How did Dev's own perception and assumptions prevent him from recognizing Baba during the feast?

Dev's failure to recognize Baba was a direct result of his own clouded perception and preconceived notions, a concept referred to as Maya in the text. According to Chapter 40, when the Sanyasi (Baba in disguise) first appeared, Dev's mind was fixed on the idea that this was just a guest who had come for a meal, and he even feared being asked for money. Dev himself later lamented that his vision was confused because the Sanyasi had initially appeared for fundraising before the Udyapan invitation was formally extended to Sai. This sequence of events created a strong delusion, preventing him from seeing the truth that was right in front of him.