44 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 6, Ch. 7
TRANSLATION

Lord Brahma said: O best of the demigods, unfortunately, be-
cause of madness resulting from your material opulence, you
failed to receive Brhaspati properly when he came to your assem-
bly. Because he is aware of the Supreme Brahman and fully in con-
trol of his senses, he is the best of the brahmanas. Therefore it is
very astonishing that you have acted impudently toward him.

PURPORT

Lord Brahma 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 brahmana. Lord
Brahma chastised the demigods for not properly respecting this
brahmana, who was their guru. Lord Brahma 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 Brahma, being
aware of this, condemned their neglect. In a song we sing every day,
Narottama dasa Thakura says, caksu-dana 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 circum-
stances should the guru be disrespected, but the demigods, being puffed
up by their material possessions, were disrespectful to their guru.
Therefore Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.17.27) advises, Gcdryam mam vi-
janiyan nadvamanyeta karhicit/ na martya-buddhydsityeta: the acdrya
should always be offered respectful obeisances; one should never envy
the dcarya, considering him an ordinary human being.

TEXT 22
TATTAATETATY TT Ts THAT |
retary: Bafa: MIATA A AAT?
