Every Tattoo I do has long thought and meaning attached to it. I believe that art thats so personal and visible on you must have a story behind it. Something that makes you, "You".
My second and third tattoos were done with Soulprint Studios. my first with tattoos1960. Although its been about a year, the first has faded, but the ones done with Soulprints are still fresh and new as ever, due to Shubh sirs careful consideration about my requirements and advising me on what should be done for it to last longer, such as trying to use black for the designs as opposed to colour, and consideration of skin tones, etc., which is very important before permanantly deciding to ink yourself.
The story behind my first tattoo was something dear to me since I was born- No. 7. Signifying not just my birthdate, but of my grandfather's too, and my fathers. my family has been connected to no.7 since close to 75 years. Every decision thats proved to be a goldmine has had the influence on No.7 to it. May it have been buying my first home, buying the first business, or uncovering a bronze plate of no. 7 beneath an ancient temple structure in the desolate forests of Himachal. It's also the date when my father died.
My second tattoo was a hand of Hamsa, signifying goodluck and protection from evil eye in not just Islam, but Jainism, HInduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, All having close to the same meaning of divine help and blessings. It also represents 5 chakras of the body. It is a reminder everyday that god is watching over me everyday, protecting me, blessing me, so I must not disappoint him, despite how much ever the world around me is fucked up, be the odd one out and stand for good, and whats right always.
My third Tattoo is a cross of two quotes dear to me, "Momento Mori"; and "Amor Fati." Two quotes I gained after studying about stoicism. The way I chose to live my life.
Momento Mori- literally translates to "remember, you will die." Although sounds depressing, but never has ANYTHING been truer and guaranteed in life as death is. It reminds me every day of being careful of my actions, thoughts, and words, for it could be the last things I say or do before death greets me, so it might as well be carefully thought of and good. I t also reminds me of not wasting my time and doing today what i was supposed to do tomorrow, because tommorow is never guaranteed.
"Amor Fati" means the love of destiny. You do not have a say in where you are born in a first world county, or in a third world country, how rich or poor you are at birth, or if you have surviving family members, or are an orphan. in short, there are certain things you dont have any control of. it is predestined. Although I have been extremely priviledged to be born where I am born, and have the life I have been born into, This quote reminds me that one cannot be focussed into things they do not have a choice in, but to see what can be done forward, and focus on the future thats in your hands to mold exactly how you see fit.
So yeah, this short post was written as an entry for the Soulprints competition as to "the story behind each of my tattoos".
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