What was the personal impact of Shama's story on the author, and how did Sai Baba confirm its significance?

The story had a transformative effect on the author. He expressed to Sai Baba that after hearing it, he had found his 'true rest.' He felt the yearning of his mind was gone and that he had finally understood the correct path. As recounted in Chapter 19, Sai Baba confirmed the story's significance by asking with great enthusiasm, 'How sweet was this story you heard? Did it strike your heart? Did you truly find it meaningful?' By prompting this confirmation, Baba validated the author's experience before guiding him toward the deeper practice of meditation on the Self as the way to solidify this newfound peace.