Tulsi Gabbard Described as ‘Advanced Devotee’ in Alleged Cult
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Robin Marshall joined the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) when she was 19, calling herself the “typical person that gets pulled into a cult.” She had seen a poster for a meditation class while living in California and the group offered Sunday feasts with meditation and chanting.
“It was all very attractive to me because it was like a family and all caring,” Marshall told Newsweek. “Then, I get to Hawaii, and it was a different story.”
A number of former members have described the Foundation as a “cult.”
The group offered the opportunity for “wwoofing” or working on a farm for a few hours each day while being hosted and accommodated by the organization.
Marshall said once she arrived, she noticed an issue with the group—”I heard everybody there at some point get called worthless.”
Marshall and others say SIF is not a typical farming community organization. While people like Marshall were only working for about four hours a day, they say they also listened to audio lectures from “guru” Chris Butler. Marshall said she listened every morning and night as Butler ranted and shared random lessons. He often spoke with people in the room while he was recording.
One prominent figure in the group that Marshall highlighted: Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard.
“Tulsi was being groomed for a political position because Chris Butler had political aspirations,” Marshall said. “He wanted the influence. It was very unusual because women in Science of Identity aren’t really encouraged to do anything.”
Newsweek reached out to Gabbard, people who worked on her campaigns, her family, the SIF as well as those who have been identified as members for this story.
Content retrieved from: https://www.newsweek.com/tulsi-gabbard-science-identity-foundation-advanced-devoteee-hindu-1990506.
