The texts describe the Guru as a protector. How absolute is the Guru's authority and protection compared to even God's?

The source material presents the Guru's authority as supreme and absolute. Chapter 18 makes a powerful and definitive statement on this matter: 'The Guru is the protector when God is angry. But if the Guru is angry, there is no protector—know this for all time.' This highlights the unparalleled position the Guru holds in the spiritual life of a disciple. The Guru is not merely a guide but is presented as God manifest—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara—and the Supreme Lord itself. This establishes the Guru as the ultimate refuge and authority, whose grace is indispensable and whose displeasure leaves one with no other recourse for protection.