Ankita Children
The meaning of being spiritually claimed, guided and formed by the Guru.
Sai BabaSpiritual studyVolume 1
The chapter
In the language of the Guru tradition, a disciple is called a “child” because the relationship is meant to be intimate, protective and transformative. The old Gurukula ideal placed the pupil under the Guru’s care, while the stories of Aruni and Rishabha’s teaching emphasise the disciple’s willingness to serve and the Guru’s duty to protect.
The chapter explains that a perfect Guru does not merely grant the wishes brought to him. By compassionately cutting through the disciple’s bonds—fear, shame, social pride, attachment to family status, learning, wealth and habitual conduct—the Guru prepares the seeker for a higher life. Unlike a worldly teacher who may withhold knowledge lest a pupil surpass him, the Samartha Sadguru gives himself to the disciple and works to make the disciple like himself.
This is the meaning of an Ankita child: a soul whom the Sadhu has marked out and for whose spiritual and temporal welfare he accepts responsibility. The chapter connects this idea with Baba’s assurances to Mahlsapathy, the young Bandra devotee and M. B. Rege—that his care could continue across lives. Such responsibility is attributed only to a Niranjan, one who has crossed Maya and can carry another soul without self-interest.
What this account invites us to reflect on
The account invites reflection on surrender as a relationship that leads to maturity. To become spiritually “claimed” by the Guru is not to remain dependent in a childish way, but to accept the discipline, sacrifice and inner change through which the seeker can eventually approach Self-realisation.
Editorial note: This page is a concise paraphrase for web presentation and does not reproduce the complete chapter. Please consult the original PDF for the full account and wording.