Analyze the theme of 'Maya' or delusion in the story of Dev's Udyapan ceremony. How did Baba's words and Dev's own preconceptions create this 'veil of Maya'?

The theme of 'Maya' or delusion is central to the account of Dev's Udyapan ceremony in chapter 40. The "veil of Maya" is explicitly mentioned as preventing Dev from recognizing Sai Baba. This delusion was multi-layered. Firstly, when the Sanyasi arrived, Dev's mind fixed on the simple idea that "He is some guest who has come to get a meal," which strengthened his delusion. Secondly, a previous encounter where the same Sanyasi came to collect funds created a powerful preconception. Dev couldn't reconcile the image of a fundraiser with the divine presence of Baba. As Dev himself reflected, this prior context caused the delusion to fall upon him. Baba's own words, "You did not recognize Me! Why then did you call Me?", highlight that Dev's inability to see past the external guise was the essence of the Maya he experienced.