I heard a story about Sai Baba grinding wheat, which seems odd for a saint. What was the real reason behind this act?

The story of Sai Baba grinding wheat is a profound one described in Chapter 1. Initially, Baba's action of sitting down to grind wheat himself was a mystery to onlookers, as he was a detached saint with no possessions or need for flour. However, the true purpose was revealed later. The wheat was not merely grain; it symbolized the cholera epidemic that was plaguing the village. As the people explained, Baba was grinding the enemy, the epidemic, in the mill. He then had the resulting 'flour' thrown on the village boundary, which, as Chapter 1 recounts, caused the disease to recede and drove the epidemic away completely, showcasing his unique methods and compassion.