the TAO of TATTOOING 15

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


15

The Old timers's influence on us is profound.

They were able to bear tattooing

through an age that scarcely embraced it.

There is no way we can be like them,
though many imitate their appearances and works.

They endured hardships
we will never face.
Discovered principles of good tattoo design
that may never be outdated.
Struggled to learn technique
when no one shared information.
Labored to get equipment
before industrial manufacturing.
Carried on delving the mystery
in a society that shunned the art.

Do you have the patience to learn good technique
before you take on large work?
Do you have the humility to learn good design
before you make custom tattoos?

The Master doesn't become a master
by skipping over tradition.
He is able to create innovative tattoos
because he has grasped the traditional.