Why would Amir Shakkar stay in the miserable Chavadi when he was already sick with rheumatism?

Amir Shakkar's decision to stay in the dilapidated Chavadi despite his rheumatism was an act of profound faith in Sai Baba. As described in Chapter 22, although the external conditions were completely contrary to his well-being, Amir possessed a "certain faith" internally. Baba's firm words to him were to not worry about the wind, rain, dampness, or uneven ground. Amir accepted Baba's word as his true medicine and considered the company of Sai to be the "Great Prasad." This faith allowed him to stay there happily for nine months.