Counting the Breath Mantra
Bhairava
This verse gives a count for the breath-based mantra practice, showing that it is meant to be done steadily throughout the day and night. The important point is not just the number, but staying aware while breathing. If you are present, the practice is simple; if you are distracted, even a simple practice feels hard.
षट्शतावन वदिा रािौ सहस्राण्येकविम्शवत् । जपो देव्याः समुवद्दष्टः सुलभो दुर्लभो जडैः ॥ १५६ ॥
ṣaṭśatāni diva rātrau sahasrāṇy ekaviṃśatiḥ | japo devyāḥ samuddiṣṭaḥ sulabho durlabho jaḍaiḥ || 156 ||
Translation
Six hundred by day and night, twenty-one thousand in all—this repetition of the Goddess is taught. It is easy for the awake, but hard for the dull.
It prescribes a continuous daily repetition of the breath-mantra and stresses that success depends on alert awareness.