“The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna, and to subdue it is more difficult than controlling the wind.”
– Bhagavad-gītā 6.34

Struggle is natural in japa. The mind resists, wanders, and protests. But if our chanting is only a battle with the mind, it can leave us drained and even vulnerable to seeking relief in worldly distractions.

When we are mentally or socially fatigued, the natural tendency is to seek relief. The mind looks for something that requires litt...