What was the underlying principle behind Sai Baba's charitable acts, considering he didn't give to everyone?

The principle behind Sai Baba's charity, as explained in Chapter 29, was far from straightforward and was not based on simply giving to all who asked. The text emphasizes that while Baba was merciful and of a generous disposition, his acts of giving were selective and his mind was unknowable. The Shri Sai Satcharita suggests a deeper, divine logic, stating that this 'blessing of happiness' was only for those whose 'auspicious time had arrived.' The touch of a saint's hand was a fortune obtained only by the fortunate, implying that his charity was a form of grace bestowed according to a higher will, rather than a predictable response to need or request.