Cha is doing something far more interesting than describing here, though. The way she uses language constitutes an attempt to perform the function of mantra: that is, to do what mantra does.
Dictee
‘moon before the sun pronounces’
The ritual of the eclipse, the ritual of the text, becomes our ritual. We participate in its duration as actively engaged readers, entering into relationship with its author Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, and with each other as we do so.
Sally-Shakti Willow 