Here we’ve rounded up some of the best unalome tattoo inspirations to get you started looking for your next tattoo and the perfect artist to match. check it out, save some to your mood boards, and connect with awesome tattoo artists near you.
the meaning of unalome tattoo
You’ve probably seen a sinuous single-line symbol on someone’s body before and wondered what it meant. well, wonder no more; it is known as unalome, a Buddhist design that represents the life path to enlightenment.
The spiral represents our struggle with life, while the straight line signifies harmony found through turbulence. Therefore, unalome tattoos are powerful symbols of spirituality, representing our journey through life. It’s a bit confusing to think that such a simple figure could represent something so profound, but once you understand how to interpret unalomes, the meaning of these sacred insignia becomes as clear as the mind of a Zen master.
Take a moment to admire some harmonious inks and enlightened people and get inspired by the unalome tattoo designs below!
understanding the unalome symbol
To unravel the meaning behind the unalome, you must start at the beginning of the life path, represented by the spiral at the base of each unalome. this whirlpool symbolizes our blossoming consciousness, the human mind in its infancy. then, as you follow the line along its curves, which show the ups and downs of life, you will see the lines that represent a person struggling to find direction, trapped in uncertainty or fear, but becoming getting wiser and more worldly along the way.
The more the line deviates, the less wayward the journey becomes and the closer the mind is to finding clarity. eventually, there is no more room for the line to overlap. it goes completely straight, symbolizing the point at which a person reaches nirvana, a liberation from the cycle of life and death.
Traditionally, unalomes serve to represent the crown of the arahants, or arhats, the enlightened saints in Buddhist culture. the spiral represents the crown itself, not the wavering swing. the straight line of the unalome symbolizes the direct path to nirvana that enlightened saints have achieved.
other meanings of the unalome symbol
In addition to its primary meaning, unalomes incorporates a number of other spiritual properties. they can be a symbol of feminine or masculine energy, depending on which direction their spirals are oriented; left for women and right for men. in some sects of Buddhism, they are believed to represent the third eye of Shiva himself or records of the lives of various arahants, or individuals who have aspired to Buddhahood over the centuries.
unalome tattoo placement
Unalomes have been depicted for thousands of years in Buddhist art; One famous example is the stone spiers outside Wat Bang Phra temple, but the place they are most often seen today is on people’s skin. Unalome tattoos are believed to have originated with sak yant, a form of sacred body art performed in Thailand. Artists do all sorts of innovative things with unalomes, crafting their intricate shape and embedding them in other spiritually charged designs.
The minimalist yet ornate shape of the unalomes makes them ideal for placement in narrow sections of the body. Unalome tattoos are commonly placed on the sternum, which is the center of breathing, or on highly visible parts of the body such as the hands, fingers, throat, and face.
When deciding on the location of your unalome tattoo, make sure the symbol never points downwards; Enlightenment is about aspiring to a higher level of consciousness, so make sure you orient your unalome tattoo in the right direction, preferably near one of your chakras.
As with other powerful spiritual and religious symbols, you may be accused of cultural appropriation if you are a non-Buddhist Westerner who sports an unalome tattoo. If you are traveling to a country with a strong Buddhist culture, it is important to understand that some might consider his tattoo disrespectful, especially if it is placed on a part of the body that is considered impure, such as the feet. That said, it is important to understand the origin and meaning of a cultural symbol like the unalome, especially when considering it as a tattoo.
unalome tattoos frequently asked questions
what is the meaning of an unalome tattoo?
The meaning of the unalome tattoo can be explained as a sacred symbol that represents the journey of the soul towards enlightenment. Revered by both Buddhist and Hindu cultures, the unalome tattoo is packed with powerful meaning and rich history, but should only be worn by those who intimately understand its deepest intricacies and cultural significance.
Are unalome tattoos disrespectful?
Unalome tattoos can be considered deeply disrespectful if worn by a person who does not truly appreciate or understand the esoteric meaning of the symbol. Without knowledge of the Theravada school of Buddhism or the traditional Thai sak yant tattoo, the unalome symbol can be seen as cultural appropriation and even racism.
In Buddhist culture, the sak yant is considered a sacred form of Thai spiritual tattooing, a practice believed to bring magical qualities, supernatural protection, and sacred power to people’s lives. It is believed that when someone ignorantly wears a sacred symbol such as the unalome, the power of that symbol is reduced, making purely aesthetic unalome tattoos very distressing and offensive. That is why it is imperative to understand the meaning of the unalome before tattooing it on your skin.
is it ok to get unalome tattoo?
Buddhist and Hindu cultures commonly find unalome tattoos offensive when worn by westerners who do not understand the esoteric meaning of unalome symbols. conversely, it is considered acceptable to have an unalome tattoo if you possess a working knowledge of the Theravada school of Buddhism, or understand the layered spiritual meaning behind the design.
When deciding to get an unalome tattoo, it is important to understand that certain locations can be considered highly offensive. The feet in particular are considered one of the worst locations for an unalome tattoo, as this part of the body is considered inferior and impure in the Buddhist religion.
It may also be important to note that there have been many instances of travelers being asked to leave, mostly countries with strong Buddhist and Hindu cultures for sporting tattoos deemed insensitive or ignorant, so before If you decide on an unalome tattoo, make sure you have a genuine understanding of the symbol, along with a deep appreciation for the beliefs it represents.
what does an unalome lotus mean?
The meaning of the unalome lotus can be briefly described as the representation of piety, evolution and purity of spirit. In the Buddhist religion, the lotus flower has great symbolic value, as it is believed to represent freedom from materialism, attachment and physical desire. Although the lotus grows in murky waters, the flower is apparently unaffected by its surroundings, maintaining an immaculate purity in all its petals. Much like the unalome symbol, the lotus functions to represent the human journey toward enlightenment.
When combining a lotus flower with your unalome tattoo, remember that certain colored flowers have different meanings. a pink lotus flower, for example, represents devotion to the divine, while a white lotus indicates spiritual purity and peace.
where do you put a unalome tattoo?
When contemplating the placement of an unalome tattoo, it may be helpful to consider the wisdom of sak yant; the traditional and spiritual practice of Thai tattooing. within sak yant, tattoos are believed to hold incredible power, interacting with the body, mind, and spirit. When choosing the location of your unalome tattoo, remember to keep it above the waist, but also away from the heart, sternum, chest, or ribs. In Buddhism, the area surrounding the heart is believed to be very energetically and spiritually sensitive, so it is recommended to try not to place any symbols within this region. Popular unalome locations for men and women include the wrist, behind the ear, the arm, and the neck.
is there a male and a female unalome?
yes, there are male and female unalomes! Whether an unalome is considered to embody masculine or feminine energy all depends on which direction the spiral is facing, with left being feminine energy and right being masculine energy.
is it disrespectful to get a buddha tattoo?
Buddhist tattoos can be seen as disrespectful if worn by someone who is ignorant of the Buddha’s teachings or placed on an offensive location on the body. In the Buddhist religion, it is customary to honor any art that represents the Buddha by hanging it on the highest point of the house. If you’re considering a buddha tattoo, make sure it’s a mindful undertaking and sits well above the waist.
read more: the controversy surrounding Buddha tattoos
popular unalome tattoo motifs
unalome lotus tattoo
The unalome lotus tattoo is a powerful design that symbolizes purity of spirit, spiritual evolution, and the path to enlightenment. When designing your unalome flower tattoo keep in mind that the colors you use will play a big role in the meaning of your tattoo. for example, a red lotus signifies love and compassion, while a blue lotus symbolizes the spirit’s dominion over knowledge and wisdom.
unalome heart tattoo
The unalome heart tattoo exudes compassion, empathy, and self-love. Sometimes incorporating additional elements such as the lotus flower, these powerful and esoteric designs can help promote the vibrations of love and awakening.
unalome moon tattoo
In the Buddhist religion, the moon is considered a symbol of enlightenment and truth, so the unalome moon tattoo is a powerful tribute to the soul’s quest for nirvana. in Tibetan Buddhism the moon holds great importance, with all calendars based on its cycles. there are even special names that are used to indicate that a person was born on Monday or “moonday”.
unalome star tattoo
If you’re looking to add a heavenly touch to your special unalome design, then an unalome star tattoo may be the right choice for you! Paying homage to the cosmos while celebrating the path to harmony, this enlightening tattoo can be a powerful ode to Buddhism and inner peace.
unalome arrow tattoo
The unalome arrow tattoo is a popular choice for many who want to commemorate their faith and be aware of the principles of detachment. In the Buddhist religion, a teaching called “the two arrows” is used to show our relationship with pleasure and pain; stating that often when we encounter a painful situation (such as being hit by an arrow), we often cause ourselves more pain in the way we respond to the event, similar to shooting ourselves with a second arrow when we have already been beaten.
The “two arrows” teaching of Buddhism serves to help cultivate a nurturing sense of curiosity about all external events in life, allowing one to experience both pleasure and pain without the additional suffering caused by judgment and attachment.
unalome sun tattoo
The unalome sun tattoo is an energizing and clarifying symbol that represents the path to nirvana. In Tibetan Buddhism, the sun signifies the brightness of the mind, the expulsion of darkness and ignorance, and the dissolution of all delusions.
unalome om tattoo
The unalome om tattoo is a deeply spiritual symbol packed with esoteric meaning. The Om symbol is said to represent the sound that was made when the universe was created, and is also believed to symbolize everything that resides in the material and immaterial worlds, as well as the illusions that can prevent us from achieving bliss.
Along with the unalome symbol, which functions to represent our earthly journeys towards peace and enlightenment, the unalome om tattoo is a simple symbol with a deep and layered meaning.
unalome tattoos for women
If you’re interested in a feminine unalome tattoo, there are certain elements in your design you’ll want to pay particular attention to, for example making sure the unalome spiral is facing to the left. the direction of your spiral will dictate whether your unalome symbol is masculine or feminine in nature.
If you are interested in adding more feminine energy to your unalome design, you may want to consider additional elements, creating an unalome moon or unalome lotus tattoo.
unalome tattoos for men
If you’re looking for the perfect male unalome tattoo, you’re not alone! many men have adopted this peaceful and ancient symbol as an ode to Tibetan Buddhism and to remember the spirit’s tumultuous journey towards peace.
When designing your masculine unalome tattoo, make sure the spiral is facing to the right as this is the traditional way to represent a masculine unalome design. Pairing your unalome tattoo with traditionally masculine symbols like the sun can be a creative way to infuse esoteric masculine energy into your special design.
best unalome tattoo locations
unalome finger tattoo
unalome finger tattoos are a wonderful placement for those who want to see their design every day! Serving as a potential meditation aid and spiritual lifter, the unalome tattoo works very well in this highly visible yet delicate location.
unalome tattoo on the sternum
The unalome tattoo on the sternum is a popular selection, especially among women. Looking for a place close to the heart, many choose a ridge on the sternum as a way to proclaim their faith and dedication to spiritual growth.
While you can place your unalome tattoo anywhere you like, in the Buddhist sak yant tattoo practice it is recommended to avoid the sternum and heart area as the energetic qualities of this area are incredibly sensitive.
unalome doll tattoo
Unalome wrist tattoos are an ideal placement for anyone who wants to celebrate Buddhist principles and the concept of nirvana. unalome tattoos are recommended to only be placed above the waist, making unalome wrist tattoos a visually appealing placement that will not be seen as disrespectful.
unalome tattoo on the arm
If you’re considering a Buddhist sleeve, or just interested in a stand-alone piece, an unalome arm tattoo might be the right choice for you! Sitting on the lower half of the body, the forearm and upper arm provide the perfect space to design your own unalome tattoo. So whether you’re interested in adding complementary design elements or prefer a simple symbol, the arm offers a great property for unalome tattoos of all styles and sizes.
unalome face tattoo
For those who want a highly visible placement for their unalome design, unalome face tattoos are where it’s at! With the face and head being the highest points on the body, this non-traditional placement actually adheres to traditional Buddhist beliefs, which state that sacred symbols and images should always be placed above the waist and as high within the body as possible. home.
unalome rib tattoo
Unalome rib tattoos have grown in popularity over the years and remain one of the best placements for this esoteric and powerful Buddhist design. While unalome rib tattoos are not considered offensive, it is traditionally recommended in Thai tattoos to avoid tattooing the ribs, chest, or sternum, as these areas are considered energetically sensitive.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our collection of the best unalome tattoos, locations and motifs. feeling super inspired? Check out our range of top-tier tattoo artists and reserve your next tattoo today.
read more: wat bang phra: a sak yant tattoo experience in thailand
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