I began my japa at a moderate pace,
hoping to be attentive,
meet my quotas,
and write a short Japa Report.
I practiced “just hear,”
which is an elevated method.
Anyone who understands that the Name
is Krishna Himself,
and absorbs himself
in the transcendental sound vibration,
is achieving a rare state of japa.
I couldn’t attain it,
but I tried.
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 my mind, I heard the Names
clearly, with attention
and concern to pronounce
the words properly.
I couldn’t enter a prayer state,
but enunciated with external attention.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with a few minutes to spare.
Beginning the third set, I
noted by the clock that
I was lagging behind.
I switched to a brisker 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 couldn’t enter an inward state,
but by practicing “just hear”
I was able to separate the mantras
without mixing or missing them.
I enunciated an external
attentive japa.
I finished my twelfth round
with only a few minutes to spare.
I began my fourth set
in a surprising late state.
I thought I might have to
stop my japa and promise
to finish up the quota
later in the day.
But by speeding up, I
caught up and completed
my overall quota with
minutes to spare.
I considered it a half decent session.
Because I had to considerably
speed up to meet my overall quota.
But I was alert and wide awake
the whole time.
I felt no head pressure
for the entire session.
I wasn’t much disturbed
by distraction.
I consistently practiced “just hear.”
I followed the process of
doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.