Why did Sai Baba ask for money, or Dakshina, from his followers? It seems contradictory for a saint.

A doubt can certainly arise as to why a saint would need money. However, the practice of asking for Dakshina was not for personal enrichment, as for Sai Baba, pebbles and diamonds held the same value. The primary purpose of this act, as detailed in Chapter 14, was to teach His devotees the profound virtue of humility. Under the pretext of asking for offerings, Baba was guiding His followers to let go of their ego and attachment. He would ask everyone, from the wealthy to the poor, reinforcing that the lesson of humility was for all.