How does Chapter 26 contrast internal, heartfelt worship with external rituals?

Chapter 26 of the Sai Satcharitra powerfully argues for the superiority of internal worship over external offerings. The author redefines devotional practices, stating that the Guru's constant company is equivalent to studying the Vedas and scriptures, and listening to His life-story is a form of sacred reading. The text describes a purely internal ritual: washing the Guru's feet with "warm tears of joy," applying the "sandalwood paste of pure love," and clothing Him with "true faith." This form of devotion is explicitly called "superior to external offerings." As Chapter 26 elaborates, the ultimate offering is the "eight-petaled lotus of the eight-fold sattvic emotions," which pleases the Guru and helps the devotee achieve the true fruit of life.