Prabhupāda: Why the spiritual master is given so exalted position than the demigods? That should be the answer. Demigods, they are also Vaiṣṇava, mostly.
Lokanātha: They are not pure devotees. You said they . . .
Prabhupāda: They are also devotees.
Lokanātha: But their devotion is mixed devotion.
Prabhupāda: No. Just like Lord Brahmā. We belong to the Brahmā-sampradāya. Brahmā is the original spiritual master after Kṛṣṇa. Brahmā, then Nārada, then Vyāsadeva—like that. So all of them are gurus, ācāryas. So why spiritual master is honored as good as the Supreme Lord? Sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstraiḥ. Why? That should be his question: Why spiritual master is given the supreme post than all others? Sākṣād-dharitvena—as good as God. Why? Is it not? It is clear, his question. First of all, is this his question?
Atīndra: Yes, this is the question.
Prabhupāda: So what is the answer?
Lokanātha: The spiritual master is very much concerned about our personal welfare. They are the present ācāryas in the paramparā . . .
Prabhupāda: He gives direct knowledge of Kṛṣṇa; therefore he's as good as Kṛṣṇa.