Hare Krishna in outer space

I admit that "Alien identities" is a strangely fascinating book.

The author, Richard L. Thompson, is actually a member of the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), where he is known as Sadaputa Dasa. However, his membership in the ISKCON is never explicitly stated anywhere in the book, although the "code words" are pretty obvious for all to see, including a dedication to Prabhupada, the founder of the modern Hare Krishna movement in the West. Thompson is otherwise most known for being co-author of Michael Cremo's notorious "Forbidden archaeology".

"Alien identities" is an analysis of the vast UFO phenomenon from a Vedic perspective, or rather the particular version of Hindu teachings accepted by the author. After an overview of the phenomenon from various angles, Thompson compares modern UFO accounts with Hindu legends about contacts between humans and various supernatural beings. He eventually reaches the conclusion that the UFO phenomenon is caused by several different groups of supernaturals. Some are demonic and malevolent in nature, others are more advanced and spiritual. Most seem to be deluded by the power of Maya (cosmic illusion), since they preach impersonal pantheism rather than the belief in a personal deity (the Hare Krishna position). The author never really says what we should actually *do* about all this, but he seems to be suggesting that UFOs should, at least from a spiritual viewpoint, be accepted as real but nevertheless ignored, since their teachings are erroneous.

Thompson's book is written in a relatively detached, scholarly style, no doubt a conscious strategy, but it does have the benefit of making the work readable. There's very little ISKCON jargon in "Alien identities". Since Thompson is religious, he can confront the religious-spiritual aspects of the UFO phenomenon head on, without feeling embarrassed. By contrast, more traditional ufologists and Forteans seem embarrassed by the "cultic" dimension of the problem. The Betty Andreasson case, which had strong religious overtones, is discussed in several chapters of the book. Nor is Thompson afraid of mentioning the similarity between some UFO reports and out-of-body or near-death experiences. He also discusses the "cosmic trickster" aspect of this strangely concrete but nevertheless elusive phenomenon.

Thompson is fascinated by the pantheist message of the aliens. ISKCON's founder Prabhupada was almost obsessed with fighting "the impersonalists", so obviously a disciple cannot overlook this aspect.

Evangelical Christians also have a major problem with the pantheist message of many contactees and abductees, seeing them as self-deluded or (in a more extreme interpretation) deluded by the Devil. Thompson seems rather to regard the pantheist gibberish of the alien entities as yet another aspect of Maya, neither more nor less, and even believe that it can help some people overcome their scientist-materialist illusions. (On this point, he veers towards the New Age interpretation.) Thus, he doesn't seem to regard the entire UFO complex as evil or malevolent, which Christians tend to do. He does note, however, that there seem to be very few UFO communications about a loving, personal god. (Poor Robert Monroe is bashed in this context, as usual - but then, I don't like his books either!) Somewhat ironically, given the religious affiliations of the author, he regards the Fatima apparition of the Virgin Mary as caused by a benevolent spiritual being.

"Alien identities" is of considerable interest to students of comparative religion, being a relatively intelligent response to a modern, paranormal phenomenon from the viewpoint of a new religious movement. (Provided you regard the ISKCON as really "new". Caitanya lived 500 years ago.) It could also interest Hindus, New Age believers and Christians. However, I suspect traditional ufologists will find it too "far out" (and this from people who investigate abduction reports!), while the frivolous Forteans will no doubt regard it as a specimen of Forteana in itself.

Personally, I readily admit a certain dose of scepticism on this point, as you no doubt have gathered from the undertone of my review, but I'll nevertheless give Mr. Dasa four stars for his alien identities.