Why is devotion to the Guru considered so important, and what happens if one neglects it?

The supremacy of the Guru is a central theme in chapter 3. The text asserts that the Guru is supreme among all eight types of places for worship. To illustrate this point, it mentions that even Krishna, the "complete Brahman," held the feet of his Guru, Sandipani, and expressed that the praise of the Sadguru is more pleasing than his own. Consequently, chapter 3 warns that neglecting Guru-worship has severe consequences. A person who turns their back on the Guru is described as an "unfortunate sinner" who "ruins his own self-interest." They are said to suffer through the repetitive cycles of birth and death, a constant and painful wandering.