I began my japa at a moderate pace,
hoping to pay attention,
meet my quotas,
get in some initial darsana,
and write a short version
of the japa report.
I practiced “just hear.”
It is an elevated process.
I could not attain it fully.
But I tried.
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.
I began the second set at a moderate pace.
Baladeva’s vocal chanting from the other room
encouraged me and paced me
in my mental japa. He planned
to sleep instead of chant,
but then changed his mind
and decided to chant.
I was glad because he
is my favorite japa partner.
He chants audibly and devotionally.
Although I was chanting silently
in the mind, I heard the Names
clearly, with attention and concern
to pronounce the words properly.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began my third set at a moderate pace.
I couldn’t enter a prayer state
but I said my rounds
with careful attention and enunciation.
I met my quota after twelve rounds
with ample minutes to spare.
I began the fourth set focusing on
my beads and the clock
in order to monitor my progress.
Besides, I could not maintain
staring at Radha-Govinda.
I did not speed up but met
my overall quota
with minutes 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 could not enter
an inward mood,
but enunciated all my rounds
with attention.
I did not go to speeding.
I followed the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.