What is the purpose of the introduction in Chapter 36, and what new story does it set up for the reader?

The introduction to Chapter 36 serves multiple purposes. It begins with traditional invocations and transitions from the story of a theft in the previous chapter, promising a new, succulent story. Its main purpose is to emphasize the immense spiritual value of listening to Sai's life story, which is said to remove worldly misery and grant happiness. The introduction, as detailed in Chapter 36, also provides a deep description of Sai Baba's divine, egoless, and all-powerful nature. After establishing this reverent context, the chapter concludes its introduction by explicitly setting up the next narrative: the story of "The Two Gentlemen from Goa."