I began my japa at a moderate pace,
planning to write a short Japa Report.
I practiced “just hear.”
I met my quota after four rounds
with just a few minutes to spare.

I began the second set
at a moderate pace, but with a feeling
that I was far behind.
I switched to a brisk pace,
but still didn’t make
sufficient progress. Although
I was chanting silently in the mind,
trying to keep alert and attentive
and pronounce the words properly,
I didn’t make good progress.
I met my eighth quota
with a few minutes to spare.

On the third set, I emphasized
speed as a priority over quality.

I began the fourth set
continuing to emphasize speed.
But I was so far behind in my quota
that I decided to stop japa.
I promised to make up
the four final rounds
later in the day.

I had to consider it a poor session
because I fell behind on the schedule
and didn’t meet my overall quota.
I suspected it was due to
inattentive chanting.
I didn’t reach internal awareness,
but I said my rounds with practiced,
external deliberation.