Tibetan Tattoos - Mani Mantra

by J
(Australia)

Hi Patricia,

Fantastic webpage with so much amazing information. Thank you taking the time to share with everyone.

I would like to ask you a question about the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. I have it tattoo'd on me in a brush stroke so it looks like it has been painted on, it is on my waist/stomach/side on the left hand side of my body so it is inline with and not far from my heart. (When I have my shirt off it sit's above my
pants so it is visible)

I asked many a Buddhist when I was in Thailand if this
location was ok as I was aware it should never be "below" the waist... but on the waist is ok. It was also placed there so I could see it everyday in the mirror when I get ready and remind me of it's meaning. It is also in that position to be aesthetically pleasing, which most tattoo's are positioned for
that reason!

Yet in my travels and including through indonesia, some Buddhist have told me to be careful as some could find it a bit disrespectful for it's lower position and that it should be higher, where others have not had a problem with it because I am a westerner and have embraced it in my own way.... What are your
thoughts ?

Your opinion and thoughts would be appreciated as I am traveling to Nepal and Tibet this October/November and don't want to be disrespectful, that is very important to me. I have embraced an array of cultures through my travels and
have been allowed to have their tattoo's on me without being disrespectful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Regards,
J