We should not unnecessarily abandon our Vaisnava culture

[Guest guest]

There was once a factory where all the workers were Hindus, and mostly

Vaisnavas. The Vaisnavas had freedom, therefore, to wear their Vais-

nava tilaka to work, and they also displayed other Vaisnava parapher-

nalia. But after some time, the factory went to new management, and

then the proprietor was a Muslim. On taking over the business, the

Muslim owner declared that he would not allow the workers to come to

work any more wearing Vaisnava tilaka. Most of the workers obeyed,

and on the given date announced by the owner, they appeared at the

factory without their tilaka. One employee, however, thought that he

would take his chances and depend on Krsna. So he went to work wear-

ing very clear, white Vaisnava tilaka. After seeing all the workers

assembled, the new Muslim proprietor said, "This one devotee who has

worn Vaisnava tilaka is very courageous. He may be permitted to

continue wearing the tilaka to work. But all others are forbidden to

wear it any more."

 

MORAL: We should not unnecessarily abandon our Vaisnava culture being

afraid of others. We have to be courageous to become successful in spiritual

life. If we do not give up our perseverance in Krsna consciousness inspite

of all odds then & only then Krsna will give us more & more taste for the

Holy Names.

 

Your servant,

Nayana-ranjana das