I began my japa at a moderate pace,
planning to make my quotas
and keep my Japa Report short.
I practiced “just hear.”
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.
I began my second set at a moderate pace.
Although I was chanting silently in the mind,
I heard the Name clearly, with attention
and concern to pronounce the words properly.
The holy name is so merciful and powerful
that it vanquishes past sinful reactions,
ushers in liberation,
and brings one gradually to the real goal
– attainment of love of God,
even when chanted with imperfections,
as I was doing. (I like to repeat the lines
about the power of the maha-mantra.
I use them as an affirmation.)
I met my quota after eight rounds
with minutes to spare.
I began my third set at a moderate pace,
but then saw myself
falling behind by the clock.
I switched to a brisk pace,
but I didn’t rush recklessly.
I held on to the bead
until the mantra was finished
before moving on to the next bead.
I had no time to avoid mechanical chanting
by cultivating thoughtfulness
or devotional feelings.
Nor did I enter a prayerful state
or an inward mood.
But I kept up enunciating
external, attentive chanting.
I finished the twelfth round
failing to meet the quota,
being minutes behind.
It seemed not possible,
as I began the fourth set,
that I would meet my overall quota
by the end of the session.
But by speeding up,
I gradually caught up.
I sped, but kept up
attentive chanting and
met my overall quota
with minutes to spare.
I considered it a half-decent session
because I was speeding to keep up
with the overall quota.
I was not able to chant
with a prayerful attitude.
But I was able to stay alert
and wide awake the whole time.
I felt no head pain for the entire session.
I follow the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.