Many will agree that it is during japa that the mind becomes especially restless. Attachments begin to drizzle and rain. Anarthas and petty distractions start taking over, catching us off guard and weakening our focus.

During the COVID period, I was quite particular about chanting 64 rounds on most Ekadashis. Once, I heard HG Radheshyam Prabhu mention that his spiritual master had urged him to chant 64 rounds on Ekadashis. That inspired me to undertake the same in my life.

But lately, it is appearing difficult, although I may externally cite reasons like other services or festivals, the internal reason is more real – laziness.

Yesterday, I decided, though feebly, to complete 64 rounds. There was initial resistance. But for one who desperately needs the mercy of the Holy Name, is there any other shelter? I pushed myself.

JAPA or MAYA

One simple shift in prioritization helped me greatly. The mobile was screaming repeatedly to be in my hands. The belly was demanding to be fed. The mind was constantly suggesting alternatives, urging me to give greater priority to “something else.”

I remembered Haridasa Thakura, who prioritised japa over Maya. And eventually, maya became his disciple! Amazing! We may not be able to initiate Maya, but we can at least make her wait.

How Can We Prioritize Japa in Our Daily Life?

“I Am Only Yours” – Maya’s Biggest Trap

Haridasa Thakura was fully absorbed in chanting within his cave. A sincere devotee may also be absorbed in sadhana, but maya is skilled in finding innovative ways to distract.

Mayadevi appeared before Haridasa, circumambulated Tulasi, offered obeisances, and then sat down. Maya is extremely deceptive. She may even seem to assist our sadhana.

She said:
“jagatera bandhu tumi rūpa-guṇavān
tava saṅga lāgi’ mora ethāke prayāṇa”
“My dear friend, you are the friend of the entire world. You are so beautiful and qualified. I have come here only for union with you.” (CCAntya 3.237)

She further said:
“My dear sir, kindly accept me and be merciful toward me, for it is a characteristic of all saintly persons to be kind toward the poor and fallen.”

Maya showers us with appreciation. She acts surrendered. But her aim is to divert.

The Mountain of Distractions

After the initial show of surrender, maya bombards the sadhaka with distractions.
Mayadevi began exhibiting postures that could bewilder even Lord Brahma. For us, even petty distractions are enough to send us into bhrama (illusion). Anything that makes us give lesser priority to Krishna is a distraction.

How to Not Get Overwhelmed by the Mountain?

Don’t Deny, but Delay Maya

The mind doesn’t like denial. But it can be pacified with the promise of future gratification.
Haridasa Thakura told Mayadevi:
“yāvat kīrtana samāpta nahe, nā kari anya kāma
kīrtana samāpta haile, haya dīkṣāra viśrāma”
“As long as the vow to chant is unfulfilled, I do not desire anything else. When I finish my chanting, then I have an opportunity to do anything.” (CC Antya 3.241)

But mere postponement doesn’t always work. The mind screams:
“I want to watch this now!”
“I must reply to this message immediately!”
“I want to eat right now!”

Often, these demands feel urgent. What to do then?

Engage the Mind

Haridasa said to Mayadevi:
“Sit down at the door and hear the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra. As soon as the chanting is finished, I shall satisfy you as you desire.”

Engaging the mind in Krishna conscious activity helps. With time, the mind may even forget its earlier urge. This is sufficient for petty distractions.

But what if the desire is strong, and keeps returning?

Determination – A Devotee’s Bodyguard

When morning came and Mayadevi saw Haridasa was still chanting, she left. But she came again the next day, with greater force — more seductive postures, powerful enough to bewilder even Brahmaji. Still, Haridasa was unfazed.

“kṛṣṇe nāmāviṣṭa-manā sadā haridāsa
araṇye rodita haila strī-bhāva-prakāśa”
“Haridāsa Ṭhākura was always absorbed in thoughts of Kṛṣṇa and the holy name of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore the feminine poses the woman exhibited were just like crying in the forest.” (CC Antya 3.247)

A devotee’s determination makes Maya’s efforts go in vain. Even if we don’t face the kind of temptations Haridasa faced, a tiny agent of maya is enough to distract us. But if we are determined, Krishna protects.

We must persist in our surrender. It’s not easy. But it’s not impossible. Mayadevi doesn’t offer us distractions we cannot overcome. Tests are proportional to our practice.

Maya Gets Initiated

When Haridasa remained determined for three continuous days, Mayadevi revealed herself. She admitted that she had come to test him. Then she expressed her desire to be initiated.

“māyā-dāsī ’prema’ māge,—ithe ki vismaya?
’sādhu-kṛpā’-’nāma’ vinā ’prema’ nā janmaya”
“What is the wonder if the maidservant of Kṛṣṇa, His external energy, begs for love of Godhead? Without the mercy of a devotee and without the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, love of Godhead cannot be possible.”

If maya is an initiated disciple of Haridasa Thakura, why does she still trouble us? Actually, the problem lies in our own conditionings. Mayadevi simply presents those conditionings before us. Her role is to assist us in becoming better devotees, not to keep us away from Krishna. But she wants to test whether we truly desire Krishna’s grace alone, or still crave her influence too.

When a devotee follows in the footsteps of Haridasa Thakura, the path of Krishna consciousness becomes clearer and quicker. We should daily beg for the grace of Haridasa Thakura during our chanting. He is our Namacharya, and his mercy is essential for our progress.