Why did Sai Baba sometimes seem partial when accepting Dakshina, taking it from some but refusing it from others?

This apparent partiality was questioned by Shama, as detailed in Chapter 36. Sai Baba explained that he himself had no need for wealth, being completely detached. He stated, "I don't take anything from anyone. Mother Masjid demands what is owed, and the giver becomes free from debt." His actions were not based on partiality but on resolving past karmic debts. For instance, he once asked for fifteen rupees from a man who had, in his past, vowed to give his first month's salary to God but had forgotten. By taking this Dakshina, Baba was helping the man clear a long-forgotten spiritual debt.