Chapter 10 states, 'all other gods are illusory; the Guru alone is the one eternal God.' What is the philosophical meaning behind this statement in the context of Sai Baba's teachings?

This powerful statement from Chapter 10 emphasizes the supreme and immediate importance of the living Sadguru on the spiritual path. It suggests that while various deities exist, the Guru is the most direct, tangible manifestation of the formless, eternal Brahman for the seeker. The text frames the Guru as the one who can actively change fate and untie the "knot of birth and death." The term "illusory" implies that without the Guru's guidance, worship of other forms may not lead to the ultimate goal. Therefore, as Chapter 10 explains, by placing complete faith in the Sadguru, who is the boatman across the ocean of existence, the devotee bypasses intellectual complexities and receives direct Knowledge (Samvitti), making the Guru the focal point of devotion and the one true path to liberation.