Sinhala and Siddham scripts

[stickywater]

I am just looking to get some knowledge and opinions on the sinhala and siddham scripts. I am going to get a tattoo with the Pali mantra/chant "May all beings be well." I am debating between these two scripts. Now from what I understand, Sinhala was the original Pali script...and since I am part Thai(Theravada School), the Sinhala script would be perfect. But I also like the way the Siddham script looks, and i understand it is used more for Sanskrit. The Siddham script is much bolder and has less characters for this mantra, so it flows nicely with the rest of the tattoo. So all that being said, let me also mention this...i am going to do what i feel is right in my mind for this, but i just would like to be as educated as i can be before i make my decision. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you!

[daverupa]

Isn't it simply an artistic decision?

[vinodh]

Better in Thai

สพฺเพ สตฺตา สุขิ โหนฺตุ

[stickywater]

yes it is an artistic decision for sure. i am just realizing this as i have been searching through the Pali sub forum. and the Thai is nice, something to think about...but i already have some Thai script tattooed. thank you for your input!

[daverupa]

Just watch out for unscrupulous tattoo artists with a knowledge of ancient scripts who might make a joke of writing "Brahma is my Atta" or something.

[stickywater]

no this is a good friend of mine, great artist also. and i am the one doing all the research. he is just giving me the artistic point of view

[vinodh]

Personally.. I love Siddham..

But since you are looking for a possible Theravada touch.. Khmer is also a good choice.. you might want to think about that..

V

[stickywater]

Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.

[David N. Snyder]

Any of those scripts would look nice. I personally prefer Brahmi, for its historical significance.

[amcgar2]

I have the word Metta written in Pali: मेत्ता but am interested in seeing it written in other Pali scripts. Please let me know if anyone can help.

Thank you,
☮

[vinodh]

मेत्ता

Thai : เมตฺตา

Sinhala : මේත්තා

Khmer : មេត្តា

If you need the Brahmi equivalent let me know.

V

[David N. Snyder]

A site referring to the various scripts:

http://www.visiblemantra.org/scripts.html

[halaha]

Please allow me to correct the Pali word metta written in Sinhala It should be මෙත්තා

halaha

[tiltbillings]

Well its nice to have so many options! I will most likely use a few different scripts to transiliterate other Pali mantras, chants, or phrases elsewhere on my body. But for this piece in particular, the Siddham script will cap of a sleeve nicely on the wrist. It just fits perfectly. I can use the Khmer, Thai, and Sinhalese text for other pieces.

If you do not have a copy of of it, I would recommend John Stevens' SACRED CALLIGRAPHY OF THE EAST.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchR ... &x=44&y=20

It has the Siddham alphabet explained in detail.