Why Do Krishna's Devotees Wear Tilaka?
Vineet Chander writes as follows in his article "The Marks of a Warrior":
In bygone days certain Native American tribal warriors wore special marks meant to protect themselves in battle, identify themselves as sacred, and boost their fighting spirit. Similarly, we aspiring devotees must declare war on maya. The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is our best weapon, the tilaka our mark as warriors. By wearing tilaka, the devotee proclaims his allegiance to Lord Krishna and His devotees and gains the strength to fight harder against the temptations of maya and serve even more. The devotees I know testify that when they wear fresh tilaka they feel more inspired and enthusiastic in their devotional service. Indeed, wearing tilaka helps transform a neophyte into a strengthened veteran in Lord Caitanya's transcendental army. Devotees also gain inspiration from knowing that Srila Prabhupada was pleased to see his followers wearing tilaka. He has written, "When [the devotees in the Krishna consciousness movement] are dressed with saffron-colored cloth, with tilaka on their foreheads and beads in their hands and on their necks, they look exactly as if they have come directly from Vaikuntha."
Thanks to Vineet for his nice description.
Darian Gary
My Dear Darian,
Please accept my blessings.
Being spiritual means to fully absorb your every thought, word, and deed in all times, places, and circumstances in the service of that unlimitedly merciful person who is the source of all existence. This art is learned from the bona fide spiritual master.
I hope this meets you in the best of health and in an ecstatic mood.
Your ever well-wisher,
Sankarshan Das Adhikari
In bygone days certain Native American tribal warriors wore special marks meant to protect themselves in battle, identify themselves as sacred, and boost their fighting spirit. Similarly, we aspiring devotees must declare war on maya. The Hare Krishna maha-mantra is our best weapon, the tilaka our mark as warriors. By wearing tilaka, the devotee proclaims his allegiance to Lord Krishna and His devotees and gains the strength to fight harder against the temptations of maya and serve even more. The devotees I know testify that when they wear fresh tilaka they feel more inspired and enthusiastic in their devotional service. Indeed, wearing tilaka helps transform a neophyte into a strengthened veteran in Lord Caitanya's transcendental army. Devotees also gain inspiration from knowing that Srila Prabhupada was pleased to see his followers wearing tilaka. He has written, "When [the devotees in the Krishna consciousness movement] are dressed with saffron-colored cloth, with tilaka on their foreheads and beads in their hands and on their necks, they look exactly as if they have come directly from Vaikuntha."
Thanks to Vineet for his nice description.
Srila Prabhupada Puts on Tilaka
Answers According to the Vedic Wisdom
Question: What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?
What does it mean to be spiritual? Is it a certain state of being?Darian Gary
Answer: Full Absorption in Serving God
From: ISKCON Austin, Texas USAMy Dear Darian,
Please accept my blessings.
Being spiritual means to fully absorb your every thought, word, and deed in all times, places, and circumstances in the service of that unlimitedly merciful person who is the source of all existence. This art is learned from the bona fide spiritual master.
I hope this meets you in the best of health and in an ecstatic mood.
Your ever well-wisher,
Sankarshan Das Adhikari
The Perfection of Spirituality is Serving Krishna
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