I began the second set,
avoiding mechanical chanting by cultivating
thoughtfulness and devotional feelings. For
thoughtfulness I adhered to “just hear.”
This enabled me to say
each mantra distinctly,
with no slurring or missing.
For devotional feeling I thought of the
sweetness of Radha-Govinda. I acknowledged
that “Hare Krishna” was the heart
of the Hare Krishna mantra, composed exclusively
of its Names and uttered as a prayer
to be engaged in Their service.
Although I was chanting silently in the mind
I heard the Names clearly, with attention
and concern to pronounce the words properly.
But I was distracted by thinking ahead what to write
in the Japa Report. I was committing
aparadha: inattention to the Names,
so my japa was faulty.
But the maha-mantra is so merciful and powerful
that it vanquishes sinful reactions
ushers in liberation
and brings one gradually
to love of God,
even when chanted with imperfections
as I was doing.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with minutes to spare.

I proceeded to the third and fourth sets
by increasing the speed
because I was falling behind.
I didn’t rush them recklessly.
I held on to the bead until I
finished the sixteen words before
moving on to the next bead.
I didn’t enter into a deeply prayerful state,
but kept alert, awake,
and with external attention.
I completed my sixteenth round
with minutes to spare in my overall quota.

I considered it a decent session,
with no eyestrain or headaches.
I said all the mantras
with attention. I called
out to Krishna for His mercy
because it is not possible for me
to do good japa
on my own endeavor.
At least I follow the process
of carrying out a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.