the TAO of TATTOOING 30

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


30

A tattooer who relies on the Tao in dealing with clients,
doesn't attempt to force issues.
There can be no resolution in consultation,
that has become a battle of wills.
Advice, no matter how well intended,
will not be heeded if it is forced upon a client.

The Master tattooer offers his advice,
then lets go.
He understands that ultimately
the responsibility belongs to the client,
and that trying to coerce the client
goes against the flow of the Tao.
When you believe in yourself,
you need not try to convince others.
You offer your advisement,
but don't need others to follow it.
To enable the client to surrender control of the tattoo,
you must first surrender control of the tattoo to the client.