In "Beyond Mindfulness in Plain English," author Henepola Gunaratana explains the concept of jhana, likening it to a juggling act. When one enters a state of jhana, it requires a careful balance, maintaining focus and awareness. However, this state is not permanent; eventually, one must let go of that balance, thus departing from jhana. This cyclical process involves picking up the pieces and starting anew, highlighting the transient nature of meditative states.

The practice of jhana emphasizes the importance of continual effort in meditation. It serves as a reminder that attaining deep focus is not a final destination but a skill that must be developed repeatedly. Each drop in concentration is an opportunity to begin again, cultivating patience and resilience in the journey of mindfulness and deeper states of awareness.