The text says 'Only from knowledge comes liberation,' but also mentions karma and Maya. How do these concepts interact on the path to liberation?

The teachings in Chapter 50 present a nuanced path where knowledge, karma, and Maya are deeply interconnected. While the ultimate principle is that "Only from knowledge comes liberation," this knowledge cannot arise in an unprepared mind. The text specifies that "without the destruction of sinful karma, the dawn of knowledge is impossible." This means clearing past karma is a prerequisite. Furthermore, the entire field of bondage and illusion is the domain of Maya, which is very difficult to cross. One who successfully attains pure knowledge is described as having "abandoned Maya by resolve." Thus, the process involves purifying oneself by dealing with karma, which allows for the dawn of true knowledge, and this knowledge in turn provides the wisdom and strength to see through and transcend the illusion of Maya, resulting in liberation.