I began my japa at a moderate pace
hoping to meet my quotas on time and
planning to write a short Japa Report.
I practiced “just hear,”
the method where you chant and
hear with no other meditation.
The first set was tranquil
and keeping up the pace.
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
clearly, with attention
and concern to pronounce
the words properly.
I kept focus on my
beads and the clock to ensure
I was on time. Besides,
the Deities appeared blurry
and I couldn’t keep
steady darsana.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the third set speeding
up a little to assure
I would meet my final quota.
I did not enter
a state of prayer
or an inward mood,
but I kept up
my external attention.
I was not much
disturbed by distractions.
I finished my third set
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the fourth set
emphasizing speed
as a priority over
quality. Although
I was pretty sure
I would finish the japa session
on time, I kept to
the medium speed with my
attention fixed on the mantras.
I heard them clearly.
I completed my sixteenth round
with ample minutes to spare
on the overall quota.
I considered it a decent session.
I was alert and wide awake
the whole time. I felt no
head pain for the entire session.
I didn’t enter an inward mood
but I enunciated
my rounds with external attention.
I follow the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.