the TAO of TATTOOING 31

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


31

Drama and conflict:
all decent men detest them.

Conflict within the studio is inevitable,
delighting in that conflict creates drama.
A decent man will never delight in it.
A decent man will show restraint,
employing diplomacy and understanding.
He is loathe to force his position,
only doing so at true necessity.
He will call upon his authority with calm detachment.
Solemn, and saddened to be forced to do so.

Those who delight in exerting power over others
cannot achieve mastery.
Therefore a Master will not do so.