How did Sai Baba's daily habits concerning food contrast with the image of a typical ascetic practicing austerities?

Sai Baba's approach to sustenance provides a stark contrast to the typical image of an ascetic. While many ascetics practice severe fasting and physical hardships, Chapter 23 clarifies that Baba never practiced fasting, austerities, or the labors of Hatha Yoga. Instead of complete deprivation, He chose a path of simple maintenance, protecting His body by consuming small amounts of food from daily alms. He was indifferent to what He ate, showing that His renunciation was internal—a freedom from ego and craving—rather than a display of external physical endurance or self-denial. His peace was his ornament, not bodily penance.