How did Maharaj's own description of his spiritual path contrast with his early public image as a 'mad Fakir'?

There is a fascinating contrast between Maharaj's inner state and his outward appearance in his early days. As Chapter 0 describes, the public saw him as a 'mad Fakir' because he wore torn clothes and sat in random places, sometimes appearing fierce. However, his own words reveal a clear and profound spiritual journey. He told the writer, "I used to give medicine to people before. Later, I stopped giving medicine and started saying 'Hari Hari', and while saying Hari Hari, I met Hari." This statement shows a deliberate shift from worldly service to pure devotion and divine union, a focused path that was completely hidden behind his unconventional and seemingly mad exterior.