What does it mean for devotees that Sai Baba 'merged into the unmanifest'?

According to the Satcharita, Sai Baba merging into the unmanifest is a source of continuous connection, not loss. Chapter 43 explains that by transcending his physical form, Baba became one with Brahman and now 'fills the moving and non-moving world.' For devotees, this means his presence is not limited to a single place or time. He is 'firmly imprinted in the hearts of devotees' and continues to keep them spiritually 'awake.' The text assures that even today, a devotee can experience his influence according to the feeling in their mind, and that by 'merely remembering his name, no news of birth or death remains.' His unmanifest state is one where he enjoys his true self while actively protecting and guiding his followers.