If there was one guru whom we came to know never touched money it was Chitramuthu Adigal. Tavayogi who spoke about him and Jeganathar in 2005, shared this when he visited us in 2016.
When many masters, gurus, and heads of missions sought donations, and when donations flow in, besides cash, gifts from devotees and followers, that at times turn out to be posh vehicles too, are accepted. I wonder why can't they ask that the latter be converted into cash that would go a long way to maintain the running of their establishments, ensure continued puja is carried out and can feed thousands who turn up. There is a song "Kambeduththaal Aadum Kuranggu" lyric that questions why devotees keep dumping gifts at the feet of Lord Muruga of Palani when he stands only in a loincloth having shed all likes and dislikes for material things. Watch from 13.15 minutes.
... பழனிமலையில் கோவணம் தவிர எது இருந்தது,
தெய்வமே ஆசையை துறந்து மண்ணில் எழுந்தது,
வேண்டுதல் காணிக்கை சுமையோ வந்து குவிந்தது ...
God leaves the temple when fight for power and authority emerges among its committee. Goddess Ma who came through a devotee told another that she was no more residing in the temple but would appear when a sincere soul comes to worship. Similarly, our Paramaguru too told us that he was not in his abode and samadhi as we understand that it was an invasion of his privacy by others. But he added that he would appear before his true devotees. He also revealed that he was residing elsewhere now. Goddess Ma told Jnana Jothiamma that the divine has left a guru when he deviated in his ways. When she was asked why people still thronged his place, Ma replied they could not possibly know of her absence as the guru keeps them believing that she comes within him and is in him. Agathiyar too stopped appearing before another when falsehood raised its hood. Divinity leaves the moment injustice and dishonesty creep in.
I believe we should only talk about the greatness of God, the divine, the gurus, and others and lead them, if and only when we have adopted their teachings and put them to the test, emulate their ways, and gained the same experiences that they went through. Otherwise, it is just a research paper that we keep delivering and we have not lived it to verify their experiences. It would be akin to vomiting whatever we heard and read.
The greatest gift a disciple awaits from the guru is the words coming from his lips that we are his best student. No other gift or Siddhi can equal these words of endorsement that we are on the right track. When gurus need to watch over us and remind us to stay on track, a disciple who heeds the guru's words never steps out of line. He works to see through the wishes of his master. He takes care that he does not taint nor mar his master's name and image in all his actions.