What is the core lesson from Pundalikrao's story regarding spiritual advancement?

The story of Pundalikrao illustrates a fundamental principle for spiritual progress. After his distress was cleared by Sai Baba's words, it became clear that the incident was a play to address his ego. As detailed in chapter 51, the essential lesson is that the more non-egoistic a person's state becomes, the more authority they gain on the spiritual path. This state of being free from pride and guilt, as the text notes, allows one to more easily cross the ocean of existence.