Monday, October 1, 2012

I'm Baaack!!!

Long time no...blogging!?

Well anyway...my 35th birthday was about a week ago and I decided to finally get the half sleeve that I have been wanting for a while.  The tattoo actually has a lot of meaning to me and my life right now.  A friend of mine asked if I would blog about the meaning of the tattoo and the pieces so...here you go Lauren!

Lotus (Padma) - is a very important symbol in India and of Buddhism. refers to many aspects of the path, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water it appears clean on the surface (purification), and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). An open blossom signifies full enlightenment; a closed blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment. I have a few different ones at different stages...

Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachakra)The wheel consists of three basic parts: the hub, the rim, and spokes (generally eight in number). Its underlying form is that of a circle, which is recognized across all traditions as a shape that is complete and perfect in itself, qualities which inform the teachings of the Buddha too.

A further esoteric interpretation makes reference to the three trainings which form an integral part of Buddhist meditative practice, associating each of the three parts of the wheel with one such practice. This symbolism is as follows:
a). The hub stands for training in moral discipline. Through this practice the mind is supported and stabilized.
b). The spokes stand for the correct application of wisdom, which cuts off ignorance and ends suffering.
c). The rim denotes concentration, which holds the entire meditative practise together, just as the wheel of life is held together by its rim.


Parasol (Chhatra) symbolizes the wholesome activities to keep beings from harm (sun) like illness, harmful forces, obstacles and so forth, and the enjoyment of the results under its cool shade.

Conch (Shankha) - symbolizes the deep, far reaching and melodious sound of the teachings, which is suitable for all disciples at it awakens them from the slumber of ignorance to accomplish all beings' welfare. Shells which spiral to the right in a clockwise direction are a rarity and are considered especially sacred.

Endless Knot (shrivatsa) - symbolizes the nature of reality where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the union of compassion and wisdom. 

 Golden Fish (Matsya) -  represent good fortune in general, symbolizes that living beings who practice the dharma need have no fear to drown in the ocean of suffering, and can freely migrate (chose their rebirth) like fish in the water



The black part is called the Om symbol. As the most sacred sound, Om is the root of the universe and everything that exists and it continues to hold everything together.

Willow Tree - is one of the few trees that can bend in outrageous poses without snapping.  The message here is to adjust with life rather than fight it.  The willow's ability to not only survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging conditions.  In all, the willow reminds us to take heed of this lesson: Keep growing and reaching higher no matter where you are planted.




See y'all tomorrow!

~mel

And the day came when the remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. 
-Anais Nin


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