the TAO of TATTOOING 23

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


23

Tattoo with absolute commitment,
When you draw, there is only drawing.
When you pull lines, there is only lining.
When you are shading, there is only shading.

Open yourself completely to tattooing,
and be at one with the task.
Open yourself to the successes,
and use them to encourage you onward.
Open yourself to the challenges,
and allow them to inspire your effort.
Open yourself to the failures,
and they will develop your humility.
 Open yourself to your clients,
and allow them to be a part of it all.

Absolute confidence is required to tattoo well.
It comes from having faith in yourself,
and letting all other processes take their natural course.