Forever and now in ink on skin

January 11, 2006 12:10 AM

Tattoo planning: I'm looking for related symbols (by meaning, not appearance) of the lemniscate, enso, ouroboros, and apparently whatever the symbol between the buddha's eyes is called.

Apparently they've got somewhat related meanings...the infinite, oneness of everything, etc. What other symbols are there?

If it helps with suggestions, I'm looking for something that brings in my love of the concept of infinity, the changes in my mind that accompanied learning about Zen buddhism, and my extreme computer-geek nature.

posted by Kickstart70 to religion & philosophy (9 comments total)

Check out the Om symbols.
posted by xyzzy at 1:30 AM on January 11, 2006

The snake swallowing its tail is used to represent ouroboros, is it not?
posted by fixedgear at 2:20 AM on January 11, 2006

The looks-like-a-question-mark between the Buddha's eyes is the Nepali numeral ek (1). The circle is a traditional symbol of unity, for obvious reasons. And the tetragrammaton could always go in there. (Tattoos and buddhism? Hm.)
posted by holgate at 2:56 AM on January 11, 2006

The triquetra might fit the bill, if you don't mind the trinity + infinity symbolism. If you had something more elaborate in mind, how about basing your tattoo on one of Jan Luyken’s illustrations to the works of Jakob Böhme?
posted by misteraitch at 4:51 AM on January 11, 2006

"The Auspicious or Endless Knot is a geometric diagram which symbolises the nature of reality where everything is interrelated and only exists as part of a web of karma and its effect. Having no beginning or end, it also represents the infinite wisdom of the Buddha, and the union of compassion and wisdom. Also, it represents the illusory character of time, and long life as it is endless." ( link)

I have this one on my shoulder.
posted by kudzu at 5:54 AM on January 11, 2006

So you used to play Champions; does that mean you've read Watchmen? If so, howzabout Dr. Manhattan's hydrogen symbol?
posted by kimota at 6:44 AM on January 11, 2006

The Ice Cream Kid is an updated version of the ouroboros symbol.
posted by alms at 6:55 AM on January 11, 2006

What about the endless knot?
posted by _zed_ at 11:59 AM on January 11, 2006

If you're into Zen, just tell people you have a tattoo. A flesh-coloured one.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 4:15 PM on January 11, 2006