How does Chapter 31 set the stage for the story of the sannyasi Vijayananda?

Chapter 31 skillfully sets the stage by first establishing a profound spiritual context. It begins by discussing the critical importance of one's focus at the time of death, stating that one attains the state they meditate upon. This philosophical foundation highlights why a seeker's journey towards a saint is so vital. After establishing this principle, the chapter introduces the sannyasi Vijayananda as a case study. As described in Chapter 31, he was a sincere seeker on a long pilgrimage from Madras to Mansarovar. Hearing of Sai Baba's fame, he was drawn to Shirdi, illustrating the very point made earlier about how saints draw devotees and guide them toward liberation.