According to the text, why did Sai Baba ask for Dakshina, and how does this relate to ancient scriptures?

Sai Baba's practice of asking for Dakshina was not for personal gain but for the spiritual purification of his devotees. Chapter 14 explains that Baba's intention was to purify their hearts through the act of giving. This aligns with the teachings of the Shruti (Veda), which identifies the giving of Dakshina as a crucial technique for those seeking self-knowledge. The scriptures advocate for giving with faith, emphasizing that it benefits both those seeking worldly gains and those on the path to spiritual liberation. Sai Nath, described as an ocean of mercy, extended this practice to help pull humanity from the 'pit of greed.'