When visiting a spiritual place like Shirdi, is it important to bring an offering? What does the story of the grapes tell us about faith and acceptance?

Chapter 35 highlights the tradition of bringing an offering when approaching a Guru. It explicitly states, 'It is not good to go empty-handed to the door of God, a priest, or a Guru,' which is why Kaka brought grapes for Baba. The subsequent events with the grapes reveal a deeper lesson about faith and acceptance. Boss Dharamsee initially disliked the grapes because they had seeds and were unwashed, and he even questioned Baba's sainthood in his mind for offering them. However, when he obeyed Baba's command to 'Eat them up,' he discovered they were miraculously seedless. This experience, as detailed in Chapter 35, teaches that one should accept what the Guru offers with faith, as his grace can transform something seemingly undesirable into a beneficial and profound blessing.