Based on the source material, what is the connection between surrendering one's ego and the ability to benefit from Sai Baba's stories?

Chapter 2 draws a clear and essential connection between ego-surrender and the spiritual rewards of hearing Sai Baba's stories. Sai Baba sets a precondition for his full assistance: "He should dissolve his ego and surrender it at my feet. To one who acts thus in life, I give full assistance." This surrender allows Baba to "enter with 'I-ness'" and work through the devotee. The text then outlines that the stories themselves destroy ignorance and cultivate devotion. However, it also warns that an argumentative mind, a product of ego, is full of "bad thoughts and false logic" and is unfit for self-knowledge. Therefore, surrendering the ego is the necessary first step to quiet the argumentative mind, allowing the heart to be receptive to the faith-building and soul-harmonizing power of the stories.