The treatment of masters in Asian movement / spiritual traditions and the behavior of the masters themselves are not necessarily socially really constructive. They are also not necessarily a good road map for us today. Masters who act within patriarchal authoritarian frameworks are not the best role models looking forward.

For me, masters are good teachers with a (non-authoritarian) social function. “Social” is a complex concept and refers to more than just the human sphere.

In the philosophy of the 道德經 Tao Te Ching, a good teacher is an effective medium translating a broad and constructive creative community spirit.

Regarding good teachers, there are more life-supporting non-human teachers than human ones.