Om Mani Padme Hum Tibetan Tattoo

by Aaron
(Malaysia)

Hi Patricia,

My name is Aaron.

Before reading on, I would like to thank you for spending your precious time to reading my email.

I have been seriously considering to get a tattoo- a spiritual and meaningful one that I can relate to my life. I was split between Greek or Tibetan tattoo and more or less decided to proceed with Tibetan as it is more relevant to my roots.

I am glad that my initial research landed me on your tibetanlife.com site.

I am inspired to get the Om Mani mantra tattoo on my shoulder plate. As I have read extensively, such mantra should be place above the waist as a sign of respect.

However, I am confused whether having it tattoo on my back/shoulder plate would be right location in terms of not being disrespectful to such a powerful mantra.

In this link, http://www.inkessential.com/sacred.html, it says the mantra 'should be placed high on the body and never below the waist, never backwards or upside-down'. The word 'backwards' and also 'upside-down' got me confused whether is it alright for me to have the mantra on my back.

Understanding that you have spent a significant part of your life living and experiencing the Tibetan culture, you would be the right person and expert to answer my confusion.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts and expertise to address my concerns.

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Have a nice day.

Aaron

ANSWER

Dear Aaron,

Thank-you for your question.

Yes, all Tibetan tattoos, especially Buddhas and mantras should be placed above the waist and it is fine to have the 'Om Mani Padme Hum' mantra on your back.
As long as you have a good motivation for having the mantra as a tattoo, I don't think that it would be disrespectful.

I also would one day like to get this mantra tattoo, but right on my forearm so I can see it continuously to remind me about what is important in life.

All the best and enjoy your beautiful new tattoo!

Patricia from Tibetan Life

Om Mani Padme Hum: When is this Tibetan Buddhist Mantra used?