How did Sai Baba's method of collecting Dakshina differ from traditional practices, and what was the underlying purpose?

Sai Baba's sequence for receiving offerings was quite unusual. Chapter 14 notes that typically, Dakshina is given after various rituals, but Baba would desire the offering of Dakshina at the very beginning, even before the worship with sandalwood paste or grains began. The intent behind this immediate request was to direct the devotee's wealth towards spiritual merit. The teachings suggest that wealth should be used to gain religious merit, which leads to knowledge and the highest spiritual goal. By taking Dakshina first, Baba ensured the offering was a sacred act, an 'offering to Brahman,' rather than allowing wealth to be spent on trivial desires.