According to Henepola Gunaratana in "Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English," developing concentration involves addressing and eliminating mental obstacles that interfere with focus. It's not just about honing the ability to concentrate; rather, it's about recognizing distracting thoughts and mental habits that impede clear thinking and awareness.

The author emphasizes that by cultivating a mindful awareness of these hindrances, one can create a more conducive environment for concentration. This process of mental cleansing is essential for entering deeper states of meditation and achieving a clearer, more focused mind.