First-ranking lessons

[native]

I think they're possibly just being poetic even though it's true related to the first three distortions as has been pointed out. If not, they're possibly referring to the magical nature of transformation when love (potential) becomes light (kinetic)..the act of illumination which allows for changes in the form.

"There is the same difference between love/light and light/love as there is between teach/learning and learn/teaching. Love/light is the enabler, the power, the energy giver. Light/love is the manifestation which occurs when light has been impressed with love."