What was the pretext Baba used to enforce discipline on the narrator, and what does this reveal about His methods?

Sai Baba used the pretext of collecting Dakshina to enforce discipline on the narrator. As recounted in Chapter 18, Baba, knowing the narrator had lazily skipped his morning reading, suddenly instructed him to "Get up, go to that Shama and bring fifteen rupees from him." This command served a greater purpose than just collecting money. Its true intention was to maneuver the devotee into a situation where he would complete his neglected spiritual practice. This incident reveals that Baba's methods are often indirect and merciful. Like a "most merciful mother," He uses seemingly mundane events to correct his devotees' faults and guide them towards completing their duties.