How does Chapter 1 explain the connection between Sai Baba and the deity Ganesha?

Chapter 1 establishes a profound connection by explicitly identifying Sai Baba with Lord Ganesha. After first offering salutations to Ganesha as the destroyer of obstacles, the text makes the direct statement: "This Sai himself is Ganesha Ganapati." As detailed in this chapter, just as Ganesha holds an axe to destroy the obstacles of his devotees, it is believed that Sai, in the form of Ganesha, will also destroy obstacles and bring forth his own divine knowledge for the benefit of his followers. The text reinforces this by describing Sai as the "crescent-mooned Ganesha" and the "destroyer of the forest of obstacles."