What is the role of the Sadguru for a devotee, as described in the invocations of Chapter 1?

Chapter 1 of Shri Sai Satcharitra powerfully defines the role of the Sadguru, who is identified as Sainath himself. Using a poignant metaphor, the text describes the Sadguru as the "boat for the river of worldly existence." In this analogy, devotees are the passengers, and the Sadguru's essential role is to guide them safely across this river to the "other shore," which symbolizes liberation and self-bliss. The chapter emphasizes that attaining the feet of such a Guru is a significant achievement, resulting from merit accumulated in past lives, and it is the Sadguru who can ultimately lead a soul to its final, blissful abode.