What Happens When One Realizes No-Self?

Question: If, as everyone cultivates and realizes the bodhi treasury, there is no self, no form, no consciousness, no mouth, nose, tongue, body, or mind—like a stone, like a law of nature—then it is truly no longer "me." What kind of state is that? Is it great freedom and ease? Sometimes I feel that being without consciousness is terrifying! I hope the Master can point out the way for me!

Answer: When the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi) is eradicated and no-self is realized, the functions and activities of form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, and consciousness still exist as before; only the mental activities have changed and wisdom has grown. It is not like a stone, without awareness, doing nothing at all. After realizing no-self, one knows the emptiness and illusoriness of these functions and activities, and one's bodily, verbal, and mental actions become tranquil (praśama); gradually one no longer commits evil deeds or meaningless actions. The person is still the same person as before, but the mind has changed.