Posted by
What is the Jain view of tattoos
In Jainism there is no direct, specific sutra about “tattoos” (modern skin-ink style). So we understand the issue through basic Jain principles:
- Ahimsa (non‑violence)
- Tattooing involves: - Piercing the skin repeatedly - Causing pain, blood, and killing many tiny living beings (one‑sensed organisms in the skin, etc.) - Because it is optional and done for decoration, the himsa (violence) is considered unnecessary, so it is not encouraged.
- Aparigraha (non‑attachment) & alankār (decoration)
- Body‑decoration for fashion / show generally increases: - Attachment to the body - Pride about looks, and social image - Jain ethics advise simplicity and reducing such external show.
- Sharir as a sādhan (body as instrument for sadhana)
- The body is seen as a tool for dharma—samyak darshan, gyan, charitra. - Causing pain or damage to it for style goes against the ideal of careful, respectful use of the body.
- Difference for monks vs. householders
- Jain sadhus/sadhvis: - Very strict ahimsa and aparigraha. Tattooing would clearly be against their vows. - Shravak / shravika (householders): - No formal “tattoo ban” mentioned, but: - It creates unnecessary himsa - It is driven by passion (kashaya) and attachment - So it is generally disapproved from a dharmic point of view, even if socially some Jains may still do it.
- Tattoos of Jain symbols or mantras
- Extra concerns: - Sacred symbols (e.g., Swastik, Om, Navkar, Jain emblem) may end up in impure places (bathroom, intimate areas, etc.) - The body sits, lies down, may be exposed improperly—this can be seen as disrespect to the symbol or mantra. - Traditional view: sacred things should be kept with shuddhi (purity), maryada (respect), and upyog (awareness), not used as fashion.
Summary:
- From a pure Jain dharmic view, getting tattoos is not recommended, mainly because of:
- A sincere Jain aiming to follow ahimsa and aparigraha carefully would generally avoid tattoos, especially of Jain mantras and symbols.
