What Does It Mean to No Longer Exist?

Q: Enlightened people often say they have died and no longer exist. What does this mean?

A: They are referring to the realization that one doesn't exist as separate from everyone and everything. When one truly realizes this and recognizes this deeply, the effect is that self-importance dissolves. This means that the need to be inferior or superior, to overcome or become has been destroyed, burned out and finished with forever. This happens when the habitual and com¬ pulsive fascination with the personal has finally come to an end, and what's left is aliberated human being who says they have died and no longer exist. What does this mean? The struggle is over. 1 7 8