Long-Term Cultivation of Thoughtless and Non-Conceptual Samādhi Cannot Realize the Path and Awaken Wisdom

Some individuals practice concentration in a thought-free state for extended periods, yet the first dhyana fails to arise regardless of duration, and they fail to attain enlightenment or develop wisdom. Such practice wastes precious time for Buddhist study. Prolonged dwelling in thoughtlessness, devoid of proper contemplation and examination of the Dharma, cannot give rise to any wisdom or lead to realization of the path. At life's end, how will they dispose of this defiled body?

Practicing only the body without cultivating the mind, regardless of how long one remains in concentration, will never manifest the first dhyana. Only by renouncing desire for the desire realm and abandoning greed and attachment can the first dhyana arise. What benefit is there in dwelling long in the dark state of access concentration?

When concentration is well-cultivated and right view is complete, one must generate an investigative thought during meditation, ceasing all aimless mental inactivity. Only with directed thought and doubt can doubt be shattered to attain wisdom. Without concentration, having doubt is merely blind groping.