When I say one has to go beyond enlightenment, I am saying that enlightenment is not the end. It is the beginning of a new existence, a new universe, a new world. It is difficult even to conceive what enlightenment is; naturally it is more difficult to conceive the beyond, but “theoretically speaking” it can be understood.

While all the others are hanging around, Silvester Sperm is exercising doing push-ups, swimming laps and lifting weights. One of the other sperms asks him: “Silvester, how come you spend so much time exercising?”

“Well,” replies Silvester very seriously, “when the time comes, I want to be the one.”

“Ah, really,” says the sperm. “Well, your chances are about one in a million.”

Just then the time comes and all the sperms start swimming. Silvester is way out in front when all of a sudden he turns around and starts swimming back. “What is the matter?” cries another sperm.

“Get back,” cries Silvester, “it’s a blow job!”

But you cannot…! That was theoretically speaking. Practically speaking, forget all about the beyond. First become enlightened.

It is pointless to think about things which are so far away. Take care of first things first: be enlightened. But you are theoretically interested in the beyond…what are you going to gain? Enlightenment is enough for the time being.

Once you are enlightened you will not need anybody else to say to you to go beyond. You will go – you will have to go. There is nothing static. Nobody can stay young and nobody can remain just enlightened.

I am the first person to talk about the beyond. All the mystics of the world have stopped at enlightenment for the simple reason that they were not talking theoretically. They were practically concerned that you become unidentified with your body, with your mind; that you become a pure consciousness without jealousy, without anger, without fear; that you become a love, a flower of eternity, which brings fragrance and blessings not only to you, but even to those who are fast asleep.

Perhaps the noise of the falling flowers of blessing may wake up somebody, just to see what is happening. Perhaps the fragrance may wake up someone. Perhaps the light may penetrate into somebody’s darkness.

Become enlightened, not theoretically but really, existentially, and the beyond will come on its own. I have talked about it because I want you to be aware of every possibility that is going to happen on the path.

One day Gautam Buddha is passing through the forest. It is fall time and dry leaves are thick on the ground….

Finding him alone, Ananda, his chief disciple, asks, “This question has been arising in me: have you said to us everything that you know of?”