Buddhist Beliefs

Buddha discouraged the use of images; however, over the centuries many different forms have entered Buddhist iconography including Buddhist tattoos. Buddhists monks are often the tattooists during some festivals, particularly in Thailand.

Due to the different forms of Buddhism worldwide there is no agreed consciousness of opinion on the art of tattooing.

The art work in Buddhist tattoos can be breathtaking, however, the tattoos are more than intricate and fanciful designs, and each tattoo represents one or more of the teachings of Buddha.

Henna tattoos are particularly popular for depicting Mandalas. These are geometrical designs which symbolize the universe. Mandalas are ritualistically used by Buddhists to aid meditation.

The traditional Buddhist tattoo for luck, wealth and blessing uses mantras, the outline of the tattoo, yantras, are usually geometric designs based on images of Buddha’s, Bodhisattvas, the Lotus, the Buddhist heart and other sacred symbols. This style of tattoo is also believed to help to avoid harm and evil spirits.

There are 108 different sutras which can be used with this tattoo, which means that most people’s birthday and needs as different combinations of sutra, mantra and yantra can be used.

The seated Buddha with his hands forming the mudra, which symbolizes the setting in motion of the wheel of teaching the dharma, is a tattoo which is often used.

The Time Wheel, which in broad terms means the cycles of time in Tibetan Buddhism is also used frequently as are the words Om Mane Padme Hum, which mean ‘Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus’ when translated.

Dharma wheels represent the Wheel of Truth and Law which the Buddha would spin to indicate the beginning of a new cycle of teachings. Spinng the Dharma is believed to change the course of destiny. The Dharma Wheel is a circlur tattoo which has eight spokes which represent the Eightfold Noble Path.

Each spoke symbolizes one of the following:

Thought- The conscious effort to avoid indulging in bad/harmful thoughts.

Speech- Being responsible about what is said and speaking the truth with consideration for the feelings of others.

Actions- The resulting fruits of correct thought and speech.

Livelihood- Practising correct thought, speech, and actions in the daily work life.

Understanding- Developing true wisdom.

Effort- Persevering with a good attitude through life’s trials.

Mindfulness- Living life in the present, letting go of the past, and letting the future take care of itself.

Concentration- Keeping a calm frame of mind.

Buddhist tattoos of lotus blossoms can have slightly different meanings, depending on how they are drawn and which colors are used.

A Pink lotus blossom represent Buddha himself.

A White lotus blossom represents purity of the mind and body.

A Red lotus blossom represents purity in matters of the heart.

A Blue lotus blossom represents wisdom and triumph over physical longing.

Buddhist tattoos of an unopened lotus blossom symbolizes the potential for enlightenment, while an opened blossom represents full enlightenment.