“O Holy Name! The tips of the toes of Your lotus feet are eternally worshiped by the glowing effulgence radiating from the string of gems known as the _Upanisads_, the crest jewels of all the _Vedas_. You are eternally adored and chanted by great liberated souls such as Narada and Sukadeva. O Hari Nama! Clearing myself of all offenses, I take complete shelter of You.”

(_Japa Transformations_)

This is a verse from _Namastakam_
by Srila Rupa Goswami.
He praises
the holy names and takes
shelter there.
The toes of the
holy name are worshiped
by the radiance
emanating from the _Upanisads._
You are adored
by pure devotees
like Narada and Sukadeva.

I began my japa,
not writing a report.
That saved time.
I emphasized the
chanting of the “just hear” method,
feeling happy in the
sanctity of my bhajan kutir.
I met
all my quotas with time to spare.
I could not enter a prayerful state,
but I enunciated all my
rounds with external attention.

I considered it a decent session.
I was alert and wide awake
the whole time.
I felt no head pain for
the entire session, and I
was grateful for that.
I kept a rapid pace
but didn’t rush recklessly.
I held on to the bead
until the mantra was finished
before moving on to the next bead.
I followed the process of doing
a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of
the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.