I began my japa at a moderate pace,
planning to make my Japa Report short
and meeting my quotas.
I practiced “just hear.”
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.
I began the second set
at a moderate pace.
Although I was chanting silently in the mind,
I heard the Names alertly, with attention
and concern to pronounce the words properly.
The maha-mantra is so merciful and powerful
that it vanquishes past sinful reactions,
ushers in liberation,
and brings one gradually to the actual goal
– attainment of love of God,
even when chanted with imperfections,
as I was doing.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with minutes to spare.
Although I had met my quotas
for the first two sets, I fell behind
in the third set.
I switched to a brisk pace.
I worried that I might not finish
the entire sixteen rounds on time.
I did not rush recklessly,
but held on to the bead
until the mantra was finished
before moving on to the next bead.
I met my quota after twelve rounds,
but was falling behind.
I did not have time to avoid
mechanical chanting by cultivating
thoughtfulness or devotional feelings.
I could not enter into a prayer state
or an inward mood.
I was way behind by the fourth set.
I was disturbed by many
mental distractions, and
could not control
my mind. I was fully
behind right up until the end,
and only by a speed burst
at the very end was I able
to meet the overall quota.
I finished the session
with twelve minutes to spare.
I considered it a half-decent session
because I was disturbed by distractions.
I was also falling behind for two sets.
It was somewhat mechanical japa,
but I was alert and wide awake
for the whole time. I felt
no head pain for the entire session.
I followed the process of doing a
prescribed number of rounds in
obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.