What is the introduction to Chapter 36 about, and what story does it set up for the reader?

The introduction to Chapter 36 serves as a bridge from the previous chapter, which narrated a story about a theft. It begins with traditional invocations and then emphasizes the spiritual benefits of engaging with Sai's stories. The text describes these stories as a source of self-bliss that removes worldly misery. As detailed in Chapter 36, the author states that Sai himself is the true narrator who uses the writer as a medium. After elaborating on Sai's divine qualities, the chapter concludes its introduction by setting the stage for the next narrative, titled "The Two Gentlemen from Goa."