The text states, 'from wealth comes religious merit; from merit, knowledge is gained.' How does the specific practice of giving Dakshina to Sai Baba illustrate this spiritual principle?

This principle is perfectly illustrated by Baba's use of Dakshina as a spiritual tool. As Chapter 14 explains, many devotees were attached to the world, seeking wealth, power, and progeny. By encouraging them to give Dakshina, Baba initiated the first step in this chain: using their wealth to perform an act of religious merit. Baba's specific intention was that this act of giving would purify their hearts. This purification, or merit, would then pave the way for gaining true knowledge. Ultimately, this process could transform a devotee's worldly self-interest into a pursuit of the highest spiritual goal, leading to true satisfaction, just as the principle describes.