Why did Sai Baba ask his devotees for Dakshina, and what was the intended purpose?

According to Chapter 14, Sai Baba's primary intention in requesting Dakshina was the spiritual purification of his devotees' hearts. The act of giving was seen as a powerful technique for both those seeking worldly gain and those desiring spiritual liberation. The text explains that this practice, supported by the Shruti (Vedas), is a form of sacrifice and giving that helps one on the path to self-knowledge. Described as an 'ocean of mercy,' Sai Nath used the collection of Dakshina as a method to help pull his followers from the 'pit of greed.' Ultimately, the giving of Dakshina was for the devotee's own benefit, helping them attain their desires, whether material or spiritual.