Why did Sai Baba cause Kashiram to experience financial difficulties by demanding Dakshina?

The source material in Chapter 0 explains that Maharaj's actions were a deliberate 'Leela' designed for Kashiram's spiritual benefit. Kashiram had developed pride, feeling that he had the 'power to give,' which is an obstacle to spiritual progress. When Maharaj didn't take Dakshina, Kashiram would feel bad. To remove this pride, Maharaj began demanding Dakshina relentlessly, even forcing Kashiram to borrow money until he was completely broke. The purpose was to make Kashiram realize he did not truly have the power to give, and once this lesson was learned, his financial prosperity was restored.