How are faith and patience related, and why are they important for a disciple?

The text from chapter 19 portrays Faith (Nishtha) and Patience (Saburi) as being intimately connected, describing them as 'two sisters, dear as life to each other.' This suggests they are inseparable and mutually reinforcing qualities. Their importance for a disciple is paramount. As the narrator explains, even a very powerful Guru expects these specific qualities from a disciple: 'strong faith at the Guru’s feet and the strength of courage which is patience.' The disciple's offering of these two qualities, symbolized as two paise, was what pleased the Guru, indicating that this is the fundamental price of discipleship and the key to receiving the Guru's grace.