This final pada concludes the Brahma Sutras by describing the ultimate state of liberation in its fullest sense. It affirms that the realised being attains complete identity with Brahman, beyond all limitation, distinction, and return. There is no further journey, change, or dependence—only absolute freedom.
A central teaching is that liberation is final and irreversible. The knower of Brahman does not return to the cycle of birth and death, as all ignorance and karma have been completely destroyed. This state is described as eternal, infinite, and self-luminous.
The pada also clarifies that all symbolic or gradual descriptions of liberation ultimately culminate in this non-dual realisation. Whether described as reaching a realm, attaining powers, or merging with light, these are provisional expressions pointing to the same truth of complete unity with Brahman.
Another important point is that in liberation there is no longer any distinction between the individual self and the absolute. All dualities—such as subject and object, knower and known—are transcended. What remains is pure being, consciousness, and bliss.
Overall, this pada serves as the final resolution of the entire text. It declares that the highest goal of life is the realisation of Brahman, and that this realisation results in complete and eternal freedom, beyond all worlds, all differences, and all limitations.
Original Text