the TAO of TATTOOING 3

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.

3

Over value the famous, or notorious tattooer,

and one is likely to seem diminished in ones efforts.

Over value a particular style, 

and the diminished will try to copy it.

Stop over thinking and get to work.

Abandon the goal of making the best tattoo ever,

and just make the best tattoo you can.

A master tattooer might be indiscernible.

Produce with supreme attention,

but let go of the outcome.

Bewilder those still mired in self doubt

simply by doing his job.