I began japa early.
I went at a moderate pace
hoping to meet my quotas,
pay attention,
and keep my Japa Report short.
I met my quota after four rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the second set
at a slightly quicker pace.
I practiced “just hear,”
the method where you chant and
hear with no other meditation.
Done with attention, it is
an elevated practice. Anyone
who understands that the Name
is nondifferent from Krishna Himself
and who absorbs himself
in the transcendental sound vibration
is achieving a rare stage of japa.
I couldn’t attain that rare state,
but I tried.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began my third set at a brisk pace.
I focused on my beads and the clock
to keep sure I was on time.
Besides, I couldn’t sustain darsana
because the Deities appeared blurry
to my eyes.
I met my quota after twelve rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I had
no anxiety that
I would fail to
meet my overall quota.
I began my fourth set continuing with
the constant “just hear.” I could not
enter a prayer state.
But I was satisfied
with “just hear” and
the fact that it was
not merely mechanical.
I completed my sixteenth round
meeting the overall quota
with plenty of time to spare.
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 met my quotas easily.
Practicing “just hear” enabled
me to chant the mantras with attention.
I follow the process where one does
a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.