PAMHO! AGTSP!
BRUZWAYNE,
I think it is awesome that you are so stoked and commited to your bhakti practices.
On chanting, when I first started japa, I was told by devotees that to chant however many rounds would be fine, and try and have at least a minimum number you could commit to completing everyday, like 4 or 8, etc...
I was also told that it is best to do the minimum round commitment early in the morning, as this time is the best time for us to chant/meditate, as it is very peaceful and the mind is rested and not yet cluttered with the days going-ons... I myself have always been an early riser and appreciative of the mornings calm, so this was comfortable for me. besides, all I was doing in the mornings prior was read and drink coffee... I found that a good couple hours chanting left me more alert and awake than Starbuck's ever could.
Early on I was also given a copy of Srila Prabhupada's Japa tape. This helped me (still helps me, always will help me..) to keep focused...as my mind wanders off, I pull it back by listening to Srila Prabhupada and the assembled devotees chant. Listening to myself chant... It is the next best thing to actualy going to the temple and chanting with them.... as time went on, that is just what I would do... I would drive over to the temple at 4:30am and chant with the bramhacaris. This helped me to increase my rounds to 16. I would do my 8 rounds, then there'd still be an hour and a half before the morning program stared, so I'd just keep chanting.
As the day progresses, I would get more chanting done, but if it was done while working or walking or while not paying attention, really, but like having the mantra just playing through my head like a song that I am singing along to, I would not count these... but if I got home later and had time, I would chant more rounds... I think it is cool that you are performing kirtana and reading SB... Keep it up!
I think it is nice to share our experiences with KC, esp. early on... It helps keep it interesting and fresh, as it should remin for the rest of our stay here on this planet.
