What is the core lesson from the story of Pundalikrao, and how does it relate to spiritual advancement?

The story of Pundalikrao, mentioned in Chapter 51, uses the loss of a coconut as a pretext to impart a profound spiritual lesson about the ego. The true essence of this narrative is that Pundalikrao's mind found rest only after his distress, which stemmed from ego, was cleared by Sai's advice. The text explicitly states that the more non-egoistic one's state becomes, the more authority they gain on the spiritual path. This state of being, free from pride and guilt, is what allows a devotee to successfully navigate the 'ocean of existence' and achieve significant spiritual advancement.