Why did Sai Baba ask for Dakshina from his devotees? It seems contradictory for a desireless saint to ask for money.

The practice of asking for Dakshina was a profound teaching method used by Sai Baba. Chapter 14 explains that a doubt may arise as to why a completely fulfilled saint would need money. The essence of this practice was not to accumulate wealth, but to teach devotees humility. Baba would treat the wealthy and the poor equally, sometimes even commanding a millionaire to beg from a poor person for the offering. This act, under the pretext of Dakshina, was a lesson in choosing humility. Furthermore, Baba indicated a reciprocal relationship, stating, "if he gives Me one quality, I give him a hundred qualities in return," suggesting the offering was a gesture of faith that opened the devotee to receive far greater blessings.