the TAO of TATTOOING 46

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

46

When a tattoo studio is in harmony with the Tao,

the artists do their work with gladness for the popularity of tattoos.

When a tattoo studio goes against the Tao,

the artists think of every other tattoo studio as a threat.

There is no greater illusion than the fear of client scarcity,

no greater wrong than to try to rise up by holding other down,

no greater misfortune than making enemies of your colleagues.

The tattooer who knows these things

will always have enough work.