What is the path to liberation as outlined in Chapter 19, and what is the crucial first step on this path?

Chapter 19 states that the true fulfillment of human birth is achieving liberation, fearlessness, and union with the Supreme Self. The text establishes a clear sequence for this journey: there is no liberation without knowledge (Jnana), and knowledge cannot be attained without detachment. Therefore, the crucial first step is cultivating detachment. As explained in this chapter, the spark of detachment arises only when the mind begins to perceive the world and all its affairs as transient and ultimately unreal, like the events of a dream. Without this perception of the world's transience, one remains bewildered by Maya's illusions and cannot progress toward true knowledge and freedom.