Given that the text says 'Baba did not drink tea,' what was the ultimate purpose of his instruction regarding the sugared tea for Cholkar, and what does this reveal about a saint's methods?

The instruction to serve Cholkar tea "well-filled with sugar" was not for Baba's own sake but was a skillful act meant entirely for the devotee's spiritual benefit. Chapter 15 explains that the purpose of this seemingly mundane act was so that "Cholkar’s faith would be confirmed and the stamp of devotion would be impressed." It was a practical demonstration to show Cholkar that his secret vow, the financial hardship causing the delay, and his private penance of giving up sugar were all intimately known to Baba. This reveals the methods of saints, who, as the text notes, possess the skill to show devotees what is in their hearts through personal experience, thereby strengthening their love and devotion in a way mere words cannot.