Describe the philosophical contrast between a traditional religious fast and Sai Baba's approach, using the story of Mrs. Gokhale as an example.

The story of Mrs. Gokhale in Chapter 32 perfectly illustrates the contrast between conventional religious austerity and Sai Baba's practical spiritual path. Mrs. Gokhale arrived with a plan to undertake a three-day fast, a common form of penance, believing it would enhance her devotion. However, this was the complete opposite of Baba's teaching, which was to "first tie bread to the waist" before contemplating spirituality. Baba taught that God cannot be realized on a hungry stomach, as fasting makes the soul unpeaceful. The text explicitly states, "The trouble of fasting and penance - this doesn't work with Sai," emphasizing his unique doctrine that physical well-being is a necessary foundation for spiritual progress, not an obstacle to be overcome through deprivation.