Dev's failure to recognize Baba was due to a specific sequence of events that created a delusion in his mind. As explained in chapter 40, a Sanyasi first appeared before Dev had even sent the Udyapan invitation to Sai Baba. This Sanyasi's purpose was to collect funds for cow protection. Later, after the invitation was sent to Baba, this same Sanyasi reappeared. Dev told him to return for the meal, which he did at noon with two others. Because the Sanyasi's initial appearance was for a different purpose, Dev did not connect him with Baba's promise to attend the feast. Dev later lamented that this initial context caused the delusion, admitting that if the Sanyasi had appeared for the first time after the invitation, his vision might not have been so confused.
Can you detail the sequence of events involving the Sanyasi at Dev's ceremony and why Dev failed to recognize him as Baba?
📖 Chapter 40