Chapter 32 mentions 'awakened ones' who were learned ritualists. What was their specific objective, and what is the stated purpose of including their story?

As detailed in Chapter 32, these four awakened ones were firmly learned ritualists who held the pride of scholarship in their hearts. Their objective was to use their own intellectual efforts and reasoning to determine how and where God dwells, and how He could be seen by them. Their story is included as a lesson for the masses. It demonstrates what happens to one who might disrespect a true Guru and it serves to teach a broader lesson, even showing Shri Sai himself adopting a form of "lowliness" to make the point that true knowledge comes from a Guru, not from one's own proud intellect.