What was Sai Baba's experience like serving his Guru, and what did he learn about spiritual instruction?

Chapter 19 provides a heartfelt account of Sai Baba's time with his Guru. He served at his Guru's feet for twelve years, during which he was raised with immense love and never lacked for food or clothing. His devotion was so profound that he would gaze at his Guru's face day and night, feeling neither hunger nor thirst, with his Guru being his sole object of contemplation. A key lesson from this experience was about the nature of spiritual transmission. Baba reveals, "my Guru did not blow any mantra into my ears." Instead, his Guru protected and nurtured him with his merciful glance alone, much like a mother tortoise feeds her young from afar. This taught him that true spiritual grace and knowledge can be imparted through focused devotion and the Guru's loving gaze, rather than just formal verbal instruction.