In plain words
It is only a superficial knowledge. After it we need general knowledge; after this general knowledge we need discrimination knowledge. The power of enquiry. Then the fifth is practical knowledge; to gain this practical knowledge, how must we strive first of all? There we must make sacrifice. Only when we make sacrifice does devotion grow in us. When this devotion comes, discipline begins. Once this discipline begins, discrimination comes. Only after that comes determination; then steadfastness comes. So, first of all, dedication: first of all we must offer ourselves up. What must we offer?
Offer up Ahaṅkāra
Is it the mind, the body, your money: what is it you must offer? God asks for nothing. God does not wish for anything from anyone in any way. What you must offer is Ahaṅkāra, which is a thing of your own making. So long as it stays at your side, your partner in your house, it will give you no happiness at all. So the moment you offer up this Ahaṅkāra, Prema begins in you. That is devotion; as this principle of Prema grows, there comes, to some extent, the discrimination of what is impermanent and what is Satya, what is the Ātma and what is not the Ātma. In that time of discrimination you keep discipline well. Through these four together, determination, firm faith, arises in you. So long as there is Ahaṅkāra in us, there is no happiness of any kind. When there is no happiness, troubles come to you in greater measure.
Some boys had gathered and were playing football, it seems. A guru and his disciple sat watching. As he watched and watched, the disciple, poor fellow, grew weary of it. He went up to the guru: “Guruji! What sin has this football committed? Whoever it comes near chases after it and kicks it away. Not one person who sees it strikes it with his hand. They strike it only with their feet.