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.”
It is an elevated stage
and I didn’t attain it
completely, although I tried.
I met my quota after four rounds
with a few minutes to spare.
I began the second set
at a moderate pace. Baladeva’s
vocal chanting in the other room
encouraged me and helped
me to keep pace with
my mental japa.
I lost track of time
and said 20 extra mantras
before finishing the session.
I met my quota after eight rounds
with minutes to spare.
Beginning the third set,
I became drowsy.
I focused on my beads
and the clock
to monitor the minutes.
Besides, I could not keep up
a steady darsana
of Radha-Govinda.
Although I was somewhat drowsy,
I chanted with care and concern
to pronounce the words properly.
I heard the mantras
with attention.
I finished my twelfth round
with only a few minutes to spare.
Beginning the fourth set, I called
to Baladeva and asked him to give me
a foot massage to keep me alert.
It helped, and
I increased my speed.
I completed the sixteenth round,
meeting the overall quota
with minutes to spare.
I considered it a half-decent session.
The drowsiness over two sets
was a disqualification.
For the most part,
I chanted with attention
and I met my quotas.
I followed the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.