the TAO of TATTOOING 1

Foreword

In this series of blog entries I will offer my fledgling, humble interpretations of Lao-Tsu's 81 chapters of the Tao te ching, as it applies to tattooing.  I am in no way attempting to represent myself as a master of Taoist philosophy, however Lao-Tsu's teachings have inspired me for several decades, and I often look to them for inspiration in dealing with the many challenges of my chosen profession.
   I intend to find my way through each of the chapters, and compile them here in my blog until they are complete, at which time I will publish them in book form for my friends and colleagues in tattooing. I hope that my interpretations might assist and inspire my peers, my clients, my friends, to better understand tattooing, and the meaningful impact it has on all of our lives.  And if perhaps these interpretations lead anyone back to the original teachings of Lao-Tsu, well then I will have truly done something to enrich the world.

the TAO of TATTOOING

1

Which images make good tattoo images

cannot be lastingly quantified.

The naming of a particular image

is not enough to assume its integrity.

A tattoos legitimacy is born of inspiration.

Lists and categories

merely describe it after its creation.

Striving to create a perfect image

will only inhibit ones inspiration.

It is true one must discern ones intent-but then

 one must let go the idea of perfection, and allow space for epiphany.

It is in the abandonment of the quest for perfection

that one may find the inspiration to achieve it.