What was the spiritual significance of the dhuni, or sacred fire, that Sai Baba maintained?

The dhuni was central to Sai Baba's spiritual practice. While it served the practical purpose of providing warmth, its significance was primarily spiritual. Chapter 5 explains that Baba would use the dhuni as a tool for purification and surrender. He would symbolically offer his ego, desires, mental tendencies, and all worldly inclinations as oblations into this sacred fire. The text highlights this profound practice by stating he even placed the "log of knowledge and pride" into the fierce fire-pit, demonstrating a complete renunciation of self while keeping the name of God on his tongue.