How does the Patil's experience in Chapter 13 illustrate the theme that Sai Baba's seemingly harsh actions are ultimately for a devotee's benefit?

Chapter 13 provides a powerful illustration of this theme through the Patil's healing. The Patil endured what felt like terrible punishment in his dreams: being beaten with a cane and having his chest crushed by a grinding stone. These experiences caused him immense agony. However, the result was profoundly beneficial, as he woke up completely cured of his disease. The narrative highlights this paradox, stating, 'The punishment by the cane and the bursting of the heart—the result was clearly beneficial.' The Patil's subsequent overwhelming joy and gratitude demonstrate his understanding that Baba's 'inconceivable and unfathomable' methods, though painful, were a direct and compassionate means to remove his suffering.