Zhu Shiqing Lectures on the Benefits of Meditative Concentration

Once a person enters meditative concentration (samādhi), the brain enters a highly ordered state, similar to what we call a superconductor. As everyone knows, copper wire conductors have electrical resistance, because the atoms and molecules inside are constantly vibrating; this vibration increases the resistance to the current, that is, electrical resistance. Once you cool the conductor, a sudden change occurs—the resistance disappears entirely, and at that point the current becomes extremely powerful and the energy field extremely strong. The meditative concentration of Buddhism works the same way: it teaches people how to quiet down, and after quieting down, to enter concentration, without a single distracting thought or bit of noise. At that moment, your wisdom is at its highest.

Science is not unaware of the Buddhist approach; in fact, science is constantly repeating this method, but it has never generalized it or developed a systematic method for enhancing human wisdom—wisdom can only be improved gradually through repeated practice and hands-on experience, without such a systematic method of meditative concentration. The Buddhist method of meditative concentration is a very important means of recognizing truth. This thing is truly a treasure, and it can compensate for the shortcomings of science.

If consciousness is compared to an electric current, the human brain is like a conductor. If one cultivates to deep meditative concentration, the human brain can enter a highly ordered superconducting state, consciousness can flow unimpeded, and the field of consciousness may become extremely powerful, capable of perceiving the true nature of the universe that ordinary people cannot access.