My friend is skeptical about why a saint would ask for money. How can I use the story of Kaka's friend to explain Baba's practice of taking Dakshina?

You can explain that Baba's practice of asking for Dakshina was not about money, but about fostering a devotee's spiritual growth. A perfect example is found in Chapter 35, involving Kaka Mahajani's skeptical friend. This friend, who doubted the very practice, was pointedly not asked for Dakshina by Baba, while Kaka was asked twice. When the friend wondered why, Baba revealed the core principle, telling him, "In your mind, there was no intent to give; Therefore, I did not ask you." This incident powerfully shows that the request was a spiritual catalyst, not a financial transaction. It was a tool to help a devotee overcome ego and attachment, but only when they were ready. The friend, moved by this, then gave willingly, demonstrating a complete change of heart.