Kaivalya is the involution of the guṇas, now empty of purpose for puruṣa, or the establishment of consciousness in its own nature.

The final sutra defines kaivalya, the absolute liberation giving this pāda its name. Patañjali offers two complementary descriptions:

Pratiprasava is involution, the return of guṇas to their unmanifest state. Having lost their purpose (puruṣārtha śūnya), the qualities of prakṛti are reabsorbed into their source.

Alternatively, kaivalya is svarūpa pratiṣṭhā: the establishment of citi śakti, the power of consciousness, in its own nature. Puruṣa is no longer reflected in buddhi nor confused with prakṛti; it rests in itself, as itself.

Iti signals the conclusion: “thus it is.” The Yoga Sutras end with this word, indicating the teaching is complete.

The circle closes: the first sutra promised yoga; the last delivers kaivalya. Between them, Patañjali has traced the complete map of the journey, from initial definition to final liberation.

Puruṣa, eternally free, recognizes what it always was.