What is the purpose of avatars like Sai Baba, and what does the text mean when it says they merge into the 'unmanifest'?

The primary purpose of Great Souls and avatars like Sai Baba, as described in Chapter 43, is the 'welfare of people.' They are 'essentially beyond the womb' and incarnate for the sake of helping others. When their specific task on earth is complete, they do not experience death in the ordinary sense. Instead, they 'join their true form and merge into the unmanifest.' This 'unmanifest' state is described as their previous, true state, where they are one with Brahman. For Sai Baba, this meant transcending the material state to enjoy his true self while still keeping his devotees 'awake,' indicating a continued connection and influence from this formless, all-pervading existence.