Do not fall into reverence for gurus, priests, or so-called spiritual masters. Titles are not what matter—truth is. When you place authority outside yourself, you risk avoiding responsibility for your own life. The task is to become a refuge to yourself; no one else can liberate you.
Approach all teachers as human beings who may offer insight, not as figures to be worshiped or obeyed. Honorific titles often obscure this. Consider Gotama, later called “the Buddha.” His role was not to be followed as an authority, but to point toward liberation. The same applies to Yeshua, whose name and teachings were transformed over time, and to Laozi, likely a composite figure rather than a single author.
Treat such names as pointers, not objects of devotion. Distinguish original insight from later interpretation wherever possible.
Adopt the stance common in philosophy: learn from others, but do not submit to them. Remain open, but critical. The aim is understanding—not allegiance.
