Gospel to Hindu World- Episode 10

Why doesn’t a Christian put tika?

Putting tika is one of the common queries that has been frequently raised by our Hindu neighborhood. A typical Christian rejects tika because it is connected with idolatry. It is obviously a human nature to have a sentimental perspective on it since an individual, who changes his/her faith under a certain reason, rejects the former. Some of our Hindu friends might think it as heart rendering situation as if their culture and tradition has been hated.

So why do we refrain ourselves from putting tika? Does it close the doorway to heaven? Or we are not willing to continue the systems of former religion considering it as satanic practice? We reject it just because it is concerned with idolatry? When we face this question, first we should know what does it mean to put tika? After the exploration, we then get the answer and will be able to respond from Biblical point of view.

Going straight through the concerned topic, tika is a mark that is put on forehead during ceremonies, program, festivals, celebration, rituals and so on. Here, I don’t want to go for constituents of tika but what it signifies, why it is used and what its purpose. We need to get into its core root rather than giving cliché response of its relationship with idolatry else idolatry even comprise the calendar we are using, money we earn, nature around us and so on.

It is applied on forehead between two eye brows which is believed to be a point of immense power and piety. The point is subjected to body’s most important chakra ‘Ajna chakra’. Human body has seven chakras according to Hinduism belief that are considered to be source of power. Ajna chakra is considered particularly sacred as it is the point of confluence of three main nadis: ida, pingala and shusumna. This pivotal spot is known as guru sthan. It is where human consciousness reside, mind dwells and entire body is controlled. During yoga, focusing our attention on the chakra has a restful effect to mind.

“A symbol of worship and religious sign, the tika is considered the point at which creation began. Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows is said to be the sixth chakra, the Ajna, the seat of “concealed wisdom”. Applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrow, the tika rubs the Anja Chakra and thus is considered to be associated with the eye chakra. The tika is said to focus energy and increase concentration. It is also known to be the circle or dot around which the mandala is created; a spiritual symbol, a symbol of nirvana. The dot is meant to denote the center point for one’s spiritual destiny and serve as a medium for personal sanctification.”[1]

So, a tika has its connection with a particular chakra which is known as ‘Ajna chakra’. It is again one of seven chakras in human body. What are these chakras?

Chakras are those energy centers through which the Cosmic energy flows into the human body.[2] Human beings have various energy centers in the body in invisible form to receive the energy from the universe and to wash away the impurities from the body. Among various energy centers, seven are the major. They are called the seven chakras in the human body. Among them, four in our upper body, which govern our mental and spiritual properties, and three in the lower body, which controls our instinctual and physical properties.[3]

Seven Chakras are:

1. At the base of the spine, at beginning of the anus and is called Muladhara.[4] (Root Chakra)[5]

2. Just above that is called Svadhishthana. (Sacral Chakra)

3. Just above the navel and is called Manipura. (Solar Plexus Chakra)

4. Above that is the Anahata chakra which is in the center of the chest (Heart Chakra)

5. Then comes the throat chakra called Visuddha (Throat Chakra)

6. Above that is the chakra in-between the eyebrows called Ajna (3^rd Eye Chakra)

7. The last chakra is on top of the head called Sahasrara. (Crown Chakra)

In this belief, these Chakras are said to be responsible for human moods and behaviors depending whether Chakras are active or blocked.[6] Chakras are also referred to as the ‘whirlpool of energy’. Each chakra controls specific realm of the energy and particular parts of the body, strengthening particular organs and bring harmony within the body. The entire universe and every element are made up of energy, similarly, the body has also no exception. The life force or prana moves inside of the body is spinning and rotating. The center of this spinning is called Chakra.

Regarding the Ajna Chakra, it is said to be the center for wisdom, intelligence and awareness. Intellectuality awakens when it becomes active. The location of Ajna Chakra on our body is considered to be a major nerve point. A tika on that point is believed to prevent energy loss and enhance concentration by retaining that energy.[7] The tika also works as a positivity shield, the Ajna Chakra is believed to be a representative of our subconscious. It is generally believed that negative energy in form of negative thoughts enters our body through this Chakra and by applying a tika the negative energy can be blocked from entering our mind, body or soul. Hence it is believed that tika helps to control the various level of concentration due to automatic pressing of the Chakra and also merit for facial blood circulation.[8]

Traditionally, four different castes used four different forms of tika to denote their significance or status.[9] The shape of tika also represented the particular deity the devotee follow i.e. Vaishnavas apply U shaped tika whereas Shaivites apply three parallel lined tika. Tika is also used as a form of greeting and respect in society. In spiritual sense, tika signifies moving upwards towards spirituality.[10] There are several advocates to scientific significance of tika as well such as soothing effect on forehead, reduction of stress and fatigue, regulation of body aura, and protection from radical damage.[11]

Tika is also considered as worshipping materialized form of God as long as one is attached to illusion. Its application is subjected to generation of devotion and emotion that imparts peace since the middle finger that is suggested to use by scripture has connection with the heart.[12]

Thus, despite of scientific benefits and a way of showing respect, sign of devotion or caste-status in society, usage of tika seems to align more towards system of self-redemption. It has particular significance on liberation process.

Here the concern is rather motive behind putting tika and this motive is not compatible with Biblical faith. Tika alone is not accountable for Christians’ living and spiritual degradation. Just as reverend Ps. Mangalman said there is nothing special effect in our life whether or not we put the tika but it is matter of our identity in this world.[13] In 1 Cor. 6, 8, and 10 Paul deals with these issues very well and urges us let not our freedom be barrier for our weak believers and how does the world observe us.

Just by putting tika doesn’t mean it is horrible for Christians but the philosophy behind it is indeed a barrier. Hence, for sake of our unique identity, the gospel, and weak believers we do not entertain tika. This doesn’t mean we hate the culture of our neighborhood. We are indeed commanded by Jesus himself to love them the way we love ourselves. Paul urges not seek just personal welfare but to be considerate and think of others welfare.

According to 1 Cor. 10:31 it is better to refrain from tika for sake of God’s glory due to its self-redemption system from behind the curtain and according to Romans 14:23, our dilemma and inner confusion can be stumbling block for us regarding tika. So, it seems better not to receive tika although its application doesn’t have anything in life except for some scientific merits that can be achieved from exercise as well. If our mind feels it burdensome and uneasy, better refrain from it. Tika isn’t only a way of showing respect. Biblical morality is more plausible than that.

The matter of Chakras and Kundalini are totally based on system of self-redemption[14] and we cannot think to enroll in it. It is God the Holy Spirit who transforms our life. It is Jesus who redeems us. It is God the Father who has adopted us as his own children. So, what is need of those self-redemptive process? We shouldn’t be the part of it. Even Hinduism is a system of self-redemption and idolatry, rituals, etc. are ways of attaining moksha. Tika also has its significance as per different sect i.e. it acts as particular symbol of particular deity worship. Hence, for Christians tika isn’t even necessary for sake of respect besides the system of self-redemption. It isn’t issue of taking to hell or getting to heaven but a safe side for sake of others.

We are ought to represent Christ to the world as his letters, salt and light. We want to be Christ’s witness and testimony. This is why we do not partake in tika even though it hasn’t anything to bear on.

Note: Thanks to brother Parv. My family member Deacon Sajan Shrestha and Sabin Panta for their remarks on it.

[1] https://omgnepal.com/tika-all-about-that-little-red-dot-that-we-wear/, accessed on 6/25/2021, 12:23 pm

[2] https://www.chakras.net, accessed on 6/25/2021, 7:27 pm

[3] https://nepalayurvedahome.com/seven-chakras-in-human-body/, accessed on 6/25/2021, 7:29 pm

[4] Unbracketed terminologies are taken from: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/understanding-chakras-and-kundalini-energy

[5] The bracketed terminologies are taken from: https://nepalayurvedahome.com/seven-chakras-in-human-body/

[6] https://nepalayurvedahome.com/seven-chakras-in-human-body/, 6/25/ 2021, 7:40 pm

[7] https://www.amrutam.co.in/5-secrets-behind-the-mark-on-the-forehead-tilak/?v=ad4f1670f142, 6/25, 7:50 pm

[8] https://www.himalayanglacier.com/19-amazing-scientific-logics-behind-hindu-traditions/#4_Applying_Tika_on_the_Forehead, 6/25, 7:54 pm

[9] https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/Significance-of-why-people-apply-tilak-on-forehead, 6/25, 8 pm

[10] https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/Significance-of-why-people-apply-tilak-on-forehead, 8.06 pm

[11] https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/Significance-of-why-people-apply-tilak-on-forehead