Chapter 48 describes Sai as both the 'Eternal Supreme Brahman' and 'subservient to his devotees.' How can these two seemingly contradictory descriptions be reconciled?

Chapter 48 reconciles these two descriptions by presenting Sai's subservience not as a contradiction of his supreme nature but as a deliberate expression of his love. The text identifies him as the "Eternal Supreme Brahman" and the "witness of all, beyond everything," establishing his ultimate, transcendent reality. Simultaneously, it explains that he "acted as one who is 'subservient to his devotees'—this is his vow—to clearly show the multitude of devotees that he is the beloved of his devotees." Therefore, his subservience is a chosen role, a vow taken out of pure love to foster a reciprocal relationship with those devoted to him, making the incomprehensible Brahman accessible to his followers.