According to the teachings, what is the relationship between devotion, knowledge, and God?

The texts explain that devotion is the essential first step for attaining true knowledge of God. As described in Chapter 50, the mind is often soiled by ignorance (Avidya), and this can only be cleansed through devotion to God. Without this devotion, knowledge cannot be born, making traditional worship and bhajan meaningless. Devotion acts like a special collyrium that, when applied, removes the veil of ignorance and allows divine knowledge to dawn. This knowledge is not just information, but the very attainment of one's own true form, which is intrinsically linked to God, burning away the bondage of ignorance.