What is the meaning of the mother tortoise analogy that Baba uses?

In Chapter 19, Sai Baba uses the analogy of a mother tortoise to explain the nature of his Guru's grace and his own method of teaching. He describes how a mother tortoise on one riverbank can nurture her young on the opposite bank simply through her loving gaze, without any physical contact or verbal communication. Baba explains that his own Guru protected and guided him in this same way, with a merciful glance that provided bliss and contentment. He tells a devotee that this is why a mantra is useless effort. This analogy illustrates that a Guru's grace and protection can transcend physical distance and do not depend on conventional instructions; the devotee's role is simply to be receptive to that loving gaze.