Can the Fruits and Liberation Be Attained Without Dhyāna?

Question: I often hear about Buddha-Recitation Samadhi. What level of the four dhyanas and eight samadhis does Buddha-Recitation Samadhi correspond to?

Answer: Buddha-Recitation Samadhi is divided into two types: the samadhi attained through meditative concentration and the samadhi of the enlightened mind state where concentration and wisdom are equally balanced. Regardless of the type, Buddha-Recitation Samadhi encompasses either the complete access concentration (anāgamya-samādhi) or the first dhyana. Meditative concentration (dhyāna) is the foundation of samadhi. Without meditative concentration, no form of samadhi will arise, no Dharma practice will bear fruit, and one will continue to revolve in the suffering of birth and death in future lives. Therefore, do not be content with merely extensive learning and wide knowledge, nor with knowledge gained through hearsay. One must delve deeply into meditative concentration for investigation, striving to cultivate genuine wisdom. Do not believe the nonsense that one can attain fruition or liberation without meditative concentration. Have faith in the Buddha's teachings as expounded in the sutras.