What does the sacred ash from Sai Baba's Dhuni teach us about the difference between Brahman and Maya?

The sacred ash, or Udi, from Sai Baba's Dhuni serves as a tangible symbol illustrating the distinction between the ultimate reality, Brahman, and worldly illusion, Maya. As detailed in Chapter 33, the Udi represents the truth that the entire visible universe, which is pervaded by Maya, is transient and will ultimately become ash. In contrast, Brahman is presented as the sole, eternal reality. By accepting the Udi, devotees were meant to accept this fundamental spiritual teaching with certainty, using the ash as a constant reminder to differentiate between the impermanent, illusory world and the true, unchanging nature of Brahman.