Chapter-18, Verse 7

Ashtavakra Gita Verse 18.7:

समस्तं कल्पनामात्रमात्मा मुक्तः सनातनः । इति विज्ञाय धीरो हि किमभ्यस्यति बालवत् ॥ ७ ॥

The whole is just imagination, the Self is free and eternal. Knowing this, the wise one does not practice anything like a child. || 7 ||

The verse asserts that the phenomenal world, which is perceived by the senses and the mind, is nothing but a projection of one's own Consciousness. It has no independent Reality apart from the Self, which is the Pure Awareness that witnesses everything. The Self is not bound by any limitations or attributes, but is ever free and eternal.

The verse advises that one who Realizes this Truth no longer needs to engage in any spiritual practices or disciplines, such as meditation, yoga, rituals, etc. These are meant for those who are ignorant of their True Nature and are attached to the false notions of the ego, the body, and the world. The wise one, who has attained the highest knowledge, is like a child who does not need to learn anything new, but is content and playful in his own Nature.

The verse implies that the Ultimate Goal of all spiritual paths is to reach this state of Self-Realization, where one transcends the duality of subject and object, and abides in the non-dual reality of the Self. This is the Supreme Turiya State, which is not dependent on any external factors, but is inherent in one's own Being. The verse challenges the seeker to question his assumptions and beliefs, and to discover the Truth within himself.

In Chapter 18, Verse 7 of Ashtavakra Gita, it is said that the soul is eternal and the entire universe is only imagination. After attaining this Knowledge, a patient person does not need to continue his spiritual practice. Following verses from Vedic literature have a similar message:

 - In the latter part of Yogavashishtha Maharamayana, Vishwamitra ji had given this advice to Ram:

विश्वं विकल्पमात्रं हि त्वं च तत्त्वमसीत्यपि ।इति विज्ञाय धीरो हि किमभ्यस्यति बालवत् ॥ १५.१५.१३ ॥

That is, the world is only an option and you are Tattvamasi (Brahman).  After attaining this Knowledge, a patient person does not need to practice anything more.(However the journey to this Realization needs the support of an able Master)

 - In the tenth canto of Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, Shukdev ji had given this advice to Parikshit:

यदा विज्ञाय विज्ञानं निर्विकल्पं निराकुलम् ।

अभ्यस्यते तदा धीरः किमभ्यस्यति बालवत् ॥ १०.८७.२५ ॥

That is, when the Dhir Purusha becomes nirvikalpa and nirakula (calm) by learning the science, then he does not need to practice anything more.

 - There is this verse in Sri Ishopanishad:

यस्मिन् सर्वाणि भूतान्यात्मैवाभूद् विजानतः ।

तत्र को मोहः कः शोक एकत्वमनुपश्यतः ॥ ७ 

॥

That is, in which all living beings have become souls, what attachment, what sorrow does the one who knows this have?  He sees only Unity.

It is clear from these verses that the nature of the soul and its relationship with Brahma and the universe is described in detail in the Vedic literature.  Its purpose is that man should recognize his soul as Self or Brahman and re-enter his Original Home.