Zhu Qingshi Discusses the Benefits of Meditative Concentration (Dhyāna)

Once a person enters meditative concentration (samādhi), the brain is in 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, and this vibration increases the resistance to the electric current—that is, resistance. Once you cool the conductor, an abrupt change occurs: suddenly all the resistance disappears, and at that point the electric current is extremely powerful and the energy field is extremely powerful. The meditative concentration of Buddhism works the same way; it teaches people how to quiet down, and after quieting down, to enter concentration with not a single distracting thought or bit of noise. At that moment, your wisdom is at its highest.

Science is not unaware of the methods of Buddhism; in fact, science is constantly repeating this same method, but it has never generalized it—there is no systematic method for enhancing human wisdom, only gradual improvement of wisdom through repeated practice and hands-on experience, without such a systematic method of meditative concentration. The method of Buddhist 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 the point of deep meditative concentration, the human brain can enter a highly ordered superconducting state, consciousness can flow unimpeded, the field of consciousness may become extremely powerful, and one can perceive the true nature of the universe, which ordinary people cannot access.