How does Chapter 36 portray the paradox of Sai Baba being both a detached, formless entity and an active, personal guide for his devotees?

Chapter 36 masterfully illustrates the paradoxical nature of Sai Baba. On one hand, he is described as the 'swan in the lake of the Supreme,' indifferent to ego and detached from his own name, causing events to occur from a distance. This points to his formless, witness-like consciousness. On the other hand, the same chapter highlights his deep personal involvement with devotees. He loves his own stories, protects those who sing his praises, and orchestrates 'inconceivable events' to fulfill their desires, as seen in the curious interaction with the two gentlemen from Goa. This duality, as presented in Chapter 36, shows that he is both the unmanifested Supreme Reality and a compassionate guide who actively engages in divine play to redeem infinite beings.