Journeyman Philosopher

Since I initially started planning to get tattoos, and since I have gotten tattoos I have been approached by many people with various questions.

The questions in general have all been focused on this train of thought:

‘Isn’t it contradictory to be a buddhist and get a tattoo?‘

I felt it would be useful for me to explain here how and why I got my tattoos, and as well how as a buddhist I feel these tattoos are justified! I hope that this will be of interest and perhaps use to other individuals planning on getting tattoos be they buddhist or not.

First to get the dogma of buddhism out of the way. In some forms of buddhism, such as Therevada, you are not allowed to get tattoos if you are a monk, an you are not allowed to become a monk if you are tattooed. However in some other branches of buddhism you are. Overall there is no holistic view in buddhism about tattoos, so lots of your decision, if you are a buddhist, would have to be based on this categorical classification (ie what type of buddhist you are).

But, more importantly, what really is a tattoo and why would buddhism reject it?

A main concern of buddhism is the heavy weight of attachment. Attachment in all its forms is to be avoided. In such a manner we are instructed as buddhists to control our desires, and realize that in essence our desires are a self constructed delusion.

Tattoos in general are ussually associated with pride and attachtment (after all isn’t a tattoo something that stays on you for life?). This is why most buddhists would object to the concept.

If I approach a buddhist and say ‘What do you think of me getting this tattoo?’ some may respond like ‘It’s not necessary/It’s pointless/You’re grasping/It’s a big attachment/ etc…’ But is this really justified?

As governs so much of our life intent is truly the determining factor in this situation (intent is also a teaching of the eight-fold path). What is my intent when I get my tattoo; is it out of pride, do I want to boast, am I compensating, am I grasping, do I really really just want it? If it is any of these past examples it would be against buddhism to get a tattoo (or rather it would be incompatible with being a good buddhist).

But my justifications were not of this sort. My tattoo was nothing intended to showcase to the external world, but rather I set it on myself as a reminder of my practice.

Right mindfulness and right concentration are two important elements of the eight-fold path, yet constantly in life we are distracted from our practice. I don’t mean to say that a tattoo would liberate us from practice, rather I would say a tattoo can assist us in practice. This is just as a meditation cushion can assist us in posture, and a tibetan singing bowl can assist us in clearing our mind.

A personal reminder to self I think is a very good reason to get a tattoo. If it sincerely helps my practice, and I believe it does, it is more than justified.

But really with my views aside, who else in buddhism would agree. For one I believe the current Dalai Lama would agree. After all he fosters the opinion that it is very important to practice/do what works best for you. And as well I agree the original Buddha would agree, after all the buddha himself was not one for strict rules and regulations.

So really what does this all mean? You’re most likely not contradicting any buddhist teaching (unless maybe you’re a monk) but regardless the governing factor is truly why you are getting the tattoo. And unfortunately, from a buddhist perspective, because I want to isn’t good enough.

On a quick side note something that was also of interest to me, is I had many buddhists hint at the concept that I shouldn’t be getting something permanent (as this goes against the teaching of impermeance). But in reality a tattoo is not permanent, nothing is permanent. As I grow and change, so does my tattoo. And when I no longer remain, nor will my tattoo. Really the misconception is with buddhists percieving that tattoo as permanent. And in such a sense, I think (interestingly enough) a tattoo, could be considered a metaphor for enlightened practice; as it requires time, care, and attention.