Chapter 9 mentions that Sai Baba's begging for food was for the 'welfare of the devotees.' How does this practice, along with the theme of God's omnipresence, contribute to the chapter's overall message?

Chapter 9 of the Sai Satcharitra presents a profound synthesis of Sai Baba's actions and teachings. The chapter states that Baba's lifelong habit of begging for food was not for himself but for the spiritual welfare of the devotees, specifically for the removal of sins like the 'Panchasuna'. This act of humility is connected to another core teaching mentioned in the chapter: that Sai, representing God, is pervaded everywhere, from the highest being (Brahma) to the smallest inanimate object. By begging, Baba demonstrated that God resides in all beings and that serving others is a path to purification. As Chapter 9 beautifully explains, these actions were merciful lessons to impress upon devotees the omnipresence of the divine.