Taoism Tattoo Ideas: Tattoos That Represent The Tao

The Tao, or The Way, is an ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on existing in harmony with the universe. The Tao De Ching was written in 500 BCE and has been inspiring people to live a life on balance within nature.

We have put together our list of some of the best Taoism inspired tattoo ideas. Some of these tattoos are familiar, like the yin yang, and some are waiting to be discovered by you. 

So, take a deep breath, relax, and become one with the world around you, as you enjoy our list of the 10 Best Taoism Tattoo Ideas.

#10: Happy and Sad Scale Tattoo

Balance is one of the most important things in Taoism, not just external balance, but internal as well. It is normal to feel emotions, but our ability to choose how we react to those emotions is what makes us human. We must always strive to be temperant and balanced, just as this Tao inspired tattoo represents.

Tattoo done by Rony

#9: Lotus Flower Tattoo

The Lotus Flower represents in Taoism a soul that has reached in enlightenment and is truly living at one with the universe. The many seeds can also represent fertility or a fertile mind, something we should all work to cultivate. The Lotus Flower Tattoo below looks amazing with its contrasting colors.

Tattoo done by Steve

#8: Heart Shaped Great Wave Tattoo

The Great Wave is a symbol of how powerful nature can be. The heart is a well known symbol of love. Combined, these symbols represent the power of love, making the heart shaped great wave tattoo a perfect choice for a Tao inspired tattoo.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#7: Moon Phases Tattoo

The Moon is in a constant cycle of growth and renewal, and this Taoism tattoo shows this. Knowing that everything is in a constant state of change is one of the most important lessons in Taoism. Change is what nature is, life is growth and renewal.

Tattoo done by Devon

#6: Endurance Ship Tattoo

The crew of the Endurance lead by Ernest Shackleton spent over 2 years stuck in the harsh environment of Antarctica from 1914-1917. Somehow, against all odds, the entire crew survived the expedition. They were able to do this because they did not fight nature. They made the best of their situation and carried on. They didn't worry or complain, they lived. And in the end, they did live, they endured. This is what the Tao is about, accepting life as it comes, and making the best out of every situation. Making this an awesome Taoism tattoo idea.

Tattoo done by Rony

#5: Koi Fish Yin Yang Tattoo

You can never step into the same stream twice, this is because the world is in constant change. And like the water in the stream, we must change with it, and like the fish, use the current of the stream to our advantage. This Taoism tattoo reminds us of this timeless life lesson.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#4: Geometric Mountain Tattoo

Nature is all around us, even in the most densely built city, tiny flowers find a way to grow though the cracks in the sidewalk. We often forget that we are part of nature too, not just observers. And this reminds us to see the natural beauty that everyone of us possess, even ourselves. This tattoo can serve as a reminder to see the Tao everywhere, even in the most unexpected places.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#3: Peach and Peach Blossom Tattoo

We plant seeds, and we know that over time they will come to bear fruit. The pit of the peach does not look like much, but inside from the day it is born, it has the blueprint encoded to become a beautiful flowering tree that will create amazing fruits. Every living thing is born with this greatness inside, including you. A great Taoism tattoo idea for those who like to reminded of their potential.

Tattoo done by Sara

#2: Balanced Rocks Stone Stack Tattoo

Balancing rocks is not easy, it requires that your whole mind and body are truly present while you are working at the task. In our modern world we usually are pulled in many directions, distracted, and rarely fully present. This Taoist tattoo reminds us to take the time each day to be present.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#1: Fire and Water Yin Yang Tattoo

The yin yang represents the contrasting elements throughout all of nature, and how these elements need each other to exist in true harmony. it is the most popular symbol associated with Taoism, and the tattoo below illustrates its meaning perfectly.

Tattoo done by Steve

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 Best Tao Tattoo Ideas. What were some of your favorite tattoos? Were there any Tao tattoos that really projected that state of balance to you? Let us know in the comment section below.

Did this list of Taoism Tattoos inspire you to be more at one with nature, and want a tattoo to remind you of that? Then book your tattoo at Mr. Inkwells Tattoos, where one of our artists can put together a balanced tattoo idea for you that you will love forever.

See you soon!