Jimi is only into Jimi”. I am sure the feeling was mutual…but Siddha was a piss poor musician…and Jimi was probably more enlightened….IMHO. Siddha hated the album art on AXIS BOLD AS LOVE where Jimi’s face replaced Vishnu’s in the Universal Form. So Shyam’s book cover is perfect. It's an absolute slap in the face of the man who hurt his family profoundly.
The title may gross out the more “spiritual” types, but I think it is a brilliant foil to a lot of the current yoga phoniness. It also epitomizes the tendency of human beings who follow and create idols out of mere mortal men. How easy it is to make yourself an idol, a guru, as Kumare demonstrated.
The "Hot Wet and Wild American Yogi" book cover is also similar to the Sai Speaks book cover using “hippie” style graphics. Sai is seriously pictured all golden and “Chaitanya-like” (the Golden incarnation of the g0d Krishna). While Shyam’s book cover is clearly satirical.
The book is an easy read that both honors his father’s memory and exposes a destructive cult. It is a sometimes funny and sometimes moving account that brought tears to my eyes. It also leaves one with a sense of hope for those lost in cults and the ability to recover ones humanity. I would quote a lot from the book, but not without permission from the author. Read it for yourself. Order on Amazon. WET HOT AND WILD AMERICAN YOGI
Yet it is an authentic description and indictment of Butler’s cult. Those who were there know of whom and what he is talking about. He validates everything that has been reported on this forum. For example, he describes how over time Butler became more authoritarian, remote, and orthodox until he became flat out OCD crazy.
Even with all of his precautions he has been severely punished by the cult as a aparadha or blasphemer. He received death threats from Butler followers. He has blood relatives who will not speak to him. At one point, he was not allowed to be in the same room alone with his little sister after the book was written, because he was thought of as "crazy" and might rape her... The majority of the people with whom he grew up (friends and relatives) no longer speak with him. These were instructions coming from his guru and other "leaders". These leaders need to be exposed, even more so than the unfortunate followers.
Shyam Dodge is an outcast to most everyone he knew.... because he chose to write a book about his experiences. He was raised from a very young age to be a guru where people bowed down to him and thought him a saint… only to be thrown out like a piece of trash for telling the truth.
The book title and cover art are perfect.
People remember Butler’s story about meeting Jimi Hendrix during the Rainbow Bridge Festival on Maui in 1970. RAINBOW BRIDGE/MAUI 1970
It was like two Alpha Males converging in the same space. Siddha thought him very arrogant and said “Jimi is only into Jimi”. I am sure the feeling was mutual…but Siddha was a piss poor musician…and Jimi was probably more enlightened….IMHO. Siddha hated the album art on AXIS BOLD AS LOVE where Jimi’s face replaced Vishnu’s in the Universal Form. So Shyam’s book cover is perfect. It's an absolute slap in the face of the man who hurt his family profoundly.
The title may gross out the more “spiritual” types, but I think it is a brilliant foil to a lot of the current yoga phoniness. It also epitomizes the tendency of human beings who follow and create idols out of mere mortal men. How easy it is to make yourself an idol, a guru, as Kumare demonstrated.
The "Hot Wet and Wild American Yogi" book cover is also similar to the Sai Speaks book cover using “hippie” style graphics. Sai is seriously pictured all golden and “Chaitanya-like” (the Golden incarnation of the g0d Krishna). While Shyam’s book cover is clearly satirical.
The book is an easy read that both honors his father’s memory and exposes a destructive cult. It is a sometimes funny and sometimes moving account that brought tears to my eyes. It also leaves one with a sense of hope for those lost in cults and the ability to recover ones humanity. I would quote a lot from the book, but not without permission from the author. Read it for yourself. Order on Amazon. WET HOT AND WILD AMERICAN YOGI
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 04:10PM
OPEN LETTER TO ANY ADULT WHO WAS RAISED IN THE CULT- LIFE IS A GAME OF INCHES
Befre you read this post watch this scene from one of the best football movies ever made:
AL PACINO IN ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
If you are getting death threats and other forms of aversive coersion so you won't come forward with the truth, your best security is to go public and report threats to local authorities.
Shyam Dodge stated in his interview that Butler himself stopped the death threats when his mother intervened. That was because his family are among the “elites” in the cult. Your best bet is to go to the police and report on this forum publicly so there is a record.
SCROLL DOWN FOR SHYAM DODGE'S INTERVIEW
It's complicated. It's convoluted. It's fucked up. There are innocents tangled in the warp and woof of the cult threads. But there is no excuse to justify separating families or even imagining killing someone because they don't hold your same beliefs. You were born into it. You did not choose it. If you don't like this forum or how people are "outing" this cult here, then come up with a creative way that suits you. You have writers among you, and artists, and all your stories need to be told. Inch by inch.
All your stories are important and relevant.
Many exers just ran away and hid out for years till they found this forum. Why did Shyam hide so much of the real story in inuendo and euphemism? The answer to that question is the real story behind the cult.
You say if I push too hard, it will just make them grab on to the cult more tightly. You say that they are sheep and can't help themselves. You say that that some are too far gone. But this is not completely true. There are exceptions.
There's a story of a young woman who was making plans to join "Siddha" in Hawaii. [She had been told how cool and pure and magical he was]. While hanging out at the University of Berkeley campus, a kind graduate student sat down to listen to her whole devotee rap. He let her empty it completely out. Afterwards he threw in a few arguments but they were vehemently parried with her complete convictions. Then he began to talk to her with real care and compassion. She doesn't remember much of what he said only that he told her that her justifications will not hold. He predicted that she would not last more than 10 years in the cult. When he looked in her eyes he imparted a look like, "Somewhere inside of you, you know this is wrong, you know it is not who you really are. Find out what is real and give up this fantasy." The fact is that he was right. He had succeeded to chip away an inch. She wished she had written down his name to thank him. At the time, she just thought he was full of shit and was upset that she was unable to convince him of a thing. But she never forgot him.
Zelig tells the story of his family mercilessly mocking and teasing him when he would visit. They would make up funny mantras and put on skits. His Dad and brother made up their own cult which they called the "Octavians". His Dad was the leader and would put on a sheet like a robe. Hid Dad made up loud and fake chants and danced by Z's car with all the neighbors watching while he drove away after a visit. They told him straight up they thought he was a lunatic. But it was done with love and not harshness. It was the love that sustained Z and helped him to escape. Z now refers to his Dad as the original Kumare. Apparently embarrassment was capable of making a one inch dent. This was quite different than the humiliations suffered under Butler.
Another exer almost died on a project in a third world country and found themselves abandoned. That woke him up an inch. Another got yelled at one too many times...two inches. Others lost a husband or a wife to another cult member...three inches. Someone simply fell in love with a nice person who had no interest in the cult....four inches.
None of these exits were instantaneous. Most were gradual ~ some taking years. Some went from the fire to the frying pan into another type of cult, while others became "rubber band" members ~ going in and out or just wrapping around the exterior. There are lots of stories told and untold. Shyam knows all too well the common denominator here. It's love. It's humanity.
Hate is not the opposite of love, fear is... The thing to really look at is the FEAR. What is it? Why is it there? Who put it there? It’s built into every aspect of Butler’s group to keep them chained without needing a chain.
But as you read this you are also hearing all the old programming playing inside your head that “doubts are like demons... these people are karmis in maya... we will be chased down like animals until Lord Kalki rescues us...aparadha.....the wise lament neither for the living or the dead...mad elephant offence... spiritual death....”
If you can get others to look in the face of those fears that come up... if you can for a moment pull away the curtain to reveal that aging, pathetic, misanthrope called Jagad Guru, it will be enough. Will there be a back lash. Of course. There always is...but wait....give it time. You won't always know who or when or just what made the difference...
I have yet to meet one exer who regrets leaving the cult. In every case their lives are better for it.
Here's something else to consider. All it takes is one brave person to empower and encourage others to do something great and right.
I leave you again with this, probably the best coaching speech ever written...Love it...
AL PACINO IN ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
Reply and rebuttal from this post:
IF ANYONE GETS DEATH THREATS THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT THIS TO THE AUTHORITIES!
A record and a pattern can then be established. Going public also affords more protection.
Unfortunately, cult members are programed to distrust the authorities and this makes it more difficult.
Parents imparted a prejudice against the police from their drug use days, which was perpetuated by the cult.
Police and other "karmis" are all characterized as grotesque meat heads. Psychologists, or other advisers are also not trusted.
This programing makes it difficult to actually get help from the very people who can stop and prevent your civil liberties from being violated. No matter what you think of this country, we still have the Rule of Law. Use it.
It is better to be ostracised for life than be enslaved in the cult for life!
The benefits of "rocking the boat" far outweigh standing silently by and watching abuse continue.
And how can anyone with an ounce of ethics stand by and not do something if they are able? Or at least try.
Shyam did DO SOMETHING. But he is only one story and it is not enough. Figure out your own way to expose the lies.
Isn't a person who withholds evidence of a crime complicit in the crime as well?
While forgivable, people throughout history have always stood silently by watching genocide to save their own skins,
but are not the real heroes those who stand up to injustice while risking their own life for the sake of others?
And Butler's cult is not Nazi Germany or Rowanda, so the risk of certain arrest and shooting squad is nill.
But the programming is as powerful. The tendency to stand aloof and chalk up another man's misfortune to karma is pure Butler philosophy.
If you are standing by doing nothing while holding information, evidence, stories of abuse in the Butler cult, it is only because you have been programmed this way. You are still following the secrecy and silence practiced by your cult. No blame. Just recognize it for what it is.... a way for guru to still hold sway over your life and the lives of those you love… long after you have left the cult.
Are you willing to stand by a watch your nephew have years of his life stolen because you are afraid to "rock the boat"?
Looking back, don't you wish your parents had left the cult and taken better care of things?
Wouldn't you have liked to have someone come along and free you at a younger age? And maybe if you couldn’t leave because you were too young, you at least knew you could when you grew up. You could make plans and have dreams outside of the prison cult.
Shyam describes the years when his father was shunned and away from the cult as his most happy, full of hope and creativity.
Or are you feeling not wholly whole enough to reveal the scandals for fear of more scrutiny and criticism from family and friends still in the cult? Do you have a tendency to be silent and secretive regarding your upbringing in the cult? If so, no blame. You were programmed from birth to be secretive and uphold the cult secrets because outsiders "would not understand". You were programmed to feel insecure and “less than” by Butler. It was just a tactic (albeit a long and traditional one) to control the group.
Befre you read this post watch this scene from one of the best football movies ever made:
AL PACINO IN ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
If you are getting death threats and other forms of aversive coersion so you won't come forward with the truth, your best security is to go public and report threats to local authorities.
Shyam Dodge stated in his interview that Butler himself stopped the death threats when his mother intervened. That was because his family are among the “elites” in the cult. Your best bet is to go to the police and report on this forum publicly so there is a record.
SCROLL DOWN FOR SHYAM DODGE'S INTERVIEW
It's complicated. It's convoluted. It's fucked up. There are innocents tangled in the warp and woof of the cult threads. But there is no excuse to justify separating families or even imagining killing someone because they don't hold your same beliefs. You were born into it. You did not choose it. If you don't like this forum or how people are "outing" this cult here, then come up with a creative way that suits you. You have writers among you, and artists, and all your stories need to be told. Inch by inch.
All your stories are important and relevant.
Many exers just ran away and hid out for years till they found this forum. Why did Shyam hide so much of the real story in inuendo and euphemism? The answer to that question is the real story behind the cult.
You say if I push too hard, it will just make them grab on to the cult more tightly. You say that they are sheep and can't help themselves. You say that that some are too far gone. But this is not completely true. There are exceptions.
There's a story of a young woman who was making plans to join "Siddha" in Hawaii. [She had been told how cool and pure and magical he was]. While hanging out at the University of Berkeley campus, a kind graduate student sat down to listen to her whole devotee rap. He let her empty it completely out. Afterwards he threw in a few arguments but they were vehemently parried with her complete convictions. Then he began to talk to her with real care and compassion. She doesn't remember much of what he said only that he told her that her justifications will not hold. He predicted that she would not last more than 10 years in the cult. When he looked in her eyes he imparted a look like, "Somewhere inside of you, you know this is wrong, you know it is not who you really are. Find out what is real and give up this fantasy." The fact is that he was right. He had succeeded to chip away an inch. She wished she had written down his name to thank him. At the time, she just thought he was full of shit and was upset that she was unable to convince him of a thing. But she never forgot him.
Zelig tells the story of his family mercilessly mocking and teasing him when he would visit. They would make up funny mantras and put on skits. His Dad and brother made up their own cult which they called the "Octavians". His Dad was the leader and would put on a sheet like a robe. Hid Dad made up loud and fake chants and danced by Z's car with all the neighbors watching while he drove away after a visit. They told him straight up they thought he was a lunatic. But it was done with love and not harshness. It was the love that sustained Z and helped him to escape. Z now refers to his Dad as the original Kumare. Apparently embarrassment was capable of making a one inch dent. This was quite different than the humiliations suffered under Butler.
Another exer almost died on a project in a third world country and found themselves abandoned. That woke him up an inch. Another got yelled at one too many times...two inches. Others lost a husband or a wife to another cult member...three inches. Someone simply fell in love with a nice person who had no interest in the cult....four inches.
None of these exits were instantaneous. Most were gradual ~ some taking years. Some went from the fire to the frying pan into another type of cult, while others became "rubber band" members ~ going in and out or just wrapping around the exterior. There are lots of stories told and untold. Shyam knows all too well the common denominator here. It's love. It's humanity.
Hate is not the opposite of love, fear is... The thing to really look at is the FEAR. What is it? Why is it there? Who put it there? It’s built into every aspect of Butler’s group to keep them chained without needing a chain.
But as you read this you are also hearing all the old programming playing inside your head that “doubts are like demons... these people are karmis in maya... we will be chased down like animals until Lord Kalki rescues us...aparadha.....the wise lament neither for the living or the dead...mad elephant offence... spiritual death....”
If you can get others to look in the face of those fears that come up... if you can for a moment pull away the curtain to reveal that aging, pathetic, misanthrope called Jagad Guru, it will be enough. Will there be a back lash. Of course. There always is...but wait....give it time. You won't always know who or when or just what made the difference...
I have yet to meet one exer who regrets leaving the cult. In every case their lives are better for it.
Here's something else to consider. All it takes is one brave person to empower and encourage others to do something great and right.
I leave you again with this, probably the best coaching speech ever written...Love it...
AL PACINO IN ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
Reply and rebuttal from this post:
Quote
dabcult
As far Vera invitation to ex members of going more public.....remember that Shyam Dodge just had death treaths ...from the cult
IF ANYONE GETS DEATH THREATS THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT THIS TO THE AUTHORITIES!
A record and a pattern can then be established. Going public also affords more protection.
Unfortunately, cult members are programed to distrust the authorities and this makes it more difficult.
Parents imparted a prejudice against the police from their drug use days, which was perpetuated by the cult.
Police and other "karmis" are all characterized as grotesque meat heads. Psychologists, or other advisers are also not trusted.
This programing makes it difficult to actually get help from the very people who can stop and prevent your civil liberties from being violated. No matter what you think of this country, we still have the Rule of Law. Use it.
Quote
dabcult
uncles love their young nefiews that are in the cult and are near of becoming adult
they cannot rock the boat without being ostrazise for LIFE
It is better to be ostracised for life than be enslaved in the cult for life!
The benefits of "rocking the boat" far outweigh standing silently by and watching abuse continue.
And how can anyone with an ounce of ethics stand by and not do something if they are able? Or at least try.
Shyam did DO SOMETHING. But he is only one story and it is not enough. Figure out your own way to expose the lies.
Isn't a person who withholds evidence of a crime complicit in the crime as well?
While forgivable, people throughout history have always stood silently by watching genocide to save their own skins,
but are not the real heroes those who stand up to injustice while risking their own life for the sake of others?
And Butler's cult is not Nazi Germany or Rowanda, so the risk of certain arrest and shooting squad is nill.
But the programming is as powerful. The tendency to stand aloof and chalk up another man's misfortune to karma is pure Butler philosophy.
If you are standing by doing nothing while holding information, evidence, stories of abuse in the Butler cult, it is only because you have been programmed this way. You are still following the secrecy and silence practiced by your cult. No blame. Just recognize it for what it is.... a way for guru to still hold sway over your life and the lives of those you love… long after you have left the cult.
Are you willing to stand by a watch your nephew have years of his life stolen because you are afraid to "rock the boat"?
Looking back, don't you wish your parents had left the cult and taken better care of things?
Wouldn't you have liked to have someone come along and free you at a younger age? And maybe if you couldn’t leave because you were too young, you at least knew you could when you grew up. You could make plans and have dreams outside of the prison cult.
Shyam describes the years when his father was shunned and away from the cult as his most happy, full of hope and creativity.
Or are you feeling not wholly whole enough to reveal the scandals for fear of more scrutiny and criticism from family and friends still in the cult? Do you have a tendency to be silent and secretive regarding your upbringing in the cult? If so, no blame. You were programmed from birth to be secretive and uphold the cult secrets because outsiders "would not understand". You were programmed to feel insecure and “less than” by Butler. It was just a tactic (albeit a long and traditional one) to control the group.
No settlement can make up for the crimes, but there was some justice with the lawsuits. Abusers went to jail. People got counseling and their story heard. A lot of healing did come of it, in spite of some of the irreparable damages. ISKCON in the USA was forced to reform in many ways. Their recruitment capabilities were greatly lessened. Was it worth it? YES! Was it enough? No. It also created a precedent (as did the Catholic priest lawsuits). The adult Butler kult kids can learn a lot of lessons from these lawsuits. The cloak of immunity from prosecution against a priest or guru has been shattered. But the court needs evidence and data. Adult kids from Butler’s cult hold the information. Recognize what is programming and what is fear and what is truth. Then make your choice.Quote
dabcult
As far as the $$ that the gurukulis got ....its ridiculous
$5,000 if you have been sodomise a few times ....maybe $50,000 if you have been sexually abuse 50 times .
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 04:13PM
Quote
corboy
Unlike the groups and gurus discussed here, Mr Ross stepped forward to tell us what had happened and to apologize.
So far as I know, none of us has an entourage.
We are each private citizens.
Here is our chance to pull together as a bunch of human beings for whom being ordinary and human is enough.
If there was a LIKE button here, I'd push it!
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
Vera City
()
Date: August 25, 2013 05:57PM
For Henry Jolicoeur's You Tube Channel
HENRY JOLICOER'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL,
Check out his latest videos on the Butler cult.
ON SHYAM DODGE'S BOOK
MORE ON SHYAM DODGE'S BOOK
LEAD DOG IN BUTLER CULT
HENRY JOLICOER'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL,
Check out his latest videos on the Butler cult.
ON SHYAM DODGE'S BOOK
MORE ON SHYAM DODGE'S BOOK
LEAD DOG IN BUTLER CULT
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
FormerSelf
()
Date: August 30, 2013 07:20AM
This was a minor headline on Drudge Report, linking Tulsi Gabbard to Hare Krishnas and Chris Butler. Kind of a bizarre story but interesting none-the-less. I don't know who Aniruddha Sherbow is and I'm not quite sure why he is so upset but here it is:
Horrifying Threats Against Congresswoman Tied To Obscure Hare Krishna Sect
Horrifying Threats Against Congresswoman Tied To Obscure Hare Krishna Sect
Re: Chris Butler, Jagad Guru, Science of Identity
Posted by:
VoxVeritasVita Das
()
Date: August 30, 2013 08:11AM
He has popped up before...it's not clear if he is a hired gun so to speak by the cult, trying to drum up
sympathy for Tulsi Gabbard, or if he is simply another mental casualty from a cult who has lost his mind and now wants Tulsi to loose her head as well, literally. Either way, to threaten someone with great bodily harm and then let the authorities know that you intend to do this, is indicative of a very disturbed individual.
That being said Tulsi is a member of a very secretive and destructive cult, the newest political puppet of Butler
to gain a seat in Congress. It is hoped that her connection with Butler can be exposed so that people will know who
she really works for, because its not the people who unknowingly voted for her.
sympathy for Tulsi Gabbard, or if he is simply another mental casualty from a cult who has lost his mind and now wants Tulsi to loose her head as well, literally. Either way, to threaten someone with great bodily harm and then let the authorities know that you intend to do this, is indicative of a very disturbed individual.
That being said Tulsi is a member of a very secretive and destructive cult, the newest political puppet of Butler
to gain a seat in Congress. It is hoped that her connection with Butler can be exposed so that people will know who
she really works for, because its not the people who unknowingly voted for her.
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