the TAO of TATTOOING 42

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

42 

The Tao gave rise to what came first.

What came first gave rise to what came second.

What came second gave rise to what came third.

What came third gave rise to everything that has followed.

All things are descended from this depthless lineage of causality

and influence the future by their actions.

To exist in a harmonious state,

One must internalize this relationship with the infinite.

Ordinary tattooers hate the idea of being insignificant.

But the Master tattooer makes use of it,

embracing his insignificance, understanding

he is one with the whole of creation.

Trying to be more, 

a tattooer becomes less.

Trying to be less,

a tattooer becomes more.