How does the story of the sannyasi Vijayananda in Chapter 31 illustrate the chapter's earlier teachings about the role of saints and the state of mind at death?

Chapter 31 first establishes the importance of a focused mind at death and the critical role of saints in guiding devotees toward liberation. The story of Vijayananda serves as a practical illustration of these principles. Although he is determined to reach Mansarovar, he is drawn to Shirdi, showing how saints like Sai Baba pull devotees to them. The distress Vijayananda feels after hearing about the journey's hardships highlights his worldly worry. Sai Baba's seemingly harsh reaction—demanding the sannyasi be sent away—can be seen as a spiritual intervention. As Chapter 31 states, saints "know the coming and going" and the "state at the end," suggesting Baba's actions are for the sannyasi's ultimate spiritual welfare, guiding his mind away from a physical pilgrimage toward a state of inner focus required for liberation.