THE DEVOTEE WHO KEPT HIS TILAKA

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

Vaishnavas. The Vaishnavas had freedom, therefore, to wear their Vaishnava

tilaka to work, and they also displayed other Vaishnava paraphernalia. 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 Vaishnava 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 wearing

very clear, white Vaishnava tilaka. After seeing all the workers assembled, the

new Muslim proprietor said, "This one devotee who has worn Vaishnava 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 Vaishnava culture.

PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefited.

Krishna Katha