What was the underlying spiritual purpose behind Sai Baba's practice of demanding Dakshina, even from the poor or telling the rich to beg?

The philosophical essence behind Sai Baba's practice of requesting Dakshina was to teach His devotees humility and detachment. As Chapter 14 explains, a doubt might arise as to why a desireless saint would need money. The text clarifies that for Baba, to whom pebbles and diamonds were of the same value, the money was a pretext. The true purpose was a spiritual lesson. He would famously command a great millionaire to go to a poor person's house to beg for Baba. This act was designed to dismantle the ego of the wealthy and elevate the status of the humble, teaching that true worth lies not in riches but in humility.