The source says Sai Baba is 'distant and detached from his name.' How can he be detached from his own name while also loving his own stories, as mentioned in Chapter 36? This seems like a contradiction.

This is an insightful question that touches on the nature of a Sadguru as described in Chapter 36 of Shri Sai Satcharitra. The text explains that Sai Baba, as the 'incarnation of the knowledge of Truth,' is 'distant and detached from his name,' meaning he is not bound by the ego or identity associated with the name 'Sai.' He operates from a state of self-realization beyond personal identity. At the same time, Chapter 36 states he 'loves his own stories very much' because these stories are not about his personal ego; they are vehicles for spiritual teaching and a means to fulfill the desires of devotees. He uses the narrator and listener as 'a mere pretext' to manifest his grace and strengthen devotion, demonstrating that the stories serve a divine purpose far beyond personal aggrandizement.