How does Chapter 36 set the stage for the stories that are to follow?

Chapter 36 serves as a powerful invocation and introduction, setting a devotional and anticipatory tone for the subsequent stories. It begins by establishing the immense spiritual benefit of listening to Sai's life story, describing it as a means to remove worldly misery and attain happiness. As detailed in the chapter, the author emphasizes the infinite greatness of saints and positions Sai as a supreme being who can perform miracles and protect his devotees. By stating that Sai himself 'loves his own stories' and uses them to fulfill devotees' desires, the text frames the upcoming narratives not just as anecdotes, but as active manifestations of Sai's grace. It concludes this introduction by mentioning the arrival of 'Two gentlemen from Goa,' directly leading the reader into the next leela.