Buddhist Tattoos

Vangelis · 03-03-2009, 06:45 AM

Hi All,

This is a great Buddhist forum which I've only found recently (yes, I'm slow - lol) but I notice there are quite a few familiar faces that I've seen elsewhere, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, the reason for my post. I have had a Buddhist Tattoo now for about 2 years and I'm itching to get another. It took me about a year to finalise my tattoo from the time that I decided to get one. I figure that it is for the rest of my life so it has to be just right! So now I'm starting the thinking process again. Who knows how long it will take this time but I thought it would be a good idea for us to post pictures of our tattoos or links to good Buddhist Tattoo websites. I haven't been able to find any really good ones yet.

Anyway, to get started here's mine. It's a dhamma wheel with the Pali inscription around it in the Devanagari script. All conditioned things are impermanent, all conditioned things are suffering and all things are not-self - from the Dhammapada 277-279.

Looking forward to seeing some more great designs.

Kind Regards,

Vangelis

Brigid · 03-04-2009, 07:31 AM

Wow!! Gorgeous tattoo!

I don't have any but if I did decide on one it would be something like yours, something about the Three Seals.

Very cool tattoo and it's nice to meet you, Vangelis. Feel free to tell us a bit about yourself in the New Members thread if you like.

Palzang · 03-04-2009, 02:02 PM

Here's a Sengdoma (lion-headed dakini) mandala I have on my left arm.

Palzang

Vangelis · 03-05-2009, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigid

Wow!! Gorgeous tattoo!

Thanks!

Quote:

I don't have any but if I did decide on one it would be something like yours, something about the Three Seals.

Very cool tattoo and it's nice to meet you, Vangelis. Feel free to tell us a bit about yourself in the New Members thread if you like.

Not much to tell really, but you're right, I will have to formally introduce myself.

Vangelis · 03-05-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palzang

Here's a Sengdoma (lion-headed dakini) mandala I have on my left arm.

Palzang

Very nice. I was thinking of going for something a little more colourful for my next tattoo. A mandala tattoo might just be the answer. Thanks for posting a picture of yours.

Brigid · 03-07-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palzang

Here's a Sengdoma (lion-headed dakini) mandala I have on my left arm.

Palzang

I didn't know you had a tattoo, Palzang. You just keep getting cooler and cooler...

Palzang · 03-07-2009, 11:20 PM

I'm so cool I'm frozen...

My teacher told us when we were living in Sedona that getting a Dharma tattoo helps purify body karma. Boy, did I need that! So I was thinking about getting one, and I came across this mandala. The one I originally saw had hooked knives in each point of the star and was really cool, but it was too detailed for a tattoo, so I picked the less complicated version. All the symbols here are dakini (enlightened female wisdom beings) symbols. The hooked knife represents cutting through ego, the skull cup represents the union of absolute and relative truth, and the double triangles (which look like a Star of David) are dakinis symbols which, on one level, represent the female orifice, and on another level represent the three attributes of a dakini - unborn, nondwelling, and one other I can't remember. The double triangles represent sexual union, the union of opposites, compassion and wisdom. This particular mandala is of the lion-headed dakini, who is particularly useful for clearing obstacles. She is the secret form of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

Palzang

*BeautifulSpringtimeFist* · 03-10-2009, 03:04 AM

The best thing about my tattoo experience was getting it done in Osaka when my Japanese was still a bit rusty and having a great laugh with the heavily tattoo`d Japanese Rock Chick, who insisted on playing Poison albums throughout the 4 hour session! She was quite surprised to hear that I`d designed it myself!

Within my tattoo there are 3 major symbols. 3 different `Ways` are expressed in the design...

This first image is the Japanese representation of Bodhidharma. In Japan he is called Daruma and traditionally spherical dolls are made and painted with these same features. The eyes, however, are left blank until the `wish` is written on the front. Then you fill in one pupil and when the wish comes true you colour in the other. The wish I have written is `Mu` or `nothing/lack of`. Bodhidharma`s teachings have always been the ones with which I resonate the most. I like having him on my arm walking along next to me.

On Bodhidharma`s left is a crane flying through falling autumn Maple leaves. I love Japanese Maples and feel the most at peace when I am sitting in a forest of them. Maple leaf dsign is also used very heavily in traditional Japanese artforms. The crane represents the soft or feminine side of the Yin Yang opposition. Before I even picked up any texts on Buddhism I was very much into the Tao Te Ching and it continues to inform my practise to this day.

On Bodhidharma`s right is a snake slipping though the mist. Mist is another of my favourite natural occurances - especially the way it calms the landscape but can be, at the same time, quite oppressive. It is also used in Japanese art to give a feeling of transience. The snake represents the hard or Masculine side of the Yin Yang philosophy.

The third `Way` hidden in the tattoo is related to my name here at NB. Can anyone tell me what it is?

Hint - it`s got to do with the snake and crane...

A cajillion points if you get it right!

Simonthepilgrim · 03-10-2009, 09:32 AM

BSF,

Although I am ambivalent about body art for myself, I do admire it on others and, particularly, if there is wit and a hidden secret.

Reflecting on your last challenge, I wondered if it might have something to do with the forms of your martial art tradition. Perhaps I was right: after a short search, I came across this:

Quote:

The secrets of the ‘Hall of Perpetual Springtime’
This is where the average Shaolin warrior monk would end his training. Only very carefully selected trustees would be taken to the secret ‘Hall of Perpetual Springtime’ (Weng Shun tong). This was a hidden place in the monestary only few knew about. Here the apprentice would be taught the remaining two animal forms of the Shaolin five animal fighting system; The Snake and the Crane.

*BeautifulSpringtimeFist* · 03-10-2009, 10:49 AM

Ohhh Simon you're soooo close!!

Simonthepilgrim · 03-10-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *BeautifulSpringtimeFist*

Ohhh Simon you're soooo close!!

Wing Chun?

*BeautifulSpringtimeFist* · 03-10-2009, 11:04 AM

And the reason would be...

Simonthepilgrim · 03-10-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *BeautifulSpringtimeFist*

And the reason would be...

You lead me to such lovely stories, BSF. And you love them so much too, don't you:
[quote]After her time at the White Crane Temple, Yim Wing Chun returned to the village and was immediately pestered again by the warlord, this time more seriously, but now Wing Chun was prepared and challenged him to open hand combat, which of course he accepted as all he could see was a frail young woman who would soon be his wife, or so he thought. Yim Wing Chun totally devastated the warlord and being troubled no more was then free to marry her intended husband, Leung Bok Chuuo who himself was a skilled pugilist and together they would practice this new fighting system, and it was in reverence to his wife that he named the style Wing Chun, or Beautiful Springtime.[/quote]

LesC · 03-10-2009, 11:47 AM

Love the dharma wheel tattoo Vangelis, make me wanna rush right out and get one...

*BeautifulSpringtimeFist* · 03-10-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simonthepilgrim

You lead me to such lovely stories, BSF. And you love them so much too, don't you:
[quote]After her time at the White Crane Temple, Yim Wing Chun returned to the village and was immediately pestered again by the warlord, this time more seriously, but now Wing Chun was prepared and challenged him to open hand combat, which of course he accepted as all he could see was a frail young woman who would soon be his wife, or so he thought. Yim Wing Chun totally devastated the warlord and being troubled no more was then free to marry her intended husband, Leung Bok Chuuo who himself was a skilled pugilist and together they would practice this new fighting system, and it was in reverence to his wife that he named the style Wing Chun, or Beautiful Springtime.

[/quote]

You're correct Simon I do!

Even further into the Mythology surrounding the fighting system is the story of how the original nun created Wing Chun. She is said to have witnessed a snake attacking a crane and she noticed how the crane used it's deft, gentle moments to deflect the snakes violent strikes. Therefore the hard and soft energies used in the style are symbolised by these two animals.

How true this legend is, however, is questionable but that doesn't mean that I don't resonate with the imagery used!

Simonthepilgrim · 03-10-2009, 02:38 PM

The legend is true, only the facts may not be.

*BeautifulSpringtimeFist* · 03-10-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simonthepilgrim

The legend is true, only the facts may not be.

And me - supposedly an English teacher!

Brigid · 03-19-2009, 06:05 AM

Simon and BSF,

I so enjoyed your exchange and the short descriptions of those stories. So much so that I'm now thinking of having a look into Asian legends. Perhaps I'll look into Thai stories since my practice is Thai.

Wonderful stories!

Simonthepilgrim · 03-19-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigid

Simon and BSF,

I so enjoyed your exchange and the short descriptions of those stories. So much so that I'm now thinking of having a look into Asian legends. Perhaps I'll look into Thai stories since my practice is Thai.

Wonderful stories!

With open mind and heart, we learn more of significance from stories than from any number of 'serious' works.

Brigid · 03-19-2009, 08:43 AM

So true. I've learned most of what's important through storytelling. I'm a Celt (as much as that's possible) and I was brought up with them and storytelling is almost sacred in my family. My parents are somewhat frustrated actors/performers and we, the children, received the benefit of their talents through their storytelling.

When I was a child in school my favourite time wasn't recess; it was when the teacher would read stories to us. I could never get enough of it.

Kattypigen04 · 04-06-2009, 05:18 AM

Hey there!

I really want a tattoo with the Eightfold Path and maybe some Lotus-flowers in addition (to make it more feminine, but my name Kathrine means "Pure" which is what the Lotus-flower represents).

I like Vangelis' tattoo a lot, but I think its too big and masculine for me - Vangelis; could you tell me what the Pali inscription means, cause I really like the writing in your tattoo!
Please - can someone help me come up with ideas for my first tattoo?

xoxo

Vangelis · 04-13-2009, 05:17 AM

Hi Kathrine,

The Pali inscription around it is in the Devanagari script. I managed to find the Dhammapada in that script and I like it so I chose one of my favourite parts from it- verses 277-279, the three marks of all existence.

Sabbe sankhara anicca
Sabbe sankhara dukkha
Sabbe dhamma anatta

All conditioned things are impermanent
All conditioned things are suffering
All things are not-self

I can help you find a copy of the Dhammapada that I used if you're interested in using an inscription from it.

Kind Regards,

Vangelis

padre · 04-13-2009, 09:06 PM

I have 7 tattoos, but none are overtly dharma-related. I have one of dragon claws tearing their way out through the flesh over my heart is based on buddhist experience, but nobody who sees it thinks of the dharma.

I've considered on numerous occasions getting a Geshe Chekawa like this:

awjamison · 04-24-2009, 12:17 PM

I've wanted a buddhist tattoo for a while now, Does anyone know of a symbol for the three marks of existence? I can't seem to find anything besides the sanskrit words. thanks for any ideas you may have...

Palzang · 04-24-2009, 01:40 PM

Hi, AW (or should that be A&W? sorry...)

Actually there is a symbol. It's called the gankyil, and it symbolizes many trinities in Buddhism, including the Three Seals. I'm attaching a picture.

Palzang

Brigid · 04-26-2009, 01:47 PM

That's a beautiful symbol, Palzang. Perfect for a tattoo. I'm very drawn to it. One might have to simplify the explanation of it a bit (I looked it up on Wiki) but I really like how it symbolizes trinities. I've always had a thing for trinities. The flower of Ontario is a Trillium which was decided many years ago and without my input but I highly approve nonetheless.

By any chance can the gankyil be of any other colours or is that a stupid question?

Brigid · 04-26-2009, 01:48 PM

I love Jetsunma's quotation too, by the way. Really hits you in the gut, doesn't it?

Palzang · 04-28-2009, 12:17 PM

I'm not sure how important the colors are or what they may symbolize. And I had the same reaction to the quote, Boo. Just kind leapt out and whacked me over the head!

Palzang

awjamison · 04-28-2009, 08:29 PM

Thanks for your help !

sambodhi · 05-27-2009, 09:53 PM

Just got back from getting tattooed!

The back of my arm...

Close up

Flowers above the Ganesh

The inside of my arm

Yeah I am flexing...

The whole arm so far...

padre · 05-27-2009, 09:54 PM

sweet

Esau101 · 05-27-2009, 10:50 PM

My Tatts are all done in Chinese script. My left arm has so far.... Strenght, courage, Brahman. My right has Peace and Dragon....Sorry haven't taken any pictures, but will if your curious? Will get some more when I can afford it.

Cheers.

Brigid · 05-27-2009, 11:33 PM

OMG!!

Gorgeous! You didn't do all of that today, did you?

Are you going to colour it in or leave it as is? The reason I ask is because I just love the old school green/black/blue ink just as it is without all the yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, purples and so on that so many people get today. I mean, sometimes all the colours are beautiful, really beautiful. But sometimes they seem to obscure the initial artistry in the work, the outline of the image. You know?

Then again, you could get some pretty amazing colour work done with all those magnificent flowers. And the light greens you could get into with the leaves would be totally stunning. Are those peonies at the top? I adore peonies. We just had a few in the house recently. The light pink ones. They were a gift for my mum from an old friend.

I'm rambling. Sorry.

The Ganesh is so beautiful. I love the way his trunk is curved.

What beautiful work, Jordan. Can you tell I'm excited? Lol!

You could show us a pic of your face too, if you felt like it and you're not in the Federal Protection Program or anything.

Brigid · 05-27-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esau101

My Tatts are all done in Chinese script. My left arm has so far.... Strenght, courage, Brahman. My right has Peace and Dragon....Sorry haven't taken any pictures, but will if your curious? Will get some more when I can afford it.

Cheers.

I'm interested! Show us, show us! I love looking at tatts. Almost as much as I like looking through people's photo albums. I really do. That's not a joke. I like looking at people's vacation photos too. I'm kinda nosy that way. Not nosy in the 'looking into people's medicine cabinet' way though.

I think I've had too much coffee...

LesC · 05-28-2009, 11:43 AM

So Boo...? With what is apparently a real love of tattoos... do you have any?

Sorry... ignore that... just checked up the thread where you answered that!

sambodhi · 05-28-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigid

OMG!!

Gorgeous! You didn't do all of that today, did you?

Are you going to colour it in or leave it as is? The reason I ask is because I just love the old school green/black/blue ink just as it is without all the yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, purples and so on that so many people get today. I mean, sometimes all the colours are beautiful, really beautiful. But sometimes they seem to obscure the initial artistry in the work, the outline of the image. You know?

Then again, you could get some pretty amazing colour work done with all those magnificent flowers. And the light greens you could get into with the leaves would be totally stunning. Are those peonies at the top? I adore peonies. We just had a few in the house recently. The light pink ones. They were a gift for my mum from an old friend.

I'm rambling. Sorry.

The Ganesh is so beautiful. I love the way his trunk is curved.

What beautiful work, Jordan. Can you tell I'm excited? Lol!

You could show us a pic of your face too, if you felt like it and you're not in the Federal Protection Program or anything.

No no, this is over many months. A total of 8 hours so far. I'm not going to have it coloured in at all. Just black and gray shading. I may add a hint of green here and there in the leaves of the flowers.

And yes, I can tell you are quite excited!

It's refreshing. This sleeve has basically ended my relationship with my mother. She refuses to speak to me anymore. And when she does, it's strictly business....

Fortunately I have not committed any crimes and can therefore display my face proudly on the Internet...

I'm a youngin', only 20... Do I look innocent and young? I hope so! LOL.

Brigid · 05-28-2009, 04:09 PM

I don't know about young but you do look pretty innocent.

Great photo, Jordan. Love the Bob Marley shirt.

I'm so glad you're not getting it coloured in. It's beautiful as it is.

Don't worry about your mother. She probably just needs time. If she's around my age, from my generation, she's probably more used to them than she realizes. She'll come around.

Thanks for the photos!

Brigid · 05-28-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesC

So Boo...? With what is apparently a real love of tattoos... do you have any?

Sorry... ignore that... just checked up the thread where you answered that!

Actually, Les, I'm glad you asked because a thought came to me when I was reading the question.

I love tatts like I love children. Other people's children.

sambodhi · 05-28-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigid

I don't know about young but you do look pretty innocent.

Great photo, Jordan. Love the Bob Marley shirt.

I'm so glad you're not getting it coloured in. It's beautiful as it is.

Don't worry about your mother. She probably just needs time. If she's around my age, from my generation, she's probably more used to them than she realizes. She'll come around.

Thanks for the photos!

Yeah, a side not about colour - It does "age" as nicely as black and gray. The colours bleed in to each other, fade, etc. It's not a pretty process. Black and gray tattoos at least retain some of their dignity, for what it's worth... *shrug*

aloozer · 06-07-2009, 06:07 AM

Hi All,

I've been thinking of getting a tattoo related to buddhism. Call me narrow-minded or uncreative, I've only come up with the idea of the lotus. lol.

Pls share any good websites which displays nice and good dharma tattoo designs. I should take the time after all to consider all kinds of designs b4 getting inked.

Thanks.

LesC · 06-08-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigid

Actually, Les, I'm glad you asked because a thought came to me when I was reading the question.

I love tatts like I love children. Other people's children.

Hahaha!!!! I HEARD that

Brigid · 06-10-2009, 08:56 PM

winaldo · 06-21-2009, 06:01 PM

hi, everyone.

I really in need to know the Pali version of "Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma sambuddhassa", because I want to make a tattoo from the Pali transcription. is there anyone who can help me? many thanks!

Namo Buddhaya.

Vangelis · 06-22-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winaldo

hi, everyone.

I really in need to know the Pali version of "Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma sambuddhassa", because I want to make a tattoo from the Pali transcription. is there anyone who can help me? many thanks!

Namo Buddhaya.

Sorry, I can't help you with that one. I do, however, have the Dhammapada in Pali in the Devanagari script which I think is one of the nicest scripts that Pali is rendered in. I can email that to you if you like.

Sorry I can't help any more.

Kind Regards,

Vangelis

Orangeblossom · 06-22-2009, 01:56 PM

BEAUTIFUL piece Jordan! Are you going to get in filled in?

winaldo · 06-22-2009, 09:05 PM

Hi Vangelis...

thanks, I would like to! thank you so much, Vangelis.

Regards,

Winaldo

dh_jin · 07-27-2009, 03:21 AM

wow a lot of beautiful tattoos especially sambodhi, though i think i'm too scared to get something that big.

i want to get "anicca" written in pali but i don't know how it's written or anything

i attended a talk by s.n goenka? and heard a story on it there so wanted to get that ever since.

does anyone have maybe a picture of it written out? to show the tattoo artist?

would really appreciate any help, if anyone here has the writing skills and a camera

kind regards,
Jin

prairiegirl · 08-01-2009, 11:13 AM

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and had a question for a tattoo I would like to get. I would like to some lines from the dhammapada tattooed, but I can't seem to a find a nice font that I'd care to have inked on my body. I would like to get a tattoo of

Manopubbaṅgammā dhammā
Manoseṭṭhā manomayā
Manasā ce paduṭṭhena

We are what we think
All that we are arises with our thoughts
With our thoughts we make the world

If anyone knows of a site or a font (or a book!) where I could find this text, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

Brigid · 08-02-2009, 03:35 AM

Hi, PrairieGirl.

Unfortunately I can't help with the script but I did want to say welcome and that I think your choice is a fantastic one. I can't tell you how many times that particular verse comes into my head every day. It's had a profound impact on my life and understanding. So, great choice and welcome to the site.

Vangelis · 08-02-2009, 05:57 AM

Hi PrairieGirl,

I can help you with the Dhammapada in the Devanagari script which is what I used to extract the text for my tattoo. Just PM me with your email address and I can send it to you. If anyone else would like it, just PM me.

Edit: I just noticed that your quote is the first verse of the Dhammapada. I hadn't seen that translation of it before. It should be easy for you then to identify the Pali text you require.

Metta,

Vangelis

03-03-2009, 06:45 AM	#1
Vangelis Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 98	Buddhist Tattoos Hi All, This is a great Buddhist forum which I've only found recently (yes, I'm slow - lol) but I notice there are quite a few familiar faces that I've seen elsewhere, if you know what I mean. Anyway, the reason for my post. I have had a Buddhist Tattoo now for about 2 years and I'm itching to get another. It took me about a year to finalise my tattoo from the time that I decided to get one. I figure that it is for the rest of my life so it has to be just right! So now I'm starting the thinking process again. Who knows how long it will take this time but I thought it would be a good idea for us to post pictures of our tattoos or links to good Buddhist Tattoo websites. I haven't been able to find any really good ones yet. Anyway, to get started here's mine. It's a dhamma wheel with the Pali inscription around it in the Devanagari script. All conditioned things are impermanent, all conditioned things are suffering and all things are not-self - from the Dhammapada 277-279. Looking forward to seeing some more great designs. Kind Regards, Vangelis Last edited by Vangelis; 03-03-2009 at 06:48 AM.

03-04-2009, 02:02 PM	#3
Palzang Lama's Boy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,420	Here's a Sengdoma (lion-headed dakini) mandala I have on my left arm. Palzang __________________ We all want to awaken, but we don't want to stop dreaming. -- Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo Compassion is Revolution! Ora pro nobis Non sibi

03-07-2009, 11:20 PM	#7
Palzang Lama's Boy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,420	I'm so cool I'm frozen... My teacher told us when we were living in Sedona that getting a Dharma tattoo helps purify body karma. Boy, did I need that! So I was thinking about getting one, and I came across this mandala. The one I originally saw had hooked knives in each point of the star and was really cool, but it was too detailed for a tattoo, so I picked the less complicated version. All the symbols here are dakini (enlightened female wisdom beings) symbols. The hooked knife represents cutting through ego, the skull cup represents the union of absolute and relative truth, and the double triangles (which look like a Star of David) are dakinis symbols which, on one level, represent the female orifice, and on another level represent the three attributes of a dakini - unborn, nondwelling, and one other I can't remember. The double triangles represent sexual union, the union of opposites, compassion and wisdom. This particular mandala is of the lion-headed dakini, who is particularly useful for clearing obstacles. She is the secret form of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Palzang __________________ We all want to awaken, but we don't want to stop dreaming. -- Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo Compassion is Revolution! Ora pro nobis Non sibi

03-10-2009, 03:04 AM	#8
BeautifulSpringtimeFist RyuGaku RenShi Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 407	The best thing about my tattoo experience was getting it done in Osaka when my Japanese was still a bit rusty and having a great laugh with the heavily tattoo`d Japanese Rock Chick, who insisted on playing Poison albums throughout the 4 hour session! She was quite surprised to hear that I`d designed it myself! Within my tattoo there are 3 major symbols. 3 different `Ways` are expressed in the design... This first image is the Japanese representation of Bodhidharma. In Japan he is called Daruma and traditionally spherical dolls are made and painted with these same features. The eyes, however, are left blank until the `wish` is written on the front. Then you fill in one pupil and when the wish comes true you colour in the other. The wish I have written is `Mu` or `nothing/lack of`. Bodhidharma`s teachings have always been the ones with which I resonate the most. I like having him on my arm walking along next to me. On Bodhidharma`s left is a crane flying through falling autumn Maple leaves. I love Japanese Maples and feel the most at peace when I am sitting in a forest of them. Maple leaf dsign is also used very heavily in traditional Japanese artforms. The crane represents the soft or feminine side of the Yin Yang opposition. Before I even picked up any texts on Buddhism I was very much into the Tao Te Ching and it continues to inform my practise to this day. On Bodhidharma`s right is a snake slipping though the mist. Mist is another of my favourite natural occurances - especially the way it calms the landscape but can be, at the same time, quite oppressive. It is also used in Japanese art to give a feeling of transience. The snake represents the hard or Masculine side of the Yin Yang philosophy. The third `Way` hidden in the tattoo is related to my name here at NB. Can anyone tell me what it is? Hint - it`s got to do with the snake and crane... A cajillion points if you get it right! __________________ For a peaceful meditation, we need not go to the mountains and streams; When thoughts are quieted down, fire itself is cool and refreshing.

03-10-2009, 10:49 AM	#10
BeautifulSpringtimeFist RyuGaku RenShi Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 407	Ohhh Simon you're soooo close!! __________________ For a peaceful meditation, we need not go to the mountains and streams; When thoughts are quieted down, fire itself is cool and refreshing.

03-04-2009, 07:31 AM	#2
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	Wow!! Gorgeous tattoo! I don't have any but if I did decide on one it would be something like yours, something about the Three Seals. Very cool tattoo and it's nice to meet you, Vangelis. Feel free to tell us a bit about yourself in the New Members thread if you like.

03-10-2009, 11:04 AM	#12
BeautifulSpringtimeFist RyuGaku RenShi Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 407	And the reason would be... __________________ For a peaceful meditation, we need not go to the mountains and streams; When thoughts are quieted down, fire itself is cool and refreshing.

03-10-2009, 11:47 AM	#14
LesC Old friend of the site Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St. George's, Bermuda Posts: 380	Love the dharma wheel tattoo Vangelis, make me wanna rush right out and get one... __________________ That which you are seeking, is causing you to seek.

03-10-2009, 02:38 PM	#16
Simonthepilgrim Fertiliser-in-Waiting Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Cotswolds, UK Posts: 5,118	The legend is true, only the facts may not be. __________________ Metta and Bright Blessings, Let us make greed history, Simon *************** Everything that is in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth is penetrated with connectedness, penetrated with relatedness. Hildegarde von Bingen Myself when young did eagerly frequent Doctor and Saint, and heard great Argument About it and about: but evermore Came out by the same Door as in I went. (The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, quatrain XXVII -trans. E, FitzGerald - 1st edition) http://www.freewebs.com/simonthepilgrim/

03-19-2009, 06:05 AM	#18
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	Simon and BSF, I so enjoyed your exchange and the short descriptions of those stories. So much so that I'm now thinking of having a look into Asian legends. Perhaps I'll look into Thai stories since my practice is Thai. Wonderful stories!

03-19-2009, 08:43 AM	#20
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	So true. I've learned most of what's important through storytelling. I'm a Celt (as much as that's possible) and I was brought up with them and storytelling is almost sacred in my family. My parents are somewhat frustrated actors/performers and we, the children, received the benefit of their talents through their storytelling. When I was a child in school my favourite time wasn't recess; it was when the teacher would read stories to us. I could never get enough of it.

04-06-2009, 05:18 AM	#21
Kattypigen04 Seeker Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1	Eightfold Path - Tattoo Hey there! I really want a tattoo with the Eightfold Path and maybe some Lotus-flowers in addition (to make it more feminine, but my name Kathrine means "Pure" which is what the Lotus-flower represents). I like Vangelis' tattoo a lot, but I think its too big and masculine for me - Vangelis; could you tell me what the Pali inscription means, cause I really like the writing in your tattoo! Please - can someone help me come up with ideas for my first tattoo? xoxo

04-13-2009, 05:17 AM	#22
Vangelis Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 98	Hi Kathrine, The Pali inscription around it is in the Devanagari script. I managed to find the Dhammapada in that script and I like it so I chose one of my favourite parts from it- verses 277-279, the three marks of all existence. Sabbe sankhara anicca Sabbe sankhara dukkha Sabbe dhamma anatta All conditioned things are impermanent All conditioned things are suffering All things are not-self I can help you find a copy of the Dhammapada that I used if you're interested in using an inscription from it. Kind Regards, Vangelis __________________

04-13-2009, 09:06 PM	#23
padre Curmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 25	I have 7 tattoos, but none are overtly dharma-related. I have one of dragon claws tearing their way out through the flesh over my heart is based on buddhist experience, but nobody who sees it thinks of the dharma. I've considered on numerous occasions getting a Geshe Chekawa like this:

04-24-2009, 12:17 PM	#24
awjamison Seeker Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	Symbol of the Three Marks? I've wanted a buddhist tattoo for a while now, Does anyone know of a symbol for the three marks of existence? I can't seem to find anything besides the sanskrit words. thanks for any ideas you may have...

04-24-2009, 01:40 PM	#25
Palzang Lama's Boy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,420	Hi, AW (or should that be A&W? sorry...) Actually there is a symbol. It's called the gankyil, and it symbolizes many trinities in Buddhism, including the Three Seals. I'm attaching a picture. Palzang __________________ We all want to awaken, but we don't want to stop dreaming. -- Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo Compassion is Revolution! Ora pro nobis Non sibi Last edited by Palzang; 02-22-2010 at 07:11 PM.

04-26-2009, 01:47 PM	#26
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	That's a beautiful symbol, Palzang. Perfect for a tattoo. I'm very drawn to it. One might have to simplify the explanation of it a bit (I looked it up on Wiki) but I really like how it symbolizes trinities. I've always had a thing for trinities. The flower of Ontario is a Trillium which was decided many years ago and without my input but I highly approve nonetheless. By any chance can the gankyil be of any other colours or is that a stupid question?

04-26-2009, 01:48 PM	#27
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	I love Jetsunma's quotation too, by the way. Really hits you in the gut, doesn't it?

04-28-2009, 12:17 PM	#28
Palzang Lama's Boy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,420	I'm not sure how important the colors are or what they may symbolize. And I had the same reaction to the quote, Boo. Just kind leapt out and whacked me over the head! Palzang __________________ We all want to awaken, but we don't want to stop dreaming. -- Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo Compassion is Revolution! Ora pro nobis Non sibi

04-28-2009, 08:29 PM	#29
awjamison Seeker Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 2	Thanks for your help !

05-27-2009, 09:53 PM	#30
sambodhi Spiritually Retarded Join Date: May 2009 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 220	Just got back from getting tattooed! The back of my arm... Close up Flowers above the Ganesh The inside of my arm Yeah I am flexing... The whole arm so far...

05-27-2009, 09:54 PM	#31
padre Curmudgeon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 25	sweet

05-27-2009, 10:50 PM	#32
Esau101 Seeker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 23	My Tatts are all done in Chinese script. My left arm has so far.... Strenght, courage, Brahman. My right has Peace and Dragon....Sorry haven't taken any pictures, but will if your curious? Will get some more when I can afford it. Cheers. __________________ Esau."The man whose mind is not under control has no self-knowledge and no contemplation either. Without contemplation he can have no peace; and without peace, how can he have happiness". Bhagavad Gita 2.66 "Know that what they call renunciation is the same as yoga, O Pandava; for no one who has not renounced his desire can ever become a Yogi" Bhagavad Gita 6.2 "If all of my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would choose to keep the power of communication, for by it I would regain all the rest" [Webster, Daniel. Politician & orator (1782 1852]

05-27-2009, 11:33 PM	#33
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	OMG!! Gorgeous! You didn't do all of that today, did you? Are you going to colour it in or leave it as is? The reason I ask is because I just love the old school green/black/blue ink just as it is without all the yellows, reds, pinks, oranges, purples and so on that so many people get today. I mean, sometimes all the colours are beautiful, really beautiful. But sometimes they seem to obscure the initial artistry in the work, the outline of the image. You know? Then again, you could get some pretty amazing colour work done with all those magnificent flowers. And the light greens you could get into with the leaves would be totally stunning. Are those peonies at the top? I adore peonies. We just had a few in the house recently. The light pink ones. They were a gift for my mum from an old friend. I'm rambling. Sorry. The Ganesh is so beautiful. I love the way his trunk is curved. What beautiful work, Jordan. Can you tell I'm excited? Lol! You could show us a pic of your face too, if you felt like it and you're not in the Federal Protection Program or anything.

05-28-2009, 11:43 AM	#35
LesC Old friend of the site Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St. George's, Bermuda Posts: 380	So Boo...? With what is apparently a real love of tattoos... do you have any? Sorry... ignore that... just checked up the thread where you answered that! __________________ That which you are seeking, is causing you to seek.

05-28-2009, 04:09 PM	#37
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	I don't know about young but you do look pretty innocent. Great photo, Jordan. Love the Bob Marley shirt. I'm so glad you're not getting it coloured in. It's beautiful as it is. Don't worry about your mother. She probably just needs time. If she's around my age, from my generation, she's probably more used to them than she realizes. She'll come around. Thanks for the photos!

06-07-2009, 06:07 AM	#40
aloozer Seeker Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1	Hi All, I've been thinking of getting a tattoo related to buddhism. Call me narrow-minded or uncreative, I've only come up with the idea of the lotus. lol. Pls share any good websites which displays nice and good dharma tattoo designs. I should take the time after all to consider all kinds of designs b4 getting inked. Thanks.

06-10-2009, 08:56 PM	#42
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551

06-21-2009, 06:01 PM	#43
winaldo Seeker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Indonesia Posts: 5	hi, everyone. I really in need to know the Pali version of "Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma sambuddhassa", because I want to make a tattoo from the Pali transcription. is there anyone who can help me? many thanks! Namo Buddhaya.

06-22-2009, 01:56 PM	#45
Orangeblossom Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 41	BEAUTIFUL piece Jordan! Are you going to get in filled in?

06-22-2009, 09:05 PM	#46
winaldo Seeker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Indonesia Posts: 5	Hi Vangelis... thanks, I would like to! thank you so much, Vangelis. Regards, Winaldo

07-27-2009, 03:21 AM	#47
dh_jin Seeker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: sydney Posts: 1	wow a lot of beautiful tattoos especially sambodhi, though i think i'm too scared to get something that big. i want to get "anicca" written in pali but i don't know how it's written or anything i attended a talk by s.n goenka? and heard a story on it there so wanted to get that ever since. does anyone have maybe a picture of it written out? to show the tattoo artist? would really appreciate any help, if anyone here has the writing skills and a camera kind regards, Jin

08-01-2009, 11:13 AM	#48
prairiegirl Seeker Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1	dhammapada tattoo Hi there, I'm new to this forum and had a question for a tattoo I would like to get. I would like to some lines from the dhammapada tattooed, but I can't seem to a find a nice font that I'd care to have inked on my body. I would like to get a tattoo of Manopubbaṅgammā dhammā Manoseṭṭhā manomayā Manasā ce paduṭṭhena We are what we think All that we are arises with our thoughts With our thoughts we make the world If anyone knows of a site or a font (or a book!) where I could find this text, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

08-02-2009, 03:35 AM	#49
Brigid Old friend of the site Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4,551	Hi, PrairieGirl. Unfortunately I can't help with the script but I did want to say welcome and that I think your choice is a fantastic one. I can't tell you how many times that particular verse comes into my head every day. It's had a profound impact on my life and understanding. So, great choice and welcome to the site.

08-02-2009, 05:57 AM	#50
Vangelis Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 98	Hi PrairieGirl, I can help you with the Dhammapada in the Devanagari script which is what I used to extract the text for my tattoo. Just PM me with your email address and I can send it to you. If anyone else would like it, just PM me. Edit: I just noticed that your quote is the first verse of the Dhammapada. I hadn't seen that translation of it before. It should be easy for you then to identify the Pali text you require. Metta, Vangelis __________________ Last edited by Vangelis; 08-02-2009 at 06:04 AM.