Another thread about Hinduism & tattoos.

[StarryNightshade]

Quick inquiry about tattoos: what is your thought on people who are initiated or are priests who have Vedic/otherwise non-offensive tattoos?

Ever since high school, I've always wanted a few tattoos. However, since my initiation, I've been hearing conflicting POVs. One of my diksha gurus says it's himsa against the body, but my God-brother (so to speak) is currently planning on a few tattoos and there has been nothing negative said about it.

Although it's from ISKCON (I'm still trying to figure out the Sri Vaishnava stance), there is an article that takes a relatively neutral position on devotees who have devotional or non-offensive tattoos on their bodies.

http://btg.krishna.com/inking-supreme

Thoughts?

 

[Kirran]

Personally, I don't see that there'd be much in favour of it. This is not to say it'd be terrible, just that I think it would come under harming the body, and would also be for the purposes of one's image, one's ego. A tattoo being something to display, ultimately, in almost all cases.

Wouldn't say it's some crime, but I don't think they'd be hugely helpful on your path.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Although it's from ISKCON (I'm still trying to figure out the Sri Vaishnava stance), there is an article that takes a relatively neutral position on devotees who have devotional or non-offensive tattoos on their bodies.

Don't over-do it. It should not be an emphatic assertation of the religious views, not loud. But I would not mind a small tattoo (Swastika, Om, or some such sattvik thing - Vasudevaya Namah).

 

[SpentaMaynu]

Funny that there would be a thread on this the very day I've got my first tattoo... I would very much like to hear what others more knowledgable than me have to say but here's my opinion: I believe that my body is the house of my spirit which is one with God and therefore my body is also the house of God (hope this doesn't sound too Christian). So as I put paintings and photos on the walls of my house to decorate it so I want to decorate my body. I don't think it's harmful (yes it might be a bit painful, rather like the nail that goes into the wall before the painting or photo goes up). I do agree that it shouldn't be over done and careful consideration should be given as to what you put up (well unlike a painting you can't just decide to take a tattoo off once it's on). And I don't think there's anything wrong with those who decide not to put paintings or photos on the walls of their houses either... After all, it's their house

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

I think if you're doing it for the purposes of showing off, then it falls under "feeding the ego". If you wanted to get a small "AUM" on the inside of the wrist, or even a very a elaborate tattoo , but in a place normally covered by clothes, then i see no conflict from a religious standpoint. In terms of harming the body, it's your body. If it's self inflicted but not out of hatred for the body (But rather a celebration of it) then I think you're fine. I can see both sides.

To me there's a difference between someone who cuts themselves because of mental distress and the person who, being sound of mind, chooses to ornament or color the body. In that sense it no different than any other bodily adornment like clothes or jewelry.

 

[Aupmanyav]

And I don't think there's anything wrong with those who decide not to put paintings or photos on the walls of their houses either... After all, it's their house

Loud music, it jars many. A melody is better. Serenade.

 

[SomeRandom]

I don't see anything wrong with tattoos. But then again, I'm from the "ooooh tats are cool" camp.
My ears were pierced when I was barely 10 months old. This was done purely for cultural purposes. I pierced the top of my ear a few years ago because I thought it looked cool. This was oddly seen as something traditional by the local Hindu Community. Both tattoos and piercings modify and cause harm (if only for a while) to your body. Both are more or less permanent. But most born Hindus (both male and female) that I've seen have piercings. Even to the point where it's considered something of a symbol of one's cultural identity. So why would tattoos be too far?

 

[Aupmanyav]

I think when it comes down to it, you should just have a long think about why you want the tattoo you want, if there are any potential drawbacks (ex: Many foreign countries will deport people with having religious tattoos when migrating to a country despite the intention of the tattoo,) and whether or not you think it will be worth having for the rest of your life.

Good that you point this out. However, I do not agree with the Lama. He is a monk, we are laymen. In that case he may say why do we comb our hair! No problem about your post. Buddhist view point is welcomed and respected in Hinduism forum, fellow 'dharmic' religion.

 

[Prana Pastime]

Quick inquiry about tattoos: what is your thought on people who are initiated or are priests who have Vedic/otherwise non-offensive tattoos?

Ever since high school, I've always wanted a few tattoos. However, since my initiation, I've been hearing conflicting POVs. One of my diksha gurus says it's himsa against the body, but my God-brother (so to speak) is currently planning on a few tattoos and there has been nothing negative said about it.

Although it's from ISKCON (I'm still trying to figure out the Sri Vaishnava stance), there is an article that takes a relatively neutral position on devotees who have devotional or non-offensive tattoos on their bodies.

http://btg.krishna.com/inking-supreme

Thoughts?

I would say maybe its best to inquire or ask with your initiating guru or svami about tattoos. I was wondering the Vaishnava opinion also on tattoos because I hope to
get initiated eventually but I already have two tattoos( idk).

 

[Kirran]

If you've already had them, I can't imagine they'll hold you back.

 

[StarryNightshade]

Yeah, if you already have them when you're initiated, there really isn't much you can do.

 

[Kirran]

Removal surgery would probably come under himsa, I don't know the details of it!

 

[StarryNightshade]

For the record, if I did get a tattoo, it would probably be a geometric lotus flower with either a simple OM or swastika in the center of it. It would be on my upper arm and concealable with clothes. Of course, I'm not entirely sure if I would get it now, but it's still an idea.

 

[Kirran]

To look at the other side, what would you see as the benefits of getting it?

 

[StarryNightshade]

To look at the other side, what would you see as the benefits of getting it?

Which is a good point. After all, disassembling the ego is what we're all aiming for in this lifetime.

So, in the grand scheme of it all, aside from being a possible reminder of ones path or goal? Not much.

 

[Kirran]

So, in the grand scheme of it all, aside from being a possible reminder of ones path or goal? Not much.

Do you think it would work well in this regard? Do you need reminding?

 

[StarryNightshade]

Do you think it would work well in this regard? Do you need reminding?

I think everyone could use all of the reminders they can get. Unless one is a sannyasi or already enlightened (which probably isn't that high of a number).

 

[Kirran]

I think everyone could use all of the reminders they can get. Unless one is a sannyasi or already enlightened (which probably isn't that high of a number).

Yes, I see your point. Prompts are of use to the majority of practitioners, whose minds may wander on occasion or a lot. So I suppose the question is, would a tattoo significantly act to reduce this? Maybe it would be better to have it on your hand or something for this kind of purpose.

 

[SpentaMaynu]

To look at the other side, what would you see as the benefits of getting it?

One reason might be as a conversation starter. I realize this gets dangerously close to blowing up the ego but still - If, for instance, someone see your tattoo of a swastika (of which there is great misconception with many people) and ask why you have it you can explain the true meaning or what your feelings and believes is about it...

 

[Aupmanyav]

Removal surgery would probably come under himsa, I don't know the details of it!

At least unnecessary. Does a tattoo influence your atma?

Do you think it would work well in this regard? Do you need reminding?

Yes, maya is strong, reminders are needed constantly.