I replied that I do not chant with a specific time frame in mind. I chant...

My father once asked me, “Why do you spend so much time chanting and practising instead of studying?” I replied that I do not chant with a specific time frame in mind. I chant with sincere confidence and respect for the Gohonzon.

Shouldn't it be did and chanted instead because of replied, the preceding verb?

Thanks.

I don't think so. You replied in the past. Now, you are quoting what you said in that past, and when you said it, present tense was correct.

Anyhow, that's what I think.

well looky here

http://forum.wordreference.com/threads/i-replied-that-i-do-not-chant-i-chant-with-sincere-confidence.3185034/

Thanks, ehBeth. As native speakers sometimes differ in what is correct English, do you agree with the reply?

I do, but you probably already knew that.

I agree with Roger's take on it.

Thanks to both of you.