I began my japa at a moderate pace,
hoping to meet my quotas
and planning to write a short Japa Report.
I practiced “just hear,”
the method where you chant
and hear with no other meditation.
Baladeva was away
and I chanted alone
in the sanctity of my bhajana-kutir.
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.
In the second set
I was chanting silently in the mind,
yet I heard the names alertly,
attentively, and with concern
to pronounce the words properly.
The maha-mantra is so merciful and powerful
that it vanquishes past sinful reactions,
ushers in liberation,
and gradually brings one 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 affirmations.)
I met my quota after eight rounds
with a few minutes to spare.
As I began the third set, I noted that
I was running late according to the clock.
I adopted a brisk pace
and emphasized speed
as a priority over quality.
I didn’t rush recklessly.
I held on to the bead until
the mantra was finished before
moving on to the next bead.
I did not try to avoid mechanical chanting
by cultivating thoughtfulness
and devotional feelings.
Nor did I enter a prayerful state or inner mood.
I began my fourth set emphasizing speed.
I gradually began catching up.
I chanted with clear
external attention.
By the time I was halfway through
I had plenty of time to spare.
I completed my sixteenth round
with ample minutes in reserve.
I considered it a decent session.
It was a bit mechanical,
but my rounds were
enunciated with attention.
I was 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.