How does Chapter 9 use the concept of Baba's permission for travel to illustrate the broader spiritual principle of surrender to the Guru?

Chapter 9 uses the seemingly practical rule of needing permission to leave Shirdi as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual principle of surrendering one's ego and will to the Guru. The chapter establishes that Baba knows the "right and wrong time," implying an omniscience that transcends the devotee's limited understanding and impatience, as seen with Tatya Kote. The troubles faced by those who disobey are not punishments, but natural consequences of acting out of alignment with the Guru's perfect wisdom. By impressing upon devotees that "Sai is pervaded everywhere" and that God resides in all beings, Chapter 9 connects this rule of travel to a deeper lesson: true welfare is achieved only by trusting and following the Guru's guidance in all matters, big or small.