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,”
the method where you
chant and hear with
no other meditation.
There are higher stages
of perfection in japa,
but “just hear” is elevated in itself.
I could not attain it
completely, but I tried.
I met my quota after four rounds
with minutes to spare.
For the beginning of the second set
I agreed to chant on beads for
two new devotees. I focused on
the beads and the clock to monitor
my timing. Besides,
I couldn’t sustain
a darsana of Radha-Govinda.
Baladeva’s vocal chanting from
the other room encouraged me
and helped me keep my pace
in the mental japa.
I finished on the new devotees’ beads
going speedy, and
meeting my own quota.
I began the third set
emphasizing a brisk pace.
I was chanting silently
in my mind, but I heard
the Names clearly, with attention
and concern to pronounce
the words properly. I wasn’t able
to enter a prayerful state, but
I chanted with external attention.
I finished my twelfth round
with minutes to spare.
I began the fourth set
emphasizing speed as
a priority over quality.
I didn’t strive
to avoid mechanical chanting
by cultivating thoughtfulness
or devotional feelings. 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 completed my sixteenth round
and met the overall quota
with plenty of minutes to spare.
I considered it a decent session
despite going speedy
for two rounds.
I did not meet any head pain
for the entire session.
All my rounds were chanted
with attention. I met all
my quotas with time to spare.
I followed the process
of doing a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.