What remains after they are rejected is You, the real I.
When thoughts cease, you still exist. There is no vacuum4，When the emptiness ；of no thoughts is reached, you begin to feel your existence, your being.This emptiness is filled with something great, wonderful, powerful and sweet.You start living in Peace.You sail on the water of the calm mind.This is Pure Existence.
When you realize this state you are free from thoughts.
Then you are really free.
In this state nothing can influence you. You stop acting instinctively on the prompt of each passing thought.You become a completely conscious being, alive, strong, beyond everything.