Bhagvatam: THE GURU (ÄCHÄRYA) SHOULD ALWAYS BE OFFERED RESPECTFUL OBEISANCES; ONE SHOULD NEVER ENVY THE ÄCHÄRYA, CONSIDERING HIM AN ORDINARY HUMAN BEING.
While Indra, the King of the demigods, thought in this way and repented in his own assembly, Brhaspati, the most powerful spiritual master, understood his mind. Thus he became invisible to Indra and left home, for Brhaspati was spiritually more powerful than King Indra.
Although Indra searched vigorously with the assistance of the other demigods, he could not find Brhaspati. Then Indra thought, "Alas, my spiritual master has become dissatisfied with me, and now I have no means of achieving good fortune." Although Indra was surrounded by demigods, he could not find peace of mind.
Hearing of the pitiable condition of King Indra, the demons, following the instructions of their guru, Sukrächärya, equipped themselves with weapons and declared war against the demigods.
The demigods' heads, thighs and arms and the other parts of their bodies were injured by the sharp arrows of the demons. The demigods, headed by Indra, saw no other course than to immediately approach Lord Brahmä with bowed heads for shelter and proper instruction.
When the most powerful Lord Brahmä saw the demigods coming toward him, their bodies gravely injured by the arrows of the demons, he pacified them by his great causeless mercy and spoke as follows.
TRANSLATION
Lord Brahmä said: O best of the demigods, unfortunately, because of madness resulting from your material opulence, you failed to receive Brhaspati properly when he came to your assembly. Because he is aware of the Supreme Brahman and fully in control of his senses, he is the best of the brähmanas. Therefore it is very astonishing that you have acted impudently toward him.
PURPORT
Lord Brahmä recognized the brahminical qualifications of Brhaspati, who was the spiritual master of the demigods because of his awareness of the Supreme Brahman.
Brhaspati was very much in control of his senses and mind, and therefore he was a most qualified brähmana.
Lord Brahmä chastised the demigods for not properly respecting this brähmana, who was their guru.
Lord Brahmä wanted to impress upon the demigods that one's guru should not be disrespected under any circumstances.
When Brhaspati entered the assembly of the demigods, they and their king, Indra, took him for granted.
Since he came every day, they thought, they did not need to show him special respect.
As it is said, familiarity breeds contempt.
Being very much displeased, Brhaspati immediately left Indra's palace.
Thus all the demigods, headed by Indra, became offenders at the lotus feet of Brhaspati, and Lord Brahmä, being aware of this, condemned their neglect.
In a song we sing every day, Narottama däsa Thäkura says, chakshu-däna dila yei, janme janme prabhu sei: the guru gives spiritual insight to the disciple, and therefore the guru should be considered his master, life after life.
Under no circumstances should the guru be disrespected, but the demigods, being puffed up by their material possessions, were disrespectful to their guru.
Therefore Srimad-Bhägavatam (11.17.27) advises, ächäryam mäm vijäniyän nävamanyeta karhicit/ na martya-buddhyäsüyeta: the ächärya should always be offered respectful obeisances; one should never envy the ächärya, considering him an ordinary human being.
