Tulsi Gabbard has longstanding ties to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a Hawaii-based religious group founded by Chris Butler in the 1970s as an offshoot of Hare Krishna (ISKCON), which some former members describe as a cult.civilbeat+1
Gabbard's involvement appears ongoing, though she describes it personally as a valued spiritual practice rather than formal membership; recent reports note her husband and past staff ties to SIF, with no clear public disavowal amid her 2025 DNI nomination scrutiny.newsweek+2
SIF emphasizes Bhakti yoga devotion to Krishna, drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, but ex-members allege intense guru worship of Butler (seen as divine), homophobic/anti-Islamic teachings, total obedience, relic veneration, and shunning of defectors.meanwhileinhawaii+2
Mike Gabbard (now a Hawaii state senator) was a prominent SIF member, serving as Butler's personal secretary in the 1980s, managing a group school, and raising his family within the organization.newsweek+1