there is a lot of discussion around the concept of getting a buddha tattoo. while some see it as a sign of devotion, others see it as blasphemy. Of course, this is mainly due to cultural differences, but it is extremely important to take these contrasts into account in order to enhance the teachings of the Buddha through respect.
In this article on Buddha tattoos, we will not only give you a brief introduction to Buddhism, but also examine the legality, controversy, and cultural significance of Buddha representations. Plus, we’ve handpicked some of the best buddha tattoo designs for inspiration!
why buddhism and buddha tattoos?
the teachings of the buddha reach far and wide. And there are many reasons why so many people resonate with the life he led, the lessons he taught. Buddhism may have divided into many different sects over the centuries, but the basis is pretty much the same: the four noble truths.
These four truths acknowledge the undeniable existence of suffering, but also provide relief from that suffering…and not just yours, but everyone’s. the key to freedom from innate pain is the noble eightfold path: a practice that includes compassion, meditation, mindfulness, generosity, and other common traits that have a powerful and positive effect on the world.
beyond the buddha’s wonderful advice to live a fuller life, he also taught us that all sentient beings have what is called “tathāgatagarbha”: the inherent buddha nature. which means that anyone, and everyone, already has enlightenment within them… they just have to discover it.
Buddhism is, at its core, beautifully inclusive… and it is all of these things, and more, that have inspired so many to follow his path, or to illuminate their skin with depictions of him, be it a little buddha buddha symbol tattoo or tattoo. believe me, there are many ways to show your love… and ink is just one of them that can be very transformative if done in a pure hearted way.
frequently asked questions about the buddha tattoo
what is the meaning of the buddha tattoo?
The meaning of a buddha tattoo usually has to do with love and devotion to the Buddhist practice. Just like someone getting a tattoo of a cross or a rosary, a buddha tattoo denotes that a person is serious about her faith and wants to show it on her skin. However, some people just like the aesthetics of the Buddhist culture, which may not be the right reason to get a Buddha tattoo, as we explain below.
Are buddha tattoos offensive?
a buddha tattoo can be offensive to some people in different cultures, especially those who keep Buddhism at the core of their religious or value system. Buddha’s teachings and depictions of him are considered deeply holy and sacred. They deserve respect above all because they are not intended to be merely decorative or ornamental.
is it disrespectful to have a buddha tattoo?
yes. It may be disrespectful. yoni zilber, a tattoo artist who specializes in tibetan art, explains, “tibetan buddha images and mantras are very sacred and must be respected. it is customary to hang pictures of buddha in the highest place in your house and treat it with respect. if you put it on your body, especially your bottom, it can be seen as extreme disrespect. you sit on the toilet with this body part and put it on the sand on the beach. the buddha is not supposed to end up in such inappropriate places.”
can Buddhist monks get tattoos?
Yes, Buddhist monks can get tattoos! Perhaps the most famous example of this is the monks at Wat Bang Phra. Buddhist monks at this Thailand-based temple practice the sacred art of Sak Yant tattooing. but nevertheless, believe it or not, there are many different monks who are also tattooed.
alexander reinke, also known as horikitsune, is a skilled irezumi tattoo artist who was ordained a zen monk in 2011. josh korda, although he chooses not to be an ordained monk, is tattooed from the top of his head to his feet, and is extremely important to the contemporary buddhist community in the united states.
both are excellent examples of many Europeans and Westerners who have embraced the Buddhist style and tattoos…but this means they have the proper training and understanding to get tattoo designs that are respectful and honorable.
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are buddha tattoos illegal in thailand and other buddhist countries?
technically no. Buddha tattoos are not illegal in Thailand or Sri Lanka. but they are highly frowned upon, and both thailand and sri lanka have called for bans. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is another country where these tattoos are not acceptable. They not only see Buddha tattoos as cultural appropriation, but also as grossly disrespectful to their religious values, icons, and history.
can you get arrested if you have a buddha tattoo?
yes, you can be arrested in certain areas if you have a buddha tattoo. in an article by mark hay for tricycle magazine, he gives some examples, “in 2013 and 2014, respectively, sri lanka deported british tourists anthony ratcliffe and naomi coleman, both with buddhist tattoos on their arms. In August 2015, 15 state officials arrested Jason Polley, a Canadian tourist, and his girlfriend, Margaret Lam, at their Myanmar hostel after photos of Polley’s Buddhist tattoos went viral.”
what are the most acceptable body parts for a buddha tattoo?
The most acceptable body part for a Buddha tattoo is anywhere above the waist.
should i cover up my buddha tattoo while traveling to buddhist countries?
yes, you should definitely cover up your buddha tattoo while traveling to buddhist countries. it is a sign of respect and will ensure that you do not incur any unnecessary problems during your stay.
why is it bad to get a buddha tattoo?
getting a buddha tattoo can be bad if it is not done in a respectful way or with a pure heart. Some people who hold these beliefs as sacred see them as cultural appropriation or simply blasphemy. while others argue that because Buddhism is a “universal belief system”, or because Buddhism espouses detachment and the integral emptiness and transience of all things, the images don’t really matter.
But regardless of your belief, if your tattoo causes pain to others, then it may go against Buddhist values. In short, your ego-based choice to do something that you specifically know may emotionally hurt others may reverse a part of what you thought was beautiful.
what can I get instead of a buddha tattoo?
Instead of a buddha tattoo you can get many buddhist symbols which are also very meaningful and indicative of your strong devotion or beliefs. a lot of buddhist art is absolutely beautiful. If you’re in New York, be sure to visit the Rubin Museum of Art. Or you can also refer to books like those by Robert Beer or Dagyab Rinpoche. but you can also create your own meaningful symbols and designs!
Buddhism is a personal journey for all of us…for me, the vision of a still lake reflecting the sky perfectly represents my Zen practice. for others, an endless knot may link their Irish and Buddhist histories. Or perhaps a motorcycle wheel can be a tribute to your love of bicycles and the dharmachakra.
Buddhism is about being authentic, pure, open…so what does that mean to you and your personal visual language? if you don’t know it yet: play with it! create it! be spontaneous and have fun with it. It’s also helpful if you find an artist who knows about these things and can help you on your journey to find a Buddhist tattoo with a unique meaning just for you.
tips on buddha tattoos from yoni zilber
in an interview with ross howerton, yoni zilber talked about a significant experience she had related to tattoos. “i met a very high ranking lama in india and asked him what he thought about holy tibetan images tattooed on people’s bodies. He said that tattoos are beautiful, but he doesn’t really like to see mantras and Buddhas tattooed on people, “recalls Zilber.
“But he also recognized that if it’s done in a respectful way, not on your butt or near your crotch, he sees that as a way you can show respect in a meaningful way. So now I won’t get any holy image tattooed below my waist, and I think if you put it on your skin, you better respect it.”
“If someone wants to get a Buddha tattoo, keep in mind that the image is sacred to many people and they don’t see it as just decorative,” Zilber says. “I’d get something else if it’s just for looks, but if you’re going to do it, don’t put it below your waist. place it on your arms or on your upper back, that way if you travel to the Far East, you won’t get weird looks or worse, trouble depending on who you meet.”
tattoo artists who work with spiritual iconography
jondixaries rhysingpepe vicioryan roixapiripayoni zilberkarma yeshe
robert ryanwaz artjoel melrosechristopher scottgianni gigliottifreddy leochad koeplinger
buddha tattoo design ideas placed correctly
buddha tattoo sleeve
A buddha tattoo sleeve involves the entire arm and is a great way to show people that you are truly dedicated to your path. this is also a great opportunity to include many different symbols of Buddhism.
buddha tattoo on the back
Although you may not be able to see it yourself, think of a buddha tattoo on your back as a way to always carry it with you to a very special place!
buddha forearm tattoo
Just like a buddha tattoo sleeve, placing a buddha tattoo on the forearm is great because if you want this piece to be a permanent reminder to follow the buddhist path, he will always be there to guide you.
buddha tattoo on the arm
The torso is the best place to place a buddha tattoo in general, especially since it means you can easily cover it up if you’re in the company of someone you don’t want to disturb. the upper arm is best, but really any part of the torso is a good place.
Buddha tattoo on the chest
many people choose to get a buddha tattoo on the chest because this location is closest to the heart. you’ll see it every day, as will other people you choose to show your work to.
popular types of buddha tattoos
here are some buddha tattoo ideas that can help you find something you feel comfortable with. Many people get these types of tattoos to remember their chosen path and their devotion to such a loving and compassionate way of life!
buddhist symbol tattoo
A tattoo with a Buddhist symbol is the perfect way to go if, after reading all of the above, you would like to show your devotion to the Buddhist style, but are worried about hurting or disrespecting the values and culture of others. people. plus, even if you don’t care about that, there are so many beautiful buddhist symbols! Perhaps the most popular are: the om symbol, the prayer wheel, the conch shell, the victory banner, the treasure vase, the parasol, the dharma wheel, the endless knot, the lotus, the stupas and the triratna .
buddha hand tattoo
Also known as “buddha hand tattoo”, people usually look to get a tattoo of the buddha hand in a particular mudra, which is a hand gesture. there are mudras that are used for meditation, teaching, empowerment, balance, etc.
See more buddha mudra tattoos here!
fat buddha tattoo
So, it’s a funny story, but the fat buddha tattoo isn’t really a buddha! He is a highly revered Chinese monk named Budai. To many people who praise or adore him, his big belly represents abundance and contentment.
laughing buddha tattoo
many smiling buddha tattoos are not buddha either, but budai. however, don’t let this stop you from loving it! his big smile was meant to draw people in and show that Buddhists come in many different shapes, sizes, personalities, and backgrounds. a happy buddha tattoo, one that is laughing, is a great way to help break the stereotype that some people believe that buddhists are ultra-serious and not funny at all.
gautama buddha tattoo
a gautama buddha tattoo refers to a version of the historically accurate name for buddha: siddhārtha gautama. almost any buddha tattoo represents a gautama buddha tattoo…because that’s his name! but if you want to know more, check out the siddhartha book by herman hesse or the exciting manga series by osamu tezuka.
buddha elephant tattoo
many people, when they ask for a buddha elephant tattoo, they are talking about the deity ganesha. his worship spans Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. He is known as an obstacle remover, an intellectual, and a patron of the arts! there are many festivals that celebrate it, such as ganesha chaturthi.
female buddha tattoo
There are many Buddhist deities who create beautiful female Buddha tattoos. Guanyin, sometimes referred to as Kuan Yin, is the Buddhist bodhisattva who represents compassion. similar is tara, the tibetan bodhisattva who is also affiliated with compassion. Tara actually comes in different colors, such as green, red, black, and white. each hue reflects a different form and subsequent meanings.
buddha lotus tattoo
a buddha lotus tattoo is a truly beautiful symbol in buddhist iconography. Do you remember that we talked about all sentient beings having buddha nature? the lotus flower symbolizes in part the journey to discover this inherent quality. Although it emerges from the mud, the lotus flowers show no trace of the dirt that covered their beautiful bulb.
buddha head tattoo
A simple portrait, such as a Buddha head tattoo, is an easy way to show your belief in Buddhism. Just like many people get portraits of their loved ones, you will be showing your devotion and care for this sacred icon. by the way, that little bow you see on buddha’s head? that’s not his hair or his snails napping. that is his “ushnisha bump”, which historically symbolizes both a crown and the powerful illumination of it.
buddha mandala tattoo
A buddha mandala tattoo celebrates not only Buddhism, but also sacred geometry… which you can also find within the Buddhist symbols of the conch shell and the eternal knot! the mandala is also a sacred motif that can signify wholeness, balance, and even circles of connectivity.
See more mandala tattoos here!
simple buddha tattoo
A simple buddha tattoo may mean finding a tattoo artist who does fine or small tattoos. Of course, your piece doesn’t have to be big or intricate to mean something important. great things come in small packages may be a bit of a cliche, but it’s still true! a small buddha tattoo can still be a very strong and powerful reminder and symbol. just make sure it really resonates with you. that’s the most important thing.
zen buddhist tattoos
Believe it or not, although Zen Buddhism may seem like a very stoic way of life from the outside, it is filled with many different art forms. From tea ceremonies to silk and scroll painting, pottery and woodblock, Zen philosophy infuses daily life with mindfulness and meditation…even when creating art such as Zen Buddhist tattoos. Perhaps the most iconic is an enso, which is a circle of black ink created in a conscious but spontaneous moment.
thai buddha tattoo
A Thai Buddha tattoo would most likely be done in the traditional artistic style of Thai art. Keep in mind though that since a buddha tattoo would be frowned upon in thailand, perhaps take a look at sacred sak yant tattoos or better yet other thai symbols and deities that would be less detrimental to their culture .
buddha eye tattoo
A real favorite of mine, a buddha eye tattoo is a really powerful reminder to stay the course. Symbolizing perception, these eyes see inside and outside, covering our world and the spiritual worlds. it can also mean seeing the light through the darkness. when i started buddhism i got a buddha eye tattooed on my middle finger to remind me not to indulge in anger or thoughtless action. funny, but really helped! that’s the power of these pieces.
more buddha tattoo inspiration
We really hope this guide to buddha tattoos has been informative, enlightening and inspiring! however, if you’re looking for more visual inspiration, be sure to check out tattoodo’s tattoo search if you’re looking for something specific, but there are plenty of other images to check out too!
Personally, I love looking at thangka paintings, which are incredibly vivid, sometimes ultra-surreal, traditional Tibetan works of art. There are tons of books that can be inspiring as well, like the Tibetan Buddhist Symbols Manual, Buddha’s Mind in Contemporary Art, and many others that will show you how truly diverse and rich Buddhist culture is.
And of course, if you’re just getting started in Buddhism and want more information than is found here, I suggest you check out Lions Roar Magazine, the work of Alan Watts, Shambhala Publications and the Zen Mind, beginner’s mind. You can even sit in a virtual sitting meditation with Plum Village! there are also apps like the belfast zazen app and headspace.
there are so many resources out there! I really hope you find something that resonates with you and puts you on the path to greater peace, compassion, and mindfulness. make sure to share your buddhist tattoos with us too! we always love to see where our inspiration takes you.
