the TAO of TATTOOING 24

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


24

Those who attempt tattoos beyond their skill, fail in the task.
Those who rush to know the masters technique, miss the fundamentals.
Those who seek celebrity and notariety, look like fools.
Those who say they are the best, know they are not.
Those who praise their own work, have not the praise of others.
Those who brag about themselves, do not have lasting careers.

Those with the TAO call such behaviors wasteful and ruinous.
They despise them.
Thus, those who embrace the TAO do not engage in them.