The text states that Sai Baba makes the 'listener and speaker a mere pretext.' What is the philosophical implication of this statement regarding devotion?

This profound statement from Chapter 36 implies that the entire act of narrating and listening to Sai's stories is orchestrated by Sai Baba himself. The speaker and the listener are not the true agents but are merely instruments or channels for his divine will. This concept decenters the human ego from the devotional practice, suggesting that it is Sai's grace and power that cause these stories to be told and heard. He is the ultimate source and recipient of the devotion, using this process as a 'pretext' to connect with his followers and fulfill their spiritual and worldly desires. It highlights a key philosophical point that in the path of devotion, the devotee's role is to become an empty vessel for the divine to work through.