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In Buddhism are tattoos permitted or are they against Buddhist doctrine?

Specifically are tattoos of the Buddha or Buddhist symbology acceptable?

Thank you for your time & wisdom!

Respectfully,

Noah

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Having Buddha images tattooed can get you into trouble in Buddhist countries. Your visa could get rejected at the airport on that basis.

There are no precepts for lay people against having tattoos of the Buddha, but the skin of a person is something that gets sweaty and dirty on a regular basis. It also gets involved in sexual activities. So it is inappropriate, if not disrespectful to have a Buddha image on such a place.

As far as the monastic rules go, the monks are advised not to ordain people who are tattooed by the authorities as punishment. Even though this is different from the reasons people get tattooed these days, a monk may refuse to ordain you if he feels that your tattoos are offensive and could lead to unnecessary distractions in the community.
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About the skin being dirty - that's a very good point. Thank you for your wisdom Sankha!

Respectfully,
Noah
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You're welcome!
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Good householder Sankha. May monks carry tattoos, especially in south east Asia. Nobody would reject one, yet good to think twice whether putting into such beatification makes much sense. And yes, some would dislike, yet some like.
It's total right that beautification by imaged of the Gems isn't very respectful, yet such if nevertheless very common. (Assuming that feed-forwards are welcome).
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