What was the source of the devotees' repentance after Baba's departure, and how did it relate to their understanding of him?

The devotees' repentance stemmed from the painful realization that their own petty squabbles and conflicts had caused Baba pain. Chapter 43 expresses this regret, stating, "'It is not good to harass anyone ; that gives me pain.' We did not bring this saying of Baba’s to mind ; we fought as much as we liked." They felt that by harassing each other, they had effectively "lost Sainath." This self-reflection led to a deeper understanding of his causelessly compassionate nature and the profound loss they felt. Their repentance is intertwined with the memory of his words and the hope of his promised return, highlighting their new appreciation for the preciousness of his presence.