Why did Sai Baba appear as a fakir to some but as the 'Lord of Janaki' to another?

This difference in perception is explained in Chapter 29 as a function of the devotee's heart and mind. To most people, Sai Baba's external form was that of a fakir who begged for alms. However, to a woman of great and sincere devotion, he revealed his divine essence in the form she cherished most: the 'Lord of Janaki' (Rama). The text states, 'whoever sees him in whatever way, whoever perceives him however in their heart' is how he will appear. Her vision was a reward for her pure devotional state. The others, whose minds may have been occupied with worldly thoughts like the 'irresistible greed for money' mentioned in the chapter, only perceived his outward human form.