Analyze the methods Sai Baba employed to instill spiritual discipline in his devotees, using the examples from Shirdi.

Sai Baba utilized indirect and highly personalized methods to instill spiritual discipline, rather than direct commands. As seen in Chapter 27, to encourage his devotee Shama to read a sacred text, he did not simply issue an order. Instead, he orchestrated a scenario involving a visiting Ramdasi Buwa. Baba feigned a sudden, intense stomach ache to send the Ramdasi on an errand for senna powder. This created an opportunity for Baba to take the man's Vishnu Sahasranama book and give it to Shama, emphasizing its power by sharing a personal story of his own past distress. This dramatic and thoughtful method made the instruction deeply impactful and established a rule for Shama's life by making the book a personal gift from his Guru.