Chapter 48 begins with a listener's question. What is that question, and how does the chapter propose to answer it?

As Chapter 48 begins, a listener with great respect for the stories starts to wonder whether Shri Sai is a Guru or a Sadguru. To satisfy this curiosity, the chapter sets out to explain the brief characteristics of a Sadguru. The stated purpose is to provide these signs so that the listener can then find these very characteristics at the feet of Shri Sai Samarth. The chapter proceeds by first clarifying what a Sadguru is not, before detailing the positive qualities of a true, experienced spiritual master who possesses direct experience.