Is meditative concentration in which the mind does not give rise to thoughts useful?

Question: Is it good to practice by simply abiding in the present moment and being aware of the present moment—thinking nothing at all and entertaining no thoughts whatsoever?

Answer: This is the meditative concentration of non-Buddhist paths (tīrthika), based on the belief that liberation from birth-and-death and the attainment of nirvāṇa can be achieved by making the mind give rise to no thoughts. If one refrains from thinking about anything at all, how can wisdom be obtained? And without wisdom, how can one escape the cycle of birth-and-death in saṃsāra?

However, if one occasionally cultivates some thought-free meditative concentration, then after emerging from that concentration, both body and mind feel relaxed and joyful, afflictions are reduced, and the mind becomes subtle and meticulous. Taking advantage of this opportunity to contemplate and engage in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) of the Buddha's teachings, such concentration can greatly assist contemplative practice and the subduing of afflictions. Just do not practice exclusively in this way, wasting precious time for cultivating the Path.