the TAO of TATTOOING 20

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

20

It is said that ignorance is bliss.
It seems this may be true.
Everywhere one looks, one finds,
that an honest appraisal of reality is unwelcome.
Others prefer polite lies to undesirable truths.

Ours is a world,
astray from ideals which can endure.
Those seeking excitement and sensory fulfillment,
will look with confusion and even scorn-
on those who would have reason be our guide.

The easier path to riches and fame,
is darkness, dishonesty, and denial.
I will face the more difficult path.
The easier way to a sense of contentment,
is to not consider these things at all.
I choose discontent over delusion.

In tattooing, as in life,
one who seeks truth, above self indulgence
must be prepared to be an outsider.