Why does the beginning of this chapter emphasize the importance of listening to Sai's stories?

The introduction to Chapter 36 explains that listening to Sai Baba's stories is a profound spiritual practice. The narrative is described not just as a story, but as 'the very water of self-bliss' which, when consumed, intensely increases one's thirst for devotion. The text suggests that listening to these succulent stories removes the fatigue and misery of worldly existence, leading to a state of happiness. It is presented as a method for a 'fortunate soul' to achieve their own spiritual welfare. The chapter also notes that Baba himself loves his stories and uses the listener and speaker as a pretext to fulfill the desires of his devotees.