The introduction to Chapter 36 claims that the narrator is merely a 'pretext' and Sai Baba himself is the true author. What does the text mean by this, and how should a reader interpret the authorship of these stories?

According to the analysis in Chapter 36, the narrator consciously diminishes their own role, stating, 'Enough of this "I-ness" (ego) of the speaker'. The text posits that the 'playful Sai himself takes over and makes his own qualities heard by his devotees through someone.' This suggests that the stories are not a product of the human author's intellect or creativity alone, but are divinely inspired. Sai Baba, described as being 'distant and detached from his name,' is said to cause events to occur, including the narration of his own stories, as a means to fulfill the desires of his followers. Therefore, the human narrator is presented as a humble instrument or channel for a divine purpose, rather than the ultimate source of the narrative.