Tattoos, help or hindrance?

[uniformsquare]

I was wondering what you all you think about Buddhist tattoos. Do they cause attachment to the body which is not self? Do they serve as a reminder of the only truth path to ultimate freedom? What is your take on Buddhism, tattoos, and Buddhist tattoos?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

I've never really understood tattoos, nor had much interest to them.

As I understand it though, tattoos are often personal things that symbolise something of significance to the wearer.

In the context of Buddhist tattoos, there will obviously be some reaction... it is that reaction which, as you say could be a "help" (if it promotes mindstates of wisdom, lovingkindess, generosity) or a "hindrance" (if it promotes mindstates of delusion, greed or aversion).

Each person's reaction to their own tattoos will be different... if you're contemplating it, think about how you think you'll relate to it.

Metta,
Retro.

[bodom]

Theres only five hindrances you need to worry about and tattoos arent one of them.

[Demarous]

I remember we had a discussion on tattoo's a while ago, and as it is not a problem even if the Sangha are allowed tattoos, whatever they be, related or not, they are not a problem.

I can see the help that 'reminder' tattoo's can give, for instance if you are getting angry, a buddha reminder on you arm for instance may aid you to calm yourself and remember the lack of importance of the situation.

I think if its a not so nice tattoo that you dislike, you would be able to lose attachment to it as you progress, if it bothers you at all that is!

Metta,
Demarous.

[Guy]

Tattoos are neither a help nor a hinderance, they are just tattoos. However, a desire to get a tattoo would be the 1st hinderance (sensual desire) and an aversion to people who have tattoos (including yourself if you already have one) would be the 2nd hinderance (ill-will).

[Ben]

I suggest you practice dana as that will benefit your practice more than getting a tattoo.

[acinteyyo]

Hello,
Tattoos might be helpful. I have been thinking about a tattoo for some time. A dhammawheel. It represents the 4 noble truths (including the 8-fold path which is shown through the 8 spokes.) The Dhamma and Samsara. The pain by "tattoing the tattoo reminds on dukkha. The tattoo will change by and by which reminds on anicca. The tattoo doesn't exist by itself. It depends on tatto artist, the one who be tattoed or rather the body which be tattoed, ink and so on which reminds on anatta.
As a matter of course these things can be seen in nature all the time but for someone it could be a helpful thing if one understands and sees the tattoo with wisdom.
I'm of the same opinion as bodom_bad_boy and Guy

Theres only five hindrances you need to worry about and tattoos arent one of them.

Tattoos are neither a help nor a hinderance, they are just tattoos. However, a desire to get a tattoo would be the 1st hinderance (sensual desire) and an aversion to people who have tattoos (including yourself if you already have one) would be the 2nd hinderance (ill-will).

greetings, acinteyyo