How does the story of Dev and the Sanyasi illustrate the concept of Maya and its effect on a devotee's perception?

This story serves as a powerful example of how Maya, or illusion, can cloud a devotee's perception. In Chapter 40, it is implied that the Sanyasi and his two companions were Sai Baba and two others, fulfilling Baba's promise to attend Dev's Udyapan. However, Dev was unable to recognize them. The text explicitly states that the Sanyasi's original purpose "spread a veil of Maya," causing Dev to see only a beggar asking for a meal. Despite serving the three uninvited guests himself—a significant event—Dev's mind "still remained doubtful." His subsequent letter to Jog, filled with feelings of being deceived and disappointed that "no experience came," demonstrates how completely Maya prevented him from recognizing the very miracle he was waiting for, showcasing its power to obscure spiritual reality.