Living with Faith and Patience: Sai Baba’s Teachings in the Light of Advaita

by Gautam Sachdeva, Nikhil Kripalani

Shirdi Sai Baba’s miracles have touched the lives of millions. Widespread adoration for this spiritual giant is evident in the temples and private shrines set up in His honour worldwide.

In this book, Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani set out to give the reader an Advaitic understanding of Sai Baba’s teachings, emphasising peace of mind in daily living. These pearls of wisdom, concealed in the leelas mentioned in the ever-popular Sai Satcharita, give us an insight into shraddha and saburi (the hallmark of Baba’s teachings), surrendering to Baba, spiritual progress, self-knowledge, free will, serving Baba and rnanubandhan.

Those familiar with the literature available on Sai Baba, as well as those who are exploring it for the first time, will find that this treasure trove of talks may give them a fresh perspective on the teachings of one of India’s most revered sages.

561 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2025

Reviews

[a_geminireader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books quietly change the way you see life, and " Living with Faith and Patience" is one of them. I’ve always been drawn to books that don’t just tell stories but touch the soul, and this one does it effortlessly. Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani take you beyond Sai Baba’s miracles, showing how his teachings of faith, patience, and surrender are not just ideas, they are tools for living a calmer, more meaningful life.

What I loved most is how gentle and accessible it feels. Every chapter reads like a quiet conversation with a wise friend, reminding you that faith isn’t just belief, it’s your anchor; patience isn’t waiting, it’s your quiet strength; and surrender isn’t giving up, it’s trusting life fully. Some lines made me pause and reflect deeply, while others left me with a comforting sense of calm that stayed long after I closed the book.

The blend of devotion, bhakti, and wisdom, jnana, is beautiful. Gautam brings clarity with his Advaitic perspective, while Nikhil adds warmth and devotion, making the lessons relatable whether you’re a longtime follower or just beginning your spiritual journey. It’s practical, heartful, and deeply enriching, showing you how to bring Baba’s teachings into everyday life.

This book isn’t flashy or loud, it’s steady, sincere, and filled with quiet light. If you’re seeking inner peace, gentle guidance, or just a reminder to slow down and trust life, this is the kind of companion you’ll return to again and again.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨What comes to your mind when you see Sai Baba? To me the what clicked were his patience, his smile, his faith, his teachings, his calmness, his spirituality, he himself being a miracle. However “Living With Faith and Patience” weaves a much deeper path of Baba’s teachings and spirituality. Gautam Sachdeva is an Advaitic Spiritual Guide who along with Nikhil Kripalani take us in depth the teachings of Shri Sai Baba based on Sai Satcharita for our daily living.

✨The book speaks about the simple and silent messages conveyed after every miracle Baba showed us. Gautam teaches us on how everything in our life is pre decided by the Divine power and it wouldn’t leave us at any stage of life. Gautam also urges the readers on how we should believe and trust the process behind every situation in our life and also be capable of understanding the simple and silent messages the divine sends us. The book teaches you the raw truths of life and speaks to you in a simple and subtle way making you understand that when things don’t go your path, trust its going the Divine’s path.

✨The major lesson learnt while reading this book is we humans always keep complaining to God in adverse situations of not receiving what we desire for, however we fail to understand that cribbing or complaining isn’t actual Spirituality or serving lord. The path of non expectation and accepting everything with grace is. As it truly states in the book “We have to act as if we have free will but knowing that the outcome is God’s will”.

✨This book is a powerful guide to understand the deep teachings of Spirituality and the Divine Power. With Sai Baba’s teachings one can understand how peaceful and calm our own mind and heart can be with the right attitude, gratitude, kindness and by surrendering ourselves to the will of God. The book is a light read with very deep, raw conversations. Every chapter makes you understand the deeper meaning of Faith, Patience and Trust. A must read book for every person, this book will surely teach us the true power of Divinity and Humbleness.

[Sabia Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book about miracles as spectacle. It is a quiet manual for living the spiritual life in the ordinary world. Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani do not deliver catechisms or dramatic revelations. They sit across from each other and let a lifetime of listening, practice, and reflection unfold into conversations that feel less like lectures and more like bedside counsel. The result is intimate, humane, and often disarmingly practical.

What lifts this collection above many devotional volumes is its steady Advaitic frame. Gautam reads Sai Baba not only as a miracle maker but as a pointer to non dual truth. The talks coax the reader away from hunting for proofs and vivid visions and toward a quieter aim: to notice how shraddha and saburi shape everyday living. Faith becomes not an emotional scorecard but a willingness to accept what life gives. Patience is recast not as passive waiting but as presence, as the art of living in the now. Those two simple ideas become the book’s moral engine.

The interviews shine when they translate ancient doctrines into domestic dilemmas. A love triangle, a job uncertainty, the anxiety of a lockdown moment convert here into laboratories for surrender and witness consciousness. Stories from the Sai Satcharita are not recounted as curiosities. They are excavated for the ethical and psychological intelligence they hide. The conversational tone keeps dense teachings from calcifying into mere theory. You get metaphysics and manners at once: how to bow, how to offer the ego as a ritual, how to hold grief without turning it into self punishment.

There are moments of rare warmth, where personal memories and small family episodes make the divine feel near and mundane. And there is a healthy skepticism about spectacle. Gautam warns against turning a single vision into a lifelong quest for signs. That caution is a moral tonic in a culture that too often confuses spiritual depth with repeated emotional highs.

[Bindu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not focused on miracles as spectacles; instead, it offers a thoughtful guide for navigating the spiritual journey within everyday life. Authors Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani engage in intimate dialogues that draw from their extensive experience in listening and reflection, creating a work that feels personal, humane, and practical.

What distinguishes this collection is its Advaitic perspective. Gautam interprets the teachings of Sai Baba not merely as miraculous events but as insights into non-duality—the interconnectedness of all life. The discussions prompt readers to shift away from seeking proof and sensational experiences towards understanding how faith (shraddha) and patience (saburi) shape everyday living. Faith becomes an acceptance of what life offers, while patience is redefined as a mindful presence in the moment. These principles serve as the moral compass of the book.

The interviews translate ancient teachings into relatable challenges, such as love triangles, job uncertainties, and the anxiety of lockdowns, turning these experiences into opportunities for surrender and consciousness. The authors extract wisdom from the Sai Satcharita, viewing the stories as vessels of ethical insight. Their conversational style keeps these teachings accessible, offering both metaphysics and practical guidance on how to live authentically.

Moments of genuine warmth are woven throughout, making the divine feel relatable through personal anecdotes. Additionally, Gautam advises against turning fleeting experiences into a relentless search for signs and wonders, serving as a reminder that true spiritual depth lies in the quiet acceptance of life’s complexities, rather than the pursuit of extraordinary experiences.

[Prachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living with Faith and Patience" by Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani is a treasure trove of Shirdi Sai Baba's teachings, explored through Advaita Vedanta. This unique book compiles recorded conversations between the authors, originally shared on their YouTube channel, "Sai Baba Devotee Speaks".

📚 Key Highlights
- *Shraddha* (faith) and *Saburi* (patience) in daily life
- Surrendering to Baba and spiritual progress
- Self-knowledge and applying Advaita principles
- Practical wisdom for everyday life
- Conversational style makes spirituality accessible

The authors explore profound concepts like surrendering to Sai Baba, committing to a spiritual path, and the Guru's role in spiritual growth. They cover topics such as:

- Spiritual progress in daily life
- Ego, reaction, and response
- Non-dualism and Advaita principles
- Signs of spiritual progress
- The law of attraction and surrender

🌈 Ideal For
- Spiritual seekers looking for practical wisdom
- Sai Baba devotees seeking deeper understanding
- Anyone interested in Advaita Vedanta
- Those seeking peace and meaning in life

The book gently reminds readers of the strength in surrender, the power of patience, and the beauty of true faith. Gautam Sachdeva's insights, shared in conversation with Nikhil Kripalani, offer a fresh perspective on Sai Baba's teachings.

[Sneha Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

I grew up in a home where Shraddha and Saburi (faith and patience) were more than words; they were guiding principles. Every milestone, every new beginning, led us to Shirdi. So when I picked up Living with Faith and Patience, I knew it would feel deeply personal and it truly does.

Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani take Sai Baba’s teachings and interpret them through the lens of Advaita Vedanta, showing how the path to devotion and self-realization often begins in the smallest moments of surrender.

What I loved most is how the book makes profound philosophy accessible. It doesn’t preach—it invites you to pause, reflect, and live with calmness and inner trust. The stories and insights around Baba’s leelas, free will, and surrender are written with simplicity and warmth, yet they linger long after you close the pages.

I haven’t finished the book yet, but even from the chapters I’ve read, it feels like a companion rather than a text—a gentle reminder that life unfolds best when we allow faith and patience to lead.

🌼 Favorite idea: That miracles aren’t extraordinary events, but reflections of divine timing and trust.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking a quiet, reflective read rooted in Indian spirituality and Advaita wisdom.

[Barnali Chakraborty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Name: Living with faith and patience 
Author:  Gautam Sachdeva
Publication: Jaico Publishing House.
Genre: Fiction (Spiritual).
My Rating : ❤️❤️❤️❤️/5.
🔥
#QOTD: Have you ever read any book that felt like a spiritual warm hug?
🍁
The author has  beautifully portrayed the Advaitic teachings of Sai Baba over the plot of the book which basically speaks about the miracles that have touched the lives of millions of devotees. 
🍁
I appreciate the way the author has narrated the leelas of Sai Baba mentioned in the Sai Satcharitra that provides us the  gentle reflections of life, and the heartfelt words that makes us feel seen, understood, and renewed. 
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The chapters that I enjoyed reading the most are: Awakening During the Pandemic, being the Black Sleep, true surrender to Sai Baba, living the Teachings During Turbulent Times, the Ego Wear a Mask, Getting closer to God. 
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The lines that convinced me to pick this book up is: “If My Stories are listened to. All the diseases will be God rid of. So, hear my stories with respect, think and mediate on them and assimilate  them”.
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Overall it was a good read for me. I will definitely recommend it to all👍.

[Rahul · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing, peaceful read. Living with Faith and Patience helped me reconnect with the spiritual side of life in a very grounded way. The blend of Sai Baba’s teachings with the core of Advaita philosophy was done beautifully—never overwhelming, always gentle. It explains how we are not separate from the divine, and that idea somehow made me feel less alone.

The lessons are quiet but strong. Faith is your anchor. Patience is your strength. These aren't just ideas—they’re ways of being. The conversations in the book felt natural, almost like listening to friends talk about deep truths over tea. I especially loved the reminder that surrender doesn’t mean giving up—it means flowing with trust.

This book won’t shout for your attention—but if you sit with it, it will speak right to your heart. It’s a perfect read if you’re tired of spiritual jargon and just want something real and loving. Honestly, it’s one of those books I’ll return to again and again when life feels a bit too much.

[Swarnali Karar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, Living with Faith and Patience: Sai Baba’s Teachings in the Light of Advaita is different from most others about Sai Baba. Instead of just telling stories of his miracles, it explores his teachings on a deeper, more philosophical level. It connects his lessons to the concept of non-duality (Advaita), which is the idea that everything is one.

The book isn't just theoretical; it's also very practical. It explains how to use Sai Baba's core principles of faith (shraddha) and patience (saburi) to find peace in everyday life.

By linking Sai Baba's life stories to these ideas, the authors offer a fresh perspective for both new readers and longtime devotees. It helps you understand concepts like self-knowledge and surrender in a more profound way.

Essentially, it's a guide for anyone who wants a deeper, more intellectual understanding of Sai Baba's legacy. It's considered a "treasure trove of wisdom" that can enrich your personal spiritual journey.

[Gungun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Living with Faith and Patience felt like sitting in a calm room while someone wise speaks gently to your heart. Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani don’t preach—they share. Through their conversations, you begin to see how Sai Baba’s teachings go far beyond stories—they become tools for daily life. The way Advaita is introduced is so clear, it made me feel like I already knew this truth deep inside.

The best part? It’s not heavy. The words are light, but the meaning is deep. I found myself pausing after certain lines, just to sit with them. “You are not separate from God”—that stayed with me. It’s the kind of book you read slowly, maybe even a few pages at a time, letting it sink into your spirit.

I’d recommend this to anyone who’s navigating uncertainty or looking for something real in the noise of life. This isn’t just a book, it’s a companion. It reminds you that patience is not waiting—it’s trusting. And faith isn’t blind—it’s powerful.

[Anamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani isn’t just about stories — it’s about the silence behind those stories. Drawing from the Sai Satcharita, the authors gently guide the reader toward an Advaitic (non-dual) understanding of Baba’s teachings, bringing out subtle insights on surrender, faith, patience, and inner peace.

What I loved most is how accessible the language is — no heavy philosophy, just clear, grounded reflections that feel incredibly relevant to daily life. Every chapter felt like a quiet conversation with a wise friend, reminding me to slow down, trust more, and let go.

If you’re someone who’s been moved by Baba’s leelas or are simply exploring the path of devotion and self-inquiry, this book is like a lamp lit on that path. Not flashy, not loud — but steady, sincere, and filled with light.

[Suhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sai Baba is often remembered for his miracles, but very few truly understand the depth of his spiritual teachings. In Living with Faith and Patience, Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani bring out this lesser-known side of Baba — the one rooted in deep Advaitic truth.

Gautam, an Advaita teacher, brings clarity and stillness to the conversations, while Nikhil, a devoted bhakta of Sai Baba, brings heart and devotion. Together, their dialogue becomes a bridge between bhakti (devotion) and jnana (wisdom). The result is a book that’s simple yet profound, and accessible to seekers from all walks of life.

This book beautifully reveals that behind every miracle, Baba was pointing to something much greater — the oneness of all existence. A must-read for anyone who wants to move beyond rituals and into the essence of what Sai Baba truly taught

[Lokeshna Bulani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeking calm in the chaos of modern life? ✨ "Living with Faith and Patience" is a profound yet simple guide to just that.

Through an insightful conversation, Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani beautifully unpack the timeless teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba—Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience).

This book makes deep spiritual concepts from Advaita Vedanta feel accessible and, most importantly, applicable to our daily lives.

It’s not just a book; it's a gentle reminder to trust the journey and find peace within. A truly soul-soothing read for seekers and devotees alike. Highly recommend! 🙏

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[Kshitij Bajpai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living With Faith & Patience is a refreshing take on Sai Baba’s wisdom, going beyond the well-known stories of miracles to reveal the deeper essence of his teachings. Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani beautifully combine devotion and Advaita philosophy, making Baba’s message of shraddha (faith), saburi (patience), and surrender feel both profound and practical.
What stands out is how simple and relatable the writing is—you don’t need to be a scholar to understand these insights, yet they carry the depth of Advaitic thought. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or just beginning to explore Sai Baba’s path, Living With Faith & Patience gently guides you towards peace of mind, self-knowledge, and spiritual clarity.

[Supriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle yet powerful read 🌼
This book explores the teachings of Sai Baba in a way that’s both deep and incredibly simple. It goes beyond the surface of the stories and brings out the real essence of Baba’s guidance—how to live with faith, patience, and inner peace in everyday life.

Gautam Sachdeva brings his background in Advaita to the conversation, offering subtle insights without being heavy or philosophical. His focus on peace of mind in daily living comes through beautifully, making the teachings feel relatable and real.

If you’re a sincere devotee of Sai Baba or someone seeking calm and clarity on the spiritual path, this book is a must-read. It’s like sitting with a trusted teacher who gently reminds you to trust life, let go, and live with grace.

[Irani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve found myself coming back to this book again and again — it’s that powerful. Every time I re-read it, something new speaks to me. The words are so thoughtfully put together, and the message hits deep. It’s not just a book; it feels like a spiritual companion.

The simplicity with which profound truths are shared makes it accessible to anyone, no matter where you are on your spiritual path. It gently reminds you of the strength in surrender, the power of patience, and the beauty of true faith.

Do yourself a favour — get this book. Read it slowly. Let it soak in. It’s a gem for anyone walking the path of Sai Baba, or simply looking for peace and meaning in everyday life.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a refreshing take on Sai Baba’s teachings, explained through the lens of Advaita. It is philosophical, yet written in a simple, and conversational style that feels like a peaceful satsang.

A unique feature is the QR codes at the end of each chapter, which link to video talks.

Whether you are a long-time devotee of Sai Baba or new to his teachings, this book offers both wisdom and accessibility.

In short, it’s thoughtful, light, and quietly transformative.

[Pri · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is All That Is. Grateful.

All the videos on SBDS & Gautam ji’s personal YT channel have been a thread to Baba & understanding Him better for me, and thousands of other devotees. This attempt to make teachings even more portable so that we can read, reflect and contemplate every hour of the day at random is truly appreciated. All Baba’s grace indeed.

🙏🏼🌸

[Aastha Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a genuine attempt to help the readers understand the teaching of Shirdi’s Sai Baba and how they can be inculcated in the daily life. It is written in the form of conversations between Gautam Sachdeva and Nikhil Kripalani. Each chapter is a treasure trove in its own self offering a QR code to scan and watch the youtube episode of the conservations as well

[Alishba Kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living with Faith and Patience beautifully captures Sai Baba’s core teachings of shraddha (faith) and saburi (patience). Unlike other books, it goes beyond miracles to show how his wisdom can be lived in daily life. Simple, practical, and deeply reflective, this is a book to return to whenever you need peace and guidance