Why would Sai Baba financially ruin a devoted follower like Kashiram by demanding Dakshina even after he had no money left?

According to the narrative in Chapter 0, Sai Maharaj's actions were a deliberate 'Leela' designed to aid Kashiram's spiritual progress. Kashiram had developed pride in his ability to give Dakshina, which is considered an obstacle to spiritual advancement. To remove this pride, Maharaj began demanding Dakshina relentlessly, even pushing Kashiram to borrow money until he could no longer do so. This process forced Kashiram to realize that he did not truly possess the 'power to give.' Once he learned this lesson and his pride vanished, his financial condition began to improve and he became prosperous again.