There is a distinction between these superpowers and the "experiential cognition induced by meditative practice" that will be discussed next. While these superpowers already extend beyond the realm of human technology, they cannot compare to the various divine powers that arise from a high level of samadhi, nor can they produce super-cognitive abilities like the perception of pure land. At this point, it comes down to a matter of insightful certainty.
If ordinary samadhi neither lacks the insightful certainty of an arhat nor leads to the perception of nirvana, then insight becomes crucial. Samadhi that arises from an arhat's insightful certainty cannot lead to the perception of the pure land. Instead, an arhat, after attaining nirvana, will be awakened and born into the pure land. This illustrates the difference in the roles of shamatha and vipashyana when insightful certainty is applied to samadhi. Here, we are primarily discussing ordinary samadhi, which can indeed lead to the development of divine powers.
Why did some people who practiced Qigong in the past have supernatural powers (divine powers)? Some senior practitioners among us know that there was a boom in Qigong in the 1980s and 1990s. Some Qigong practitioners claimed the ability to receive signals while placing a pot on their heads. There were simply too many types of Qigong out there to name. While some might dismiss these claims as deception, there is a basis in reality. When the mind calms down and reflects inward, certain extraordinary phenomena can arise. This has been recognized throughout history in various practices such as Baduanjin, Tai Chi, and Qigong. These practices utilize the state of samadhi (deep meditative concentration) to produce various functions. However, it is crucial to remember that these abilities are fleeting and can fade with time or overuse.
Unfortunately, some Qigong practitioners have resorted to deception, leading to their quick exposure. However, it is important not to let these isolated cases tarnish the entire practice. Just because a few individuals acted unethically does not mean Qigong itself is useless. Consider this: Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Xisui Gong are all related practices with documented health benefits. People who regularly practice these disciplines often experience remarkable improvements in their well-being. So, if Qigong were truly ineffective, would not these related practices also lack results? The truth is, Qigong offers genuine benefits, but it is not about instant miracles. It is a practice that requires dedication and realistic expectations. While you might experience certain positive effects initially, a greedy approach can hinder progress and even cause it to fade.
Excerpted from: Cognition and Expression Part Two
