When the individual soul, at the end of its journey, reaches the highest, its liberation is accomplished not through outward action, but by mere intention—so the sacred texts declare. In this liberated state, the soul is free and answers to no other ruler; it stands alone, sovereign. Yet, among the wise, there are differing views about what remains with the soul after liberation. The sage Badari holds that there is an absence of any residual individuality, for so the scriptures indicate. But Jaimini contends that some individuality persists, because the soul is described as still engaging in deliberation and reflection. To reconcile these views, Badarayana explains that both kinds of experience are possible, just as in the twelve-day sacrificial rite, where both union and separation are observed. When the body has been shed, the soul’s state is like twilight—neither day nor night—subtle and in-between, which is reasonable to accept. But when the body is present, the soul’s experience is like waking, vivid and distinct. The scriptures further liken the soul’s absorption at liberation to the extinguishing of a lamp: just as a flame merges into the darkness, so too does the soul merge, for so it is shown in the texts. This dissolution or attainment, whether into unity or distinctness, depends on the particular path and condition—both possibilities are revealed. However, apart from these spiritual attainments, the soul does not return to worldly activity, for the context of the teachings and the absence of such a return make this clear. If someone argues that direct scriptural instruction is the only ground for this non-return, it is not so, for such statements apply only to those to whom the teachings are directed. Furthermore, the state of the liberated soul is spoken of as being associated with transformation: it is not static, but marked by a profound change. This transformation is not merely theoretical; it is seen both in direct perception and by inference, as taught by the wise. The sign of this new state is the soul’s experience of a joy that resembles but surpasses all worldly enjoyment. And, above all, the scriptures declare with certainty that there is no return for the liberated soul—no return, they repeat, for such is the final word of revelation.