The TAO of TATTOOING 41

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


41

When an exceptional tattooer hears of the Tao,
he imediately begins to internalize it.
When an average tattooer hears of the Tao,
He half accepts it, half rejects it.
When a foolish tattooer hears of the Tao,
he dismisses it entirerly.
If he didn't dismiss it,
it wouldnt be the Tao.

Often the surest way to become a better tattooer
is to stick with what you are already good at.
Often the fastest way to become succesful
is to abandon the ambition for achievement.

Look for the Tao and it will never be found.
Though there is nothing to be found that is not the Tao.