Animism is all about the union of spirit and matter – there is no separation of the body from the soul, and all forms of life have their own personal soul. People, animals, insects, plants are all imbued with a personal life force that is indestructible.

Animism is not tied strictly to living things either. This belief system also maintains that material objects have their own souls that have some bearing on their destiny. The average believer would then encounter countless souls as he goes about his daily life; some good, some evil and some indifferent.

How does this relate to tattoos? In Thai tradition, getting a tattoo is a deeply spiritual experience, just as it can be for many people the world over. However, a genuine Thai tattoo received from one of the Buddhist monks is believed to act as an amulet that carries powers of its own. Believers seek these tats as a form of gaining strength and protection from the spiritual realm, and, to some degree, a bit of control over it.

As the monks work away at the flesh, they pray over the tats they are creating, instilling each design with the qualities traditionally associated with it. A tattoo of a particular god might gain that god’s favor, protection and guidance over the wearer’s life. The tattoo of an animal like a tiger might protect the person wearing it from evil and physical harm, for example

Brian, I respect your opinion, however, I would not say that every Buddhist feels the body “is just a temporary shell, to be discarded when we are done with it.” There is no ‘me’ outside of anything.

In regards to the issue of tattoos, I feel one must examine the intention behind getting the tattoo. If you are decorating your body to remind yourself during meditation, as mentioned above, then I feel there is nothing wrong with that. It’s not a necessity but certainly not wrong. If, however, you are getting a tattoo to show off your beliefs to others then you should look at how inflated your ego may be.

Your body is as much of you as your mind is. I would treat it as such. Decorate it or don’t but always respect it because without it…there is no you.

-Jeff

http://theworsthorse.com/category/dharma-tattoos/

http://theworsthorse.com/bodyvows1.html

http://theworsthorse.com/bodyvows2.html

http://theworsthorse.com/bodyvows3/bodyvows3.html

….keep up the great work!

But I’ve never been to a temple that is not decorated in some fashion.

I have quite a few tattoos and many of them were done before I became a Buddhist. The last two I have are quite large and are Japanese in style and depict wisdom and transformation and for me they relate directly to my Buddhism and gradual commencement to awakening. That said as a professional I keep them covered at work and treat them as personal. Here tattoos are everywhere and a random variation of designs and a mix of styles and worn by a whole range of people.

Namaste

David

Changed my whole way of thinking about tattoos once I learned that!

I am sure those that haven’t taken refuge that don’t think they will take it can get whatever they want. However those that are committed to the path of Buddhism definitely would need to think twice

“What the Buddha Taught” Walpola Rahula (Mostly Theravada Buddhism)

“The Heart of The Buddha’s Teachings” Thich Nhat Hanh (Zen Mahayana, and general)

“The Buddha in Daily Life” Richard Causton (Nichiren, Mahayana)

“The Promise of Boundless Compassion” – Dr. Alfred Bloom (Shin Mahayana)

“Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” Shunryu Suzuki (Classic Zen)

All are available through Amazon.

I have the pani mantra in Tibettan on my inner calf. The position so that if my gaze wanders down in meditation I have something to aid in drawing me back, or alternatively, something to meditate on.

I since hear that in many cultures the use of buddhist tattoos below the waist is considered almost ‘blasphemous’?

Aaah well. I’m not living within those cultures.