What Happens After Realizing No-Self?

Question: If everyone cultivates to attain the treasury of bodhi in this way—no self, no form, no consciousness, no mouth, nose, tongue, body, or mind—like a stone, like a law of nature, truly no longer a self, then what kind of state is that? Is it great freedom? Sometimes I find the idea of no consciousness quite terrifying! I hope the venerable teacher can point out the way for me!

Answer: When self-view (ātma-dṛṣṭi) is eliminated and non-self is realized, the functions and activities of the five aggregates (pañcaskandha)—form, feeling, perception, 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 non-self, one knows the emptiness and illusoriness of these functions and activities; one's bodily, verbal, and mental actions become tranquil, and one gradually ceases to commit evil deeds and meaningless actions. The person is still the same person as before, but the mind has changed.