Why did Sai Baba, a supposedly desireless saint, constantly ask his devotees for money or Dakshina?

The practice of asking for Dakshina might seem contradictory for a desireless saint, but it served a deeper spiritual purpose. Chapter 14 explains that Baba's intention was not personal enrichment, as he considered pebbles and diamonds to be of equal value. Instead, the act of giving Dakshina was meant to guide devotees. The text suggests that the accumulation of wealth is often spent on trivial desires, and by taking Dakshina, Baba was ensuring that the devotee's wealth was used for religious merit. Furthermore, this practice was a means for Baba to teach humility to all, regardless of their station in life.