Pure Meditation Does Not Produce Wisdom

Question: When meditating, if I empty myself and focus solely on "emptiness," is that acceptable?

Answer: How can one focus on emptiness? That "emptiness" you speak of is still a form of existence—it’s like adding a head on top of a head. Abiding in a state of emptiness or sitting in hollow-minded stillness is merely pure concentration (dhyāna); it cannot give rise to wisdom. The Sixth Patriarch refuted this very clearly in the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. While reading, it may seem clear, but when it comes to practical application, confusion arises. In meditative absorption (samādhi), if there is no contemplation of the Dharma’s meaning, no contemplative practice (guanxing), and no sense of doubt (yiqing), wisdom cannot be born. For example, in Buddha-recitation concentration (nianfo ding), no matter how deep or refined the concentration may be, if there is no sense of doubt, no contemplative practice, and no probing inquiry, how can it give rise to wisdom to sever self-view (dṛṣṭi) or realize the mind (mingxin)?

What is contemplative practice (guanxing)? In worldly matters, for instance, after experiencing many people and events, one gradually sees through them and eventually ceases to care. Contemplative practice is similar: by observing repeatedly, one penetrates through. What does "seeing through" mean? After prolonged contact with someone, one comes to understand that person clearly, develops discernment, and then decides whether to continue the relationship. Observing oneself follows the same principle. By continually contemplating the five aggregates (skandhas)—form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—one eventually penetrates their nature. The principle is identical. Those with sharper wisdom may penetrate sooner, while those with very dull wisdom may only do so in future lifetimes. Yet, this foundation must be laid, and the effort must be diligently applied.