We woke up before 1:00 A.M.
I started japa early
at a moderate pace
hoping to be attentive,
meet my quotas,
and write a short japa report.
I practiced “just hear.” It is
an elevated state,
but I could
not attain it fully.
I met my quota after four rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the second set at a moderate pace.
Baladeva’s vocal chanting from the other room
encouraged and supported me
in my mental japa.
Although I was chanting silently in the mind
I heard the Names alertly,
with attention and concern
to pronounce the words properly.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the third set
at a moderate pace.
I focused on my beads
and the clock
to monitor my progress
of the set. Besides,
my eyes didn’t allow me
to take darsana.
I could not enter
a prayerful or inward state,
but I enunciated all
my rounds attentively.
I finished my twelfth round
with minutes to spare on the quota.
Despite beginning early
I noted at the beginning
of the fourth set that I was behind.
I switched to a brisk pace
emphasizing speed as a priority
over quality.
I practiced “just hear” and was able
to separate the mantras without
mixing or missing them.
I managed to catch up and
complete my sixteenth round
with minutes to spare
on the overall quota.
I considered it a decent session.
Because of rising early
I was able to complete
the first two sets
with ample minutes to spare.
Although I fell behind
on the last set, I was never
in danger of failing to
meet the overall quota.
I was alert and wide awake
the whole time.
I felt no head pain
for the entire session.
I chanted all my rounds with attention.
I followed the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.