Analyzing the events in Chapter 9, what is the common spiritual principle demonstrated by both the story of the hungry animals and the incident with the eggplants?

The common principle linking the two main stories in Chapter 9 is Sai Baba's divine oneness with all of creation and his profound awareness of his devotees' inner feelings. In the first story, by identifying with a dog and a pig, he teaches that service to any being is service to him. In the second, by asking for the un-prepared 'kachrya', he shows his knowledge of a devotee's specific, loving intention. Both narratives powerfully illustrate that Baba is not separate from the world or from his followers. They encourage devotees to renounce the sense of difference and to understand that every act of kindness and every heartfelt thought is directly perceived by him.