Pure Meditative Concentration Cannot Give Rise to Wisdom

Question: When sitting in meditation, is it acceptable to empty oneself and single-mindedly hold onto "emptiness"? 

Answer: Emptiness—how could you hold onto it? That emptiness of yours is also something that exists; this is putting a head on top of a head. Dwelling in an empty state, or sitting quietly with an empty mind, is pure meditative concentration (samādhi) and cannot give rise to wisdom. The Sixth Patriarch already refuted this very clearly in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch; when reading it, it feels very clear, but as soon as it comes to practical application, one becomes muddled. In meditative concentration, if there is no contemplation of the Dharma principles, no contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā), no questioning doubt, wisdom cannot arise. For example, in the samādhi of recollection of the Buddha (buddhānusmṛti), no matter how good or deep the concentration is, if within it there is no questioning doubt, no contemplative practice, no investigation, how could wisdom arise to eradicate the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi-prahāṇa) or achieve seeing the mind?

What is contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā)? For example, in worldly matters, when people have experienced certain people and affairs many times, they gradually see through them, and afterwards no longer care about them. Contemplative practice is the same: after observing much, one sees through. What does "seeing through" mean? After spending a long time with a person, one comes to understand that person clearly, and will make choices accordingly, then decide whether to continue the association. Observing oneself is the same. By constantly engaging in contemplative practice on the five aggregates (pañca-skandha) of body and mind, over time one will see through the five aggregates—the principle is the same. Those with somewhat better wisdom may see through them a bit earlier; those with very poor wisdom will have to see through them in a later life. But this foundation must be laid down, and the effort must be made.