Before getting into its main topics, what does Chapter 8 briefly mention about Sai Baba's early days in Shirdi?

Chapter 8 begins with a brief recap of events from the previous chapter, touching upon Sai Baba's initial time in Shirdi. It reminds the reader how Baba first appeared as a young lad and was sometimes referred to as a "mad fakir." The introduction in Chapter 8 also recounts his miraculous act of turning a barren piece of land into a beautiful garden, upon which a mansion (wada) was later built. Furthermore, it references Baba's intense yogic practices, specifically mentioning Dhauti, Poti, and Khanda-yoga, through which he endured great personal hardship for the benefit of his devotees.