Another thread about Hinduism & tattoos.

[Aupmanyav]

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.

My son has exactly that, but I think the size is too large (and I do not like it for that reason).

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 beliefs is about it...

Yes, Swastika always creates problems. At each forum, I had to explain my avatara, but I have managed to do so. My nick and avatara is same in all. It represents religion and culture (Yajnopavita/Kushti/Mekhala)

 

[Prana Pastime]

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.

The tattoos I chose to get were reminders. I felt they would act as connectors to higher thinking or the higher self. I found that the grace of the Supreme
Being was not changed much after my getting the tattoos. What I mean is, if you were a thoughtful, introspective, and spiritual person before the tattoos
you will be the same after the tattoos.

 

[Kirran]

Maybe conversation starting will be about sense satisfaction. But maybe it will assist in the welfare of others or spiritual progress.

 

[Madhuri]

Thoughts?

Honestly, I don't see much reason why it would be a problem. Logical reason, that is. I've never heard of a religious/Hindu argument against it until this thread but from the responses so far, I don't see any real objection. Is it really harm against the body? It hurts for a little while but...who cares? We get piercings and nobody objects. It isn't causing any serious harm. Even if you argue that it's about image/ego. Well, so is making sure we look good by wearing jewellery or buying fashionable clothing. Sure, detaching from materialism is a great thing that most of us aspire to. But I don't see why you should argue that a tattoo is worse than these other things.
IMO if you want it, get it. I know plenty of very religious Hindus with tattoos. It shouldn't impact on your spiritual development. It won't corrupt your soul, lol.

 

[Aupmanyav]

What I mean is, if you were a thoughtful, introspective, and spiritual person before the tattoos
you will be the same after the tattoos.

But if you were not a thoughtful, introspective and spiritual person before the tattoos, then things might change for better after the tattoo.
What is already shining does not need polishing, it is about the lost sheep.

 

[Kalibhakta]

There are a sect of Untouchable Leather Workers in India who tattoo Lord Rama's name on their body to negate their untouchable status. If they can't go to temple, they become the temple.

http://www.georgesdayan.com/features/nr/index.html
http://www.georgesdayan.com/features/nr/nr_pictures/index.html
Look at them. Their clothes, their bodies, all marked with the name of God.

I think tattoos have a place in Hinduism