Of all the processes of devotional service, chanting the holy names is the best. It is taken up by the wisest persons. They may not be learned in Sanskrit or in the philosophical speculation of the _Upanisads_. They may not possess great yogic powers or be capable of yogic gymnastics, and they may certainly not be materially opulent or militarily powerful. But these things, which are all hard to accomplish, are of little importance in obtaining the utmost goal of human life. That goal is known as prema pumartho mahan – love of God. It is also referred to in Sanskrit as prayojana, the highest goal. Love of Krishna is the highest goal.

(_Japa Transformations_) ​

JAPA POEM

Chanting the holy name is the best process
of devotional service. Those
who have taken it up
may not be Sanskrit scholars,
philosophical speculators or
yoga masters.
But they have succeeded
in attaining the
highest goal of life,
which is prayojana,
love of God.

I began my japa
not writing a Japa Report.
I practiced “just hear,”
the method where you chant
with no other meditation.
I am capable of this
and comfortable doing it
in the sanctity of my bhajan kutir.
There are higher stages of perfection in japa,
but “just hear” is elevated in itself. Anyone
who understands that the holy name is
Krishna Himself, and who absorbs himself
in the transcendental sound vibration,
is achieving a rare state of japa.
I couldn’t attain that rare stage,
but I tried.
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.

On the second set I fell behind,
and it continued on the succeeding sets.
I chanted with speed,
but did not rush recklessly.
I held on to the bead until
the mantra was finished before
moving on to the next bead.
I could not enter a state of prayer,
but I chanted my rounds
with external attention.
In the end, I met
my overall quota on time
with thirteen minutes to spare.

I considered it a half-decent session because
I was too worried that I would finish late.
But 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 chanted my rounds with careful attention.
I follow the process where one does
a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.