The text says 'I myself shall write my own story!' Isn't that just a convenient way for the author to lend his own writing unearned authority? It sounds like a manipulative claim.

This is a thoughtful critique that touches on the nature of faith and authorship. According to Chapter 2, Sai Baba's statement, "He is merely a pretext; I myself shall write my own story!" is presented as a divine assurance and a profound lesson on surrendering the ego. Baba’s specific instruction was for the author to "dissolve his ego and surrender it at my feet." The text frames this not as a manipulative authorial device, but as a spiritual process where the divine works through a devoted instrument. As Chapter 2 further explains, when the ego is dissolved, Baba himself enters with 'I-ness' to guide the writing, ensuring the stories fulfill the devotees' wishes and lead them to spiritual truth.