Option Institute a cult?
05-12-2024
, 09:30 PM
Now that the Option Institute estate is in contract (it entered the market 4 years ago at $16 mil, price kept dropping to current $7.5 mil, who knows what new owner will actually pay) it's the end of an era, though it's been ending in stages as business contracted over the past 10 years.
I booked a dialogue on campus not long after they opened in '83. The campus was bare bones. I had read about Barry & Suzy (now Bears & Samahria) in a new age rag, & read BNK's "To Love Is To Be Happy With." A lifelong mystic, I was in need of healing & greater happiness due to personal circumstances. Over the years, I took the (financial) plunge & took some classes. They were always very rewarding experiences, though the campus remained "bare bones" despite its expansion. If you go somewhere like Omega or Kripalu you have an entirely different type of guest experience.
I definitely had B&S (ha! BS!) on a pedestal. They represented warmth, wisdom & healing to me. I do not regret any of my time there as a participant. I valued being with like-minded folk, & the insightful conversations we created with each other via the trademarked "option process."
Years later, I was invited to work at OI, & despite the low pay, decided to give it a go. It was immediately apparent that the joint was disorganized, & highly unprofessional in its operations. Staff was overwhelmingly unhappy, though there were a few exceptions, mostly at the Autism Treatment Center. I still think the work they do with special needs kids & with adults in classes & private sessions can be remarkable. Bears was a terrific teacher, as was Samahria, Raun, their son, & Bryn, their daughter. The Kaufmans had great charisma.
But there was a massive disconnect in how employees were treated vs. guests, & that disparity was unsettling. I did not work there long, & was keen to leave the tense environment (fear ran rampant, & with good reason, a tightly woven system of control, headed by Barry).
I still think back on the place & time that had such a powerful impact on my life, first, for good, then, not so good. It's hard to reconcile how something that could be so healing on one level, could be so destructive on another. I am still processing my time there, and the fact that that era is forever gone.
When I arrived as a new employee & signed papers in HR, I was handed a "sexual abuse complaint form." I looked at the HR person, "HERE? Wtf?" I thought the people in charge were of the utmost INTEGRITY & expected that to be the norm on campus. The HR person raised an eyebrow, looked me in the eye & said, "You'd be surprised." That rattled me, but over time, I could see how it could be an issue. The warmth & intimacy from Bears that I appreciated as a student I did not appreciate as an employee. He crossed the line in personal discussions.
As mentioned in this thread, Bears’ daughter Thea (now Rythea Lee) has accused “someone” in her family of sexually abusing her. It’s clear her very litigious father made her take a different name since she is now a trauma counselor and has written a book.
I heard that one of Bears’ adopted South American sons was having marital problems. He was very controlling (abusive?) with wife. This was surprising to me at the time. Now, it’s not.
Of note: I met an older woman at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY (we took a fab week long course there on remote viewing) who'd also been to Option. When she learned I was going to work there, she (who was psychic) said, "Tell Bears to walk the talk." That too rattled me, as I considered him to be a man of integrity. But she was right. His private demeanor is not the same as his public (teaching) demeanor.
Of note: while I was still enthralled with B/S as a student, I was with a group of OI participants at a local restaurant. Our waitress commented, “Oh! The owners eat here!” I said, “Are they good tippers?” expecting the answer to be yes, since they’re rich & so “loving.” She said nothing, but looked with a blank face & shook her head “no.” That shocked me then, now, not at all.
Of note: already mentioned on this thread, Barry learned at the feet of Bruce Di Marsico, who, from all accounts, including Barry's, was an exceptional teacher. Di Marsico’s writings bear this out. Barry, who is incredibly litigious (also mentioned in this thread) gives no credit to his teacher, but makes sure HIS work is copyrited, trademarked, etc.
Of note: I was thrilled to meet another student from Bruce Di Marsico’s original “circle of 12” as documented in Barry’s “A Sense of Warning” (now, renamed, “FUTURE SIGHT” with slight changes, including removing the dedication in the first version to a woman, NOT Suzy). Bruce, called “Luke” in the book, looked Barry (called “Peter”) in the eye and implied that Luke plus the 12 had been Jesus and his disciples back in the day. “Don’t you remember, Peter, when you walked on water?” (or thereabouts, this is all from memory). When I asked this man about Bruce, “Peter” etc. he said, “Bruce called ME Peter, not Barry.” I found that disconcerting. So, Barry was taking credit for having “walked on water” as Peter in Biblical times, when it was really this other fellow? I just tucked all these “aberrations” away in my memory bank.
Of note: students discuss very private issues in class, and it felt very freeing. Sex was one topic discussed. So was money, & in one class, students were invited to divulge what their total assets were. This was also very "freeing" in that money is the final frontier, it's in many ways more personal than sex. Some people had very little $. One young gal, clearly from a family with millions, refused, under repeated pressure from Bears, to divulge her assets. In retrospect, I think Bears kept files on EVERYONE, including all their dirty details, confessions, & especially, the FINANCIAL ones. Useful for financial solicitations, & blackmail.
Of note: I went to a psychic when I was still enthralled with B/S. I brought a picture of smiling Suzy (the psychic “read” photos). I was expecting him to go on about how special & evolved she was, but all he said was, "Does she have a lot of money?" I stammered, "I suppose so..." He replied, "I'LL SAY!" That's all he had to say about the warm, loving woman I revered. Now I know why. They own over 4 homes.
While a student, someone introduced me to "The Secret" & the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, "Ask and It Is Given" was the first book I bought. I was thrilled by the info. I still love the teachings of Abraham Hicks. When I review my notes from Bears’ Option classes, it's crystal clear how much of his teachings come DIRECTLY from Abraham-Hicks. No, you can't copyright the truth. But you CAN give credit where credit is due. I now see Bears' work as derivative, first of Bruce Di Marsico, then of Abraham Hicks. Yes, he was an excellent teacher, but I would expect from WHAT he taught about INTEGRITY (that your actions match your words) and from someone who demanded his work be respected, that he would give source credit to others. Nope.
It became clear as I worked there that the omnipresent family photos that decorated his office (& elsewhere) were necessary to him to prove how much he was LOVED. Notes from adoring students & one (very pretty) employee. Constant reminders of what made him feel good. That’s an Abraham Hicks principle, figure out how to feel good! I stand by it. But I observed that he NEEDED these testaments to prove how special he was. I came to the conclusion that this guy is a narcissist. I stand by that assessment, especially as I observe his latest “accomplishment,” conquering stage 4 cancer with no medical intervention. First, it was healing his son Raun’s autism. Raun, who, while he became a functional adult who was once “CEO” of OI, most definitely has some personal “quirks.” It was eye-opening to go behind the scenes as an employee.
Given the love & honor that is bestowed upon students (paying guests) I was shocked when William Hogan, daughter Bryn Kaufman’s husband, was not honored more fully on the OI website when he passed from cancer. The same for teacher Beverly Haberman, who was there MANY years, along with her husband Clyde, & was personal friends with B/S, & who died a few years ago. It was as if they’d never existed (there was mention, but not to the extent I would have expected).
Now of course, Bears is “selling” his remarkable recovery from cancer. It just reeks of more narcissism & marketing.
Also, to those who know what the Illuminati is, I discerned (from watching one of Bears’ recent Youtube videos) that he is a member. Maybe he’s just a Mason, or Freemason, but he clearly does the signature OSIRIS RISING pose with arms crossed over his chest like a Pharoah. It’s not a normal pose to make while in conversation on camera. I then discovered an old photo of his wife doing the same pose. So, is it a shock that this power couple is in a secret society?
If you examine the attached photo of the Institute’s newest building complex, the Taylor Roy House, you will see that the Arc of Baal is built into the side. This is another sign of allegiance to the Illuminati.
Knowing how the Illuminati works, I now believe the photo years ago of actress Helena Bonham Carter reading “To Love Is To Be Happy With” in a magazine was a “reward” to Bears. You pay to play. You don’t get publicity, or rich, or famous, without being “in the club.” The plug was a gift.
In closing, I don’t put people on pedestals anymore. I understand why I did when I was young & seeking relief, but I have a healthy skepticism of most “new age” teachers now. I asked another mystic teacher about a shyster I took a one day “spiritual remote viewing” class with, a class I enjoyed very much, but felt conflicted because the teacher, who seemed to know an awful lot, was such a sleazy character. I asked her, “How can you reconcile someone who knows stuff but isn’t of good character?” She said, “Did you learn anything?” I nodded.
That’s it. You learn. You separate the message from the messenger. But I look for INTEGRITY, for people whose words match their deeds. It’s who I endeavor to be, and it’s what I look for in individuals around me. It’s what I learned in class at OI!
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Always be impeccable with your word. Always do your best. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions.”
I am sad that the Institute is closing, but even sadder that it turned out to be a crashing disappointment when I was able to see behind the curtain. Maybe that was the biggest gift. There are teachers & lessons everywhere, but SELF-RELIANCE (read the essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson) is of primary import.
We all have a true guide, a God within whose voice we can hear when we still the static in our minds & learn to trust our hearts.
I booked a dialogue on campus not long after they opened in '83. The campus was bare bones. I had read about Barry & Suzy (now Bears & Samahria) in a new age rag, & read BNK's "To Love Is To Be Happy With." A lifelong mystic, I was in need of healing & greater happiness due to personal circumstances. Over the years, I took the (financial) plunge & took some classes. They were always very rewarding experiences, though the campus remained "bare bones" despite its expansion. If you go somewhere like Omega or Kripalu you have an entirely different type of guest experience.
I definitely had B&S (ha! BS!) on a pedestal. They represented warmth, wisdom & healing to me. I do not regret any of my time there as a participant. I valued being with like-minded folk, & the insightful conversations we created with each other via the trademarked "option process."
Years later, I was invited to work at OI, & despite the low pay, decided to give it a go. It was immediately apparent that the joint was disorganized, & highly unprofessional in its operations. Staff was overwhelmingly unhappy, though there were a few exceptions, mostly at the Autism Treatment Center. I still think the work they do with special needs kids & with adults in classes & private sessions can be remarkable. Bears was a terrific teacher, as was Samahria, Raun, their son, & Bryn, their daughter. The Kaufmans had great charisma.
But there was a massive disconnect in how employees were treated vs. guests, & that disparity was unsettling. I did not work there long, & was keen to leave the tense environment (fear ran rampant, & with good reason, a tightly woven system of control, headed by Barry).
I still think back on the place & time that had such a powerful impact on my life, first, for good, then, not so good. It's hard to reconcile how something that could be so healing on one level, could be so destructive on another. I am still processing my time there, and the fact that that era is forever gone.
When I arrived as a new employee & signed papers in HR, I was handed a "sexual abuse complaint form." I looked at the HR person, "HERE? Wtf?" I thought the people in charge were of the utmost INTEGRITY & expected that to be the norm on campus. The HR person raised an eyebrow, looked me in the eye & said, "You'd be surprised." That rattled me, but over time, I could see how it could be an issue. The warmth & intimacy from Bears that I appreciated as a student I did not appreciate as an employee. He crossed the line in personal discussions.
As mentioned in this thread, Bears’ daughter Thea (now Rythea Lee) has accused “someone” in her family of sexually abusing her. It’s clear her very litigious father made her take a different name since she is now a trauma counselor and has written a book.
I heard that one of Bears’ adopted South American sons was having marital problems. He was very controlling (abusive?) with wife. This was surprising to me at the time. Now, it’s not.
Of note: I met an older woman at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY (we took a fab week long course there on remote viewing) who'd also been to Option. When she learned I was going to work there, she (who was psychic) said, "Tell Bears to walk the talk." That too rattled me, as I considered him to be a man of integrity. But she was right. His private demeanor is not the same as his public (teaching) demeanor.
Of note: while I was still enthralled with B/S as a student, I was with a group of OI participants at a local restaurant. Our waitress commented, “Oh! The owners eat here!” I said, “Are they good tippers?” expecting the answer to be yes, since they’re rich & so “loving.” She said nothing, but looked with a blank face & shook her head “no.” That shocked me then, now, not at all.
Of note: already mentioned on this thread, Barry learned at the feet of Bruce Di Marsico, who, from all accounts, including Barry's, was an exceptional teacher. Di Marsico’s writings bear this out. Barry, who is incredibly litigious (also mentioned in this thread) gives no credit to his teacher, but makes sure HIS work is copyrited, trademarked, etc.
Of note: I was thrilled to meet another student from Bruce Di Marsico’s original “circle of 12” as documented in Barry’s “A Sense of Warning” (now, renamed, “FUTURE SIGHT” with slight changes, including removing the dedication in the first version to a woman, NOT Suzy). Bruce, called “Luke” in the book, looked Barry (called “Peter”) in the eye and implied that Luke plus the 12 had been Jesus and his disciples back in the day. “Don’t you remember, Peter, when you walked on water?” (or thereabouts, this is all from memory). When I asked this man about Bruce, “Peter” etc. he said, “Bruce called ME Peter, not Barry.” I found that disconcerting. So, Barry was taking credit for having “walked on water” as Peter in Biblical times, when it was really this other fellow? I just tucked all these “aberrations” away in my memory bank.
Of note: students discuss very private issues in class, and it felt very freeing. Sex was one topic discussed. So was money, & in one class, students were invited to divulge what their total assets were. This was also very "freeing" in that money is the final frontier, it's in many ways more personal than sex. Some people had very little $. One young gal, clearly from a family with millions, refused, under repeated pressure from Bears, to divulge her assets. In retrospect, I think Bears kept files on EVERYONE, including all their dirty details, confessions, & especially, the FINANCIAL ones. Useful for financial solicitations, & blackmail.
Of note: I went to a psychic when I was still enthralled with B/S. I brought a picture of smiling Suzy (the psychic “read” photos). I was expecting him to go on about how special & evolved she was, but all he said was, "Does she have a lot of money?" I stammered, "I suppose so..." He replied, "I'LL SAY!" That's all he had to say about the warm, loving woman I revered. Now I know why. They own over 4 homes.
While a student, someone introduced me to "The Secret" & the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, "Ask and It Is Given" was the first book I bought. I was thrilled by the info. I still love the teachings of Abraham Hicks. When I review my notes from Bears’ Option classes, it's crystal clear how much of his teachings come DIRECTLY from Abraham-Hicks. No, you can't copyright the truth. But you CAN give credit where credit is due. I now see Bears' work as derivative, first of Bruce Di Marsico, then of Abraham Hicks. Yes, he was an excellent teacher, but I would expect from WHAT he taught about INTEGRITY (that your actions match your words) and from someone who demanded his work be respected, that he would give source credit to others. Nope.
It became clear as I worked there that the omnipresent family photos that decorated his office (& elsewhere) were necessary to him to prove how much he was LOVED. Notes from adoring students & one (very pretty) employee. Constant reminders of what made him feel good. That’s an Abraham Hicks principle, figure out how to feel good! I stand by it. But I observed that he NEEDED these testaments to prove how special he was. I came to the conclusion that this guy is a narcissist. I stand by that assessment, especially as I observe his latest “accomplishment,” conquering stage 4 cancer with no medical intervention. First, it was healing his son Raun’s autism. Raun, who, while he became a functional adult who was once “CEO” of OI, most definitely has some personal “quirks.” It was eye-opening to go behind the scenes as an employee.
Given the love & honor that is bestowed upon students (paying guests) I was shocked when William Hogan, daughter Bryn Kaufman’s husband, was not honored more fully on the OI website when he passed from cancer. The same for teacher Beverly Haberman, who was there MANY years, along with her husband Clyde, & was personal friends with B/S, & who died a few years ago. It was as if they’d never existed (there was mention, but not to the extent I would have expected).
Now of course, Bears is “selling” his remarkable recovery from cancer. It just reeks of more narcissism & marketing.
Also, to those who know what the Illuminati is, I discerned (from watching one of Bears’ recent Youtube videos) that he is a member. Maybe he’s just a Mason, or Freemason, but he clearly does the signature OSIRIS RISING pose with arms crossed over his chest like a Pharoah. It’s not a normal pose to make while in conversation on camera. I then discovered an old photo of his wife doing the same pose. So, is it a shock that this power couple is in a secret society?
If you examine the attached photo of the Institute’s newest building complex, the Taylor Roy House, you will see that the Arc of Baal is built into the side. This is another sign of allegiance to the Illuminati.
Knowing how the Illuminati works, I now believe the photo years ago of actress Helena Bonham Carter reading “To Love Is To Be Happy With” in a magazine was a “reward” to Bears. You pay to play. You don’t get publicity, or rich, or famous, without being “in the club.” The plug was a gift.
In closing, I don’t put people on pedestals anymore. I understand why I did when I was young & seeking relief, but I have a healthy skepticism of most “new age” teachers now. I asked another mystic teacher about a shyster I took a one day “spiritual remote viewing” class with, a class I enjoyed very much, but felt conflicted because the teacher, who seemed to know an awful lot, was such a sleazy character. I asked her, “How can you reconcile someone who knows stuff but isn’t of good character?” She said, “Did you learn anything?” I nodded.
That’s it. You learn. You separate the message from the messenger. But I look for INTEGRITY, for people whose words match their deeds. It’s who I endeavor to be, and it’s what I look for in individuals around me. It’s what I learned in class at OI!
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: “Always be impeccable with your word. Always do your best. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions.”
I am sad that the Institute is closing, but even sadder that it turned out to be a crashing disappointment when I was able to see behind the curtain. Maybe that was the biggest gift. There are teachers & lessons everywhere, but SELF-RELIANCE (read the essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson) is of primary import.
We all have a true guide, a God within whose voice we can hear when we still the static in our minds & learn to trust our hearts.
