Concentration is the lens. It produces the burning intensity necessary to see into the deeper reaches of the mind. Mindfulness selects the object hat the lens will focus on and looks through the lens to see what is there.
In "Mindfulness in Plain English," Henepola Gunaratana highlights the importance of concentration as a tool for deepening our understanding of the mind. He compares concentration to a lens that generates the intense focus needed to explore the intricacies of our thoughts and emotions. This intense focus allows individuals to delve deeper into their internal experiences, enabling them to gain insights that are often overlooked in the busyness of daily life.
Furthermore, Gunaratana explains that mindfulness plays a critical role in this process by determining which thoughts or objects the mind will engage with. It serves as a guiding force that directs the concentrated effort of the mind toward specific areas of focus. By combining concentration with mindful attention, individuals can observe their mental landscape more clearly, leading to greater self-awareness and understanding.
