After Sai Baba left his physical form, did he promise to return? How do devotees continue to experience his presence?

Yes, after Baba's departure, devotees felt great pain, but they held onto his promise. As detailed in Chapter 43, Maharaj had told his devotees before he left, "As an eight-year-old child, I will appear again." This word of a saint is considered a firm promise. Devotees' confidence in his return is strong, as he continues to show himself in a hidden form. Chapter 43 explains that he provides visions to some, experiences to most, and miracles to many. The text emphasizes that he is hidden from the faithless but seen by the faithful, and the experience one has is a direct result of their state of mind.