Guess what?
After a very long time, I did something for the first time. And it wasn't an easy (or painless) decision.
I just did the most spontaneous thing ever and got my very first tattoo! And not just any tattoo - it's a Unalome design, and I am absolutely in love with it.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "What the heck is a Unalome?"
Well, let me tell you, it's not just any old tattoo design. It's actually a symbol from Buddhist culture that represents the journey to enlightenment. The spiral shapes in the design symbolize the twists and turns we encounter in life, while the straight lines represent the path to enlightenment. And the little dot at the top of the symbol? That represents the moment of enlightenment itself - the moment when we reach a higher level of understanding and consciousness.
In the Hindu culture, the Unalome actually characterises the third eye of Lord Shiva. The Hindu interpretation of this symbol represents seeking wisdom and undertaking a spiritual path in life.
The Unalome reminds that you must discover your own way in life but each spiritual milestone (along the upward spiral) will ultimately bring you closer to moksha (perfection or enlightenment or liberation). In the Hindu Unalome, moksha is symbolised by the straightening of the line and your final release from cycles of rebirth thanks to good karma and spiritual devotion. The end of journey which in a way is through the opening of the third eye of Shiva.
Essentially, it has 4 parts to it:
Base - Symbolises the starting point of life, the day you were born, or the beginning of your spiritual awakening.
Curls - The twists & turns in your path in the journey.This takes the majority of the design and understandably so.
Straight Line - represents becoming closer to self, wiser and closer to nirvana through maturity and understanding that comes with life experience.
Dots - Symbolises reaching one's goals, liberation, freedom and enlightenment.
Now, I chose this design because it speaks to me on a really personal level and I wanted something that is eternal. I feel like my own journey through life has been full of twists and turns and will be more so, but that there's a greater purpose to it all - a path that I'm meant to be on. And this tattoo is a reminder of that. It's a symbol of my own growth and evolution, and a promise to myself to keep striving for a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Who knows, maybe this is the start of a new phase for me - one full of adventure and new experiences!
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