A controversial New Age leader whose teachings and community practices have sparked allegations of abuse and manipulation.
Bentinho Massaro, born between 1988 and 1989 in Amsterdam, is a controversial New Age spiritual leader who has gained significant attention for his teachings and practices. Describing himself as an intellectually gifted child, Massaro’s interest in spirituality began at an early age, influenced by authors like Deepak Chopra and various spiritual practices.
At 18, Massaro visited India, which significantly shaped his spiritual beliefs. Upon returning to the Netherlands, he began sharing his views online, quickly gaining a notable following. At 25, he moved to Boulder, Colorado, further expanding his online presence and attracting more followers.
Massaro’s teachings incorporate elements of New Age spirituality, Advaita Vedanta, Law of Attraction, and New Thought philosophy. He claims to vibrate at a higher frequency than other humans and possesses extraordinary abilities such as changing weather, teleporting, levitating, and bilocating. Massaro positions himself as a highly evolved spiritual being, surpassing historical figures like Jesus Christ and Buddha in spiritual density.
The core of Massaro’s philosophy emphasizes the idea that reality is a projection of consciousness and that individuals have the power to manifest their desires through focused intention and alignment with their “highest excitement.” He promotes the concept of “Trinfinity,” described as a state of unity between the individual, the absolute, and the relative aspects of existence.
In 2017, Massaro launched an ambitious project called “Trinfinity Academy” in Sedona, Arizona, envisioned as a physical hub for his teachings and a community for his most dedicated followers. However, this project became a source of controversy when former members and critics raised concerns about the group’s practices.
Allegations of cult-like behavior emerged, including intense pressure on members to donate large sums of money, disconnect from family and friends, and devote themselves entirely to Massaro’s teachings. Former followers reported experiencing psychological distress and financial hardship as a result of their involvement with the group.
The controversy reached a peak during a retreat in Sedona called “The Sedona Experiment II,” when an individual died by suicide, bringing Massaro’s practices under intense scrutiny. Former followers, including a previous romantic partner, accused him of leading an abusive cult, engaging in psychological and spiritual warfare, manipulation, control, and coerced sexual relationships under the guise of spiritual cleansing.
Massaro has been accused of normalizing verbal abuse as part of the spiritual path, claiming his actions are beyond reproach due to his spiritual attainment. Ex-followers describe an environment of manipulation, where Massaro’s approval dictated group dynamics. Allegations include forcing followers to perform acts like stripping naked in public and financial exploitation.
Massaro, who identifies as polyamorous, has reportedly had sexual relationships with several of his students and followers. This behavior has been rationalized as part of his spiritual teaching, with Massaro claiming that these relationships are a form of service.
One of the more controversial aspects of Massaro’s teachings involves promoting extreme practices like “dry fasting” to his followers, which involves abstaining from food and water for extended periods. This practice has led to serious health issues among some participants, with complaints of hair and teeth loss, heart palpitations, and severe mental health issues.
In response to the growing controversy, Massaro temporarily stepped back from public teaching and disbanded the Sedona community. He later reemerged with a modified approach, focusing more on online teachings and smaller, private retreats rather than large-scale community projects.
Despite the controversies, Massaro maintains a dedicated following and continues to attract individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment. His teachings remain a subject of debate within spiritual and skeptical communities, with discussions often centering on the potential benefits and risks of his approach to personal development and spirituality.
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