How does the text compare the importance of the Guru to that of God?

Chapter 18 presents the Guru as being of supreme importance, effectively equating the Guru with God. It states plainly that the Guru is God manifest: Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, and is essentially the Supreme Lord. A particularly striking passage highlights the Guru's role as the ultimate refuge, stating that the Guru is the protector when God is angry. In a stark warning, it continues by saying that if the Guru is angry, there is no protector at all. This emphasizes the absolute necessity of the Guru's grace and guidance on the spiritual path.