Bṛhaspati Rejects the Demigods: The Root of Deva Weakness and the Need for Humility
श्रीराजोवाच कस्य हेतो: परित्यक्ता आचार्येणात्मन: सुरा: । एतदाचक्ष्व भगवञ्छिष्याणामक्रमं गुरौ ॥ १ ॥
śrī-rājovāca kasya hetoḥ parityaktā ācāryeṇātmanaḥ surāḥ etad ācakṣva bhagavañ chiṣyāṇām akramaṁ gurau
Le roi dit : Ô Bhagavān, grand sage, pour quelle raison Bṛhaspati, le précepteur des devas, a-t-il rejeté les devas, pourtant ses propres disciples ? Quelle offense ont-ils commise envers leur guru ? Je t’en prie, raconte-moi cet épisode.
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura comments:
This verse introduces Parīkṣit’s inquiry: the demigods were abandoned because of a serious lapse in proper conduct toward their ācārya, prompting the guru to withdraw his guidance.
Because the narrative in Canto 6, Chapter 7 hinges on a breakdown in guru-disciple etiquette among the demigods, which triggers major consequences and the events leading toward Vṛtrāsura.
Maintain humility and proper respect toward one’s teacher and spiritual guides; neglecting guru-etiquette can weaken one’s protection, clarity, and progress on the path of bhakti.