Question for all you Buddhists out there.............?

Question

I am thinking about getting a tattoo with the Mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' in Tibetian script. Would this need to be cleared with a Buddhist master first? Its important to me that I am respecting traditions etc.

Answer 1

Go for it, they will accept it. They are all about self. Remember that life is suffering.

Answer 2

I have exactly such a tattoo on my right upper arm. It is beautiful and it has opened many wonderful spiritual conversations with curious and open-minded people.

Be warned, however, that you'll be taking a stick to a hornet's nest if you start asking for opinions on this one. Not all Buddhist traditions feel the same toward tattoos. Some are really against tattoos, for two reasons: (1) You're puncturing your body, and piercing of any kind is generally frowned on -- although nobody complains about vaccinations/medical injections. (2) You're adorning your body, which means that you are acting out of ego or grasping at self and so you therefore don't "get" the no-self part of Buddhism.

I practice in the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition. I spent several days rooming with an ordained monk during teachings given by the Dalai Lama, and my monk allowed as how my Om Mani Padme Hum tattoo in Tibetan script was extremely cool. In the end, I think if you concern yourself too much with what others think, then you're looking for acceptance of a self that doesn't exist, and THAT is grasping at ego. So, I did it with no regrets and if you want to do it I say peace, love, joy, metta, mudita and Namaste!

E-mail me if you'd like a copy of the image I had the tattoo artist work from.

Answer 3

Generally it's frowned upon by the older teachers because when the skin sags and it fades with age, it might be seen as "disrespectful", but then IMO we're talking about a path that is empty of inherent existence and therefore is nothing to respect or disrespect. If you're terribly worried about it, consult with a Buddhist lama or teacher of your choice, or decide for yourself.

As I see it, the path lacks inherent existence, there's no "self" just labels, and Buddhism and ink are just more labels. It all depends on how important it is to YOU and how YOU feel about Buddhism. Remember, Buddhism isn't orthodoxy or denial... it's a middle way. I myself have 2 tatts and will be getting more, one will be Buddhist.

_()_

Answer 4

No, no. A tattoo is your choice. True Buddhist master would be interested in your spirit rather than your skin. Yet make sure the tattooist put the right letters!

Answer 5

My husband has Buddhist mantras tattooed by Jim MacAirt who currently working at "Into You" in Brighton. Jim is a Buddhist himself and had no problems tattooing mantras. He even suggested the medicine mantra tattoo my husband has. [My husband has a life-long illness].

Answer 6

An image that reminds us can be carried anywhere, no matter what the vessel. Fundamentally, Buddhist philosophy claims that signs and images exist only in the mind and are recreated. I don't believe that baring an image would be considered offensive.

Answer 7

As far as disgracing his scripture goes, you could take the scripture itself and rip it up in front of his face and it still wouldn't matter to him.

His understanding of the scripture is something you cannot alter, or offend. If you tattoo the scripture on your body, it means nothing.

Do what YOU think is right.

Answer 8

No go ahead, a visible marking on the skin is a true way to express your beliefs.

Answer 9

no, it's not necessary to "clear" it with anyone, it's just something to help you meditate.

Answer 10

tell let u. im pretty sure. have fun!!!