The scriptures describe saints as detached and desireless. How can we reconcile this with Sai Baba, a Fakir, constantly asking for money and wealth?

This apparent paradox is explored in Chapter 14, which questions why a saint, for whom pebbles and diamonds are of equal value, would stretch out his hand for money. The text acknowledges that for a detached Fakir who has spurned worldly things and possesses supernatural powers, there should be no need for wealth. If greed is not lost, it becomes a "constant worship of money." However, the source also provides the resolution: the purpose was not personal gain. The essence of Baba's practice was to teach his devotees a crucial virtue. Under the pretext of asking for Dakshina, Sai Baba was guiding his followers to "choose humility," thereby purifying them and making them receptive to higher spiritual blessings.