From year to year, the most ancient religion of the East - Buddhism - replenishes its ranks with new followers. Like any other religion, Buddhist teachings resonate with millions of hearts. Someone decorates their home with symbols of their faith, someone focuses on clothes and jewelry, and some prefer to perpetuate the talisman on their body in the form of an image.
However, recently, Buddhist tattoos are chosen not only by religious people, but also by those who like Eastern teachings. You will learn about which Buddhism-style tattoos are the most relevant in our article.
Great Buddha
Of course, the most popular Buddhist tattoo is the image of the founder of this faith - the Buddha. It carries several meanings and generally acts as a talisman for its owner. The main message of the Buddha image is faith in the best, enlightenment, abundance and good luck. This, according to Buddhists, is the most important criteria of human life. In the photo below you can see what a sketch of a Buddhist tattoo looks like.
There can be a great many variations of the Buddha image. And also, at will, its size and color scheme is selected. Usually the Buddha is depicted surrounded by other positive amulets of Buddhist practice. Thus, the strength of the tattoo is increased several times more.
Dharma Wheel
For those who are not ready to portray the Buddha on their body, you should pay attention to another talisman-tattoo - the Dharma wheel, which symbolizes enlightenment in general and the path to it. It is believed that each of the spokes of the wheel carries a special meaning, which is extremely important for Buddhists.
Most often, the wheel of Dharma is depicted on the body in color, highlighting each of the spokes with its shade. Such a tattoo will be a wonderful decoration for the forearm or wrist.
Lotus
Girls, as the most delicate creatures on the planet, prefer to decorate their bodies with flowers. When it comes to tattoos in the Buddhist style, the choice often falls on the lotus. According to popular beliefs, it is believed that a woman who has chosen a stuffing in the form of a blossoming lotus flower strives to be wiser, as well as to find peace of mind and harmony with the world. In addition, Buddhists believe that the lotus is a symbol of true purity and purity.
Like any tattoo, there is no specific place for applying the lotus and there will be nomaybe. Its location and the shape of the image of the flower depends on the personal desire of the hostess. Professional masters offer their clients sketches of a lotus with oriental patterns on the petals, in a minimalist style or graphics.
An interesting fact is that the chosen shade of the flower also matters. For example, a white lotus is able to protect its owner on a spiritual level, red indicates a woman's crystal clear soul, and blue symbolizes the desire for wisdom and the desire to comprehend the truth of human life.
Hothei's Tattoo
No less significant figure for Buddhists is Hotei or, in other words, the God of prosperity and abundance. Surely, many of you have seen a figurine of a cheerful fat-bellied and bald monk more than once in the homes of relatives or friends. This is Hotei. According to popular beliefs, this figurine brings prosperity, good luck and happiness to the house. Therefore, many decide to make it an image on their body.
Buddhist tattoo-amulet with Hotei is depicted on the upper arm, back or thigh. And, most often, this choice is made by male representatives. Probably due to the fact that the cheerful God Hotei looks a bit heavy on a female body.
Hotei himself can be depicted with various objects in his hands, symbolizing certain riches of the material or spiritual world. However, one thing remains unchanged, namely the bag in the monk's hands. Buddhists believe that in it Hotei wears everything that a person strives for so much, that is, we alth and a variety of food.
Elephant Tattoo
Very serious andThe positive symbol of Buddhists is the elephant. Of course, for our country, the choice of this animal as a drawing on the body may look a little strange, but in eastern countries, elephants are very revered and loved. These big, strong and friendly animals have incredible energy and power. Depicting the head or the full figure of an elephant on the body, a person wants to acquire or strengthen such qualities in himself: dignity, will and love for people around him.
By the way, a tattoo with an elephant does not have to be large at all. Women prefer small images on the collarbone, wrist or lower abdomen.
Thai monk tattoos
In Eastern countries, there is such a phenomenon as the tattoos of Buddhist monks, called Yanttra. Their essence lies in the magical effect on the person on whom they are applied. The tattoo itself is an ancient pattern mixed with Buddhist prayers.
Yanttra is made by hand, using a metal needle with ink. In order to get such a tattoo, everyone goes to the temples of Thailand, where this type of protection is practiced.
In each of these temples, there is a monk who does this work. After going through a special ritual and making a small donation for the temple, you can become the owner of this magical tattoo in just 30 minutes.
The sketch is chosen by the tattoo master himself, depending on what kind of protection you want to receive and depict on your body. Concerninghe alth and safety of the Yanttra, there is indeed a risk of infection. Since, as a rule, the conditions where the monks get these tattoos are somewhat unsafe. However, it seems that this item does not bother the guests of the temple, who come every day for a new amulet.
Problems with Buddhist body tattoos
Recently, stories of people who in one way or another could have some problems because of the images on their bodies of the Buddha are increasingly popping up in the news. For example, some tourists with such tattoos were simply not allowed out of the airport and sent home, considering the tattoo with the Buddha unacceptable.
Also, professional masters of Buddhist tattoos and their meanings are aware that in Eastern countries there is an unspoken rule regarding the place of the image of the Buddha. It is believed that the lower part of the human body is dirty, while the upper one, on the contrary, is clean. This is due to simple concepts, so the face and body of the Buddha should not come into contact with these places. Thus, the tattoo applied to the upper body remains clean and intact.
Perhaps for some, these rules will seem frivolous, but still consider them if you decide to get a Buddhist tattoo on your body. After all, you never know where life can bring and what problems may be due to a seemingly innocent wearable talisman.
