How does personal experience play a role in becoming a devotee of Sai Baba and joining his community of followers?

Personal experience is central to becoming a devotee, as it often serves to dissolve ego and doubt. Chapter 35 recounts the experience of Boss Dharamsee, who was initially driven by curiosity and skepticism. He mentally questioned Baba's sainthood for offering him grapes with seeds, which he disliked. However, when Baba insisted he eat them and they turned out to be seedless, Dharamsee was amazed. This direct, personal miracle, tailored to his specific inner conflict, caused his 'clinical scrutiny' to vanish and his ego to drop away. This profound experience replaced his skepticism with a deep love for Sai and a 'firm determination' to return to Shirdi, demonstrating how direct interaction and experience are key to building a community.