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Buddha Tattoos for Men

Who or what is Buddha?

Buddha was a famous wandering ascetic who was responsible for the creation of Buddhism, a religious order that believes that through enlightenment and meditation a human being can achieve nirvana, a state of extreme peace and enlightenment. Born a prince Siddhartha was a young man who eventually came to see the devastation and poverty that ruled over his people, forsaking his crown Siddhartha sought to find the inspiration needed to change this.

To himself and to his followers he became Buddha the father of Buddhism, the religion is centered around what he called the four Nobel truths, and the eightfold path. The four noble truths deal with pain and suffering and how everything ends, while the eightfold path are the guidelines by which practicing Buddhist live their lives.

Spiritual Buddha Tattoos

There are two types of Buddha tattoos for men, let’s discuss the first type now. All over Asia in predominately Buddhist areas you will find statues of the Buddha. This can be the iconic image of a sitting Buddha in flowing robes, one hand raised palm facing out with the other in his lap, there are also reclined Buddha’s, and Buddha’s holding the begging bowl which represents the emptiness of man waiting to be filled with spiritual enlightenment.

In recent years, followers of Buddha or people who esteem his doctrine have begun to get Buddha Tattoos, either of the Buddha himself, or of some of the many symbols that represent his teaching, such as the lotus flower, the begging bowl, the eight spoked wheel which represent his eightfold path, or the Bodhi tree he was sitting under when he received enlightenment. Among men you will commonly find the Buddha image or the wheel to be the most popular with placement on the back, bicep, or calf.

There is nothing in the Buddhist philosophy that teaches against the tattooing of the Buddha or its symbols on one’s body, so many practitioners and disciples have chosen to do just that. These tattoos have also become popular among men because many of the Buddha’s’ teaching dealt specifically with the male gender and they enjoy representing their respect of his teachings.

Humorous Buddha Tattoos

The second type of Buddha tattoos for men are not as spiritual or as complimentary as the first. There is an entire culture who knows nothing about the history or the foundation of Buddhist culture or the Buddha. These tattoos will generally take the shape of a happy, fat man sitting in a mediation pose one hand up in a peace sign, and with words such as rub my belly for luck or happy Buddha. We have even seen some men who will get this tattooed on their abdomens with instructions for women to rub something lower than their belly’s.

These tattoos are not meant to insult the Buddhist faith or its followers but are simply meant to be the humorous representation of the happy Buddha commonly seen in items and images meant for tourists.

Check out the best Buddha tattoos for men

The placement of this Buddha tattoo is perfectly fitted for the design. The proportion size to the color scheme was handcrafted to perfection. The lightness of the shading on the face contoured against the light colors of the lotus flowers is flawless.

As a general area of the chest normally used towards tattoo ideas for men, this is a match. Buddha looks right at home here. The shading is clear and smooth, having the right amount of depth in the critical areas.

This Buddha tattoo full of color is an original for sure. The beauty of the design combined with the contrasting color choices is a great compliment to the artist's mind. Even with creating a blue tiger, the design is simply stunning.

With only the head of Buddha, this tattoo idea is very simple, yet classy. It has a very to the point look with no color and all shading. The detailed work is spot on from the shape of the head to the tiny hair.

The person whose thought process engineered this masterpiece certainly had the Buddha tattoo designed with men in mind. The back span is filled just right. The colors blend so nicely and simple, same is true with the shading. All around, unique tattoo.

The detail of this Buddha tattoo is so tedious but shows such class. Capturing the perfect shading in every location of the tattoo is profound, to say the least. This beautiful work of art is a Buddha fashion statement for all its viewers.

Seeing the color jump out so strong is what gives this Buddha tattoo for men a cutting edge look. The colors are so deep and solid, the lines blend together to keep the eye moving to examine every area of this artist design.

Watercolors with a splash of shading giving this Buddha tattoos idea a beautiful outcome for all who sees it will enjoy. The way the whole body of the tattoo keeps your eyes moving from one corner to the next, finding many great treats.

Having medium sizing but with a flare, this Buddha tattoo design is simple and easy on the eye. The depths put into the shading is very defined to help the viewer flow from one point of the picture to another on without any disruption.

Having a tattoo idea that will make a loud statement deserves to share the colors of black and red. Not only using the black for shaping the shaded areas but blending red in gives the pop of color to make it stand out.

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This Buddha tattoo design is absolutely amazing. Using a large canvas, to begin with is quite a challenge but the overall design is simply gorgeous. The shading is so over the top, adding the pops of red really defines its uniqueness.

One of the Buddha tattoos for guys that is done very creatively. Making use of the shading in the correct way allows the eye to easily transition to the little splash of color added. Giving Buddha a fresh clean look.

Having a full-color piece does not pass through a person's vision often, but this tattoo idea for men is fantastic. The color is so natural even along the lines to the skin is very smooth. A perfect color scheme.

If you're looking for fun Buddha tattoo ideas, this is a must-see. Not very big and yet colorful but not bright. It has all the fittings for a playful feel. Every little detail is finely tuned to make it a complete tattoo.

A very simple Buddha tattoo idea. Perfectly symmetrical in every area to complete an exemplary finished product. Adding a few deep colors accents the shading very well. The complete look is very straightforward and clean. Buddha is placed in the proper area for display.

When looking at this Buddha tattoo idea, the color palette stands out. While the shading is profound, the deep oranges against the green draws the eye right it wants to be seen. The overall tattoo is very well placed and designed.

Adding a bit of elegance with a touch of class, this buddha tattoo design has a very rich feminine feel but masculine at the same time. All the deep shaded areas are smooth and finished just right to give it an antique look.

With a defined look, this Buddha tattoo for guys has a stone feel about it. The shading has such detail to give it a smooth look line per line. Allowing for more sharper edge to give it a crisp look overall.

When you think of Buddha, this is it. Capturing the feel of happiness in the colors of this Buddha tattoo idea for men really allows the mind to catch a glimpse of that joy. Perfect transition between the shaded areas to the color changes.

As a complete back piece, this Buddha tattoo design really captures its audience. From basic to extreme elegance every line of shading. A masterpiece to show off such an eye for beauty. The overall tattoo is perfection at its best.

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The placement added with the size of the Buddha tattoo is perfectly fitted. With the overall shading being very rich and in depth, It is done beautifully by the definition of each line. not leaving out one detail to complete this unique canvas.

This is easily one of the coolest Buddha tattoos for men: having the perfect amount of feminism to blend with the masculinity is pure genius. The overall shading is very smooth and to the point exactly where they are needed.

Only have very finely detailed lines, this tattoo idea for men is classic. For a black and white overtone, Buddha is very profound in detail. For being simple and clean, it is refreshing. It shows even with just basics, class is achievable.

Having the flow of this Buddha tattoo for guys start from the base up, is a different concept. It keeps the eye looking for more. Adding a bit of a red undertone gives its overall look a clean and elegant finish.

For a very simplistic Buddha tattoos idea, this one is simply stunning. Using not just the gray shading but adding a hint of red to give it a smoother transition is a great concept. It is not only proportioned correctly but very beautifully clean.

A beautiful tattoo placed on the arm depicts Buddha perched atop a lotus in a meditative pose. The blue hues of the water adds a mesmerizing depth to the Buddha tattoo while also providing a wonderful contrast with the gray silhouette.

This is a full sleeve Buddha tattoo design, with truly intricate artwork framing a contemplative looking Buddha. The tattoo incorporates multiple colors and hues, capturing the beauty and essence of nature in the form of various natural and floral figures.

This is an excellent option for people looking for Buddha tattoos ideas, as it beautifully captures the stillness, peacefulness, and grace of a meditative Buddha. Placed on the upper arm, this tattoo masterfully uses the contrast of different colors to create a truly hypnotic artwork.

Covering the entire back as well as both the upper arms, this monochromatic Buddha tattoo for men stands out on account of its masterful attention to detail. Buddha is depicted to be meditating in a natural and surreal surrounding with a tiger calmly resting at the base.

If you are struggling to come up with eclectic tattoo ideas for men, then this poly-chromatic tattoo is sure to stir your imagination. Placed on the arm, this tattoo focuses on the detail of Buddha's meditative face, with his eyes typically closed. The tattoo, featuring the a beautiful lotus at the bottom, spectacularly captures the calmness of Buddhist spirituality.

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If you have been searching for Buddha tattoos for guys, then look no further. This staggeringly intricate and detailed tattoo is etched on the back as well as both the arms. The tattoo shows a truly mesmerizing and grand avatar of Buddha with folded hands, with several hands appear in unity with the nature, holding forest foliage. The Japanese meditative figures in the background provide a nice reminder of Buddha's influence in that culture.

If you are on a hunt for Buddha tattoo idea, then look no further. Beautifully drawn on the forearm, this tattoo showcases a unique avatar of Buddha as the crown prince. The serene smile on Buddha's face further accentuates the overall tranquil appeal of this tattoo.

A truly unique Buddha tattoo design, as it attempts to capture the spirit of Buddha in a eye catching honeycomb design. The overall effect of this design is wonderfully deep, as the seemingly separated cells come together to produce a wholesome and holistic effect.

This Buddha tattoo manages to recreate a captivating and psychedelic effect due to clever use of various colors. Buddha is shown holding his palm in a quintessential meditative pose before his face. The overall effect emphasizes the Buddhist notions of perceptual differences and underlying reality.

If you are out hunting for Buddha tattoos idea, then this beautiful artwork might just be to your liking. Drawn on the forearm, this tattoo portrays a magnificent blue Buddha with an intricate and colorful halo providing the perfect background. The sun ray further illuminates and adds to the character of this detailed artwork.

Taking up the whole of the forearm, this unique Buddha tattoo stands out on account of its East Asian influence. Unlike most tattoo, Buddha is portrayed with his eyes open, with a beautiful fragmented spherical figure foregrounding his serene face.

This Buddha tattoo is drawn upon the back of the palm, and stands out on account of its serene and elegant depiction of the meditative figure. Buddha is shown in peaceful meditation, framed with beautiful rays as the halo. Beautiful strings drawn on the back of the fingers add a lovely touch.

As a large tattoo drawn on the side, this one immediately captures the attention and stuns the viewer with its fractal pattern. The Buddha's face is only partially visible, as if looking at him in a broken mirror. The haunting tattoo is made complete with the depiction of floral imagery.

Covering the whole of the forearm, this tattoo creates an entirely different effect when compared to other Buddha tattoos. Drawn on the arm, this tattoo features a peaceful looking Buddha on the forearm, with a Chinese letter underneath. Portrait of the bottom half of a laughing face, and flames create a unique appearance.

Etched upon the forearm, this Buddha tattoo creates a unique appearance of the meditative monk. Buddha is shown in meditation with unique wave like patterns framing his face. Beneath the meditating face, we can see the letters OM in Hindi. Buddha's head is crowned with a floral figure.

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Adorning the upper arm, this beautiful and intricate artwork shows Buddha in meditative pose with a loin cloth covering his left shoulder. The lower part of the tattoo features beautiful images of flower while the background shows a long flight of staircase culminating in an entrance to a fort.

Yet another tattoo designed on the upper arm, the East Asian influence on this one are particularly distinct and noteworthy. Buddha appears in deep meditation while the a lovely pattern of circles acts as the halo and the background. The artwork is foregrounded by floral figures.

This is a large tattoo that immediately stands out on account of its attention to detail and dragons. Drawn on the back as well as arms, it shows a full figured Buddha in his meditative pose upon a flower. While the background consists of various beautiful patterns, the image of two dragon lends a unique appeal to this tattoo.

This is a small tattoo that proves you don't necessarily have to go big to capture the essence and spirit of Buddha. Drawn upon the forearm, this tattoo shows Buddha with his eyes closed, with haunting blotches of red below the face. The Milky way like pattern on the hair provides a lovely visual touch.

Drawn upon the upper arm area, this rather different Buddha tattoo shows him with his hands joined together as if he were trying to recall something. The tattoo shows him placed atop a floral figure, with a Chinese letter drawn near the midsection area. The background of the tattoo consists of surreal patterns.

This tattoo is etched upon the upper arm, showing a truly different face of Buddha. Buddha appears in a trance like meditative state, with a bead necklace adorning him. The tattoo artwork frames Buddha's face with flower and leaves on the left side of his face, with another set of small flowers beautifully crowning his head.

If you are looking for a Buddha tattoos idea, then this artwork drawn upon the upper arm region might pique your interest. The distinctive part of this tattoo is that unlike other Buddha artwork, it shows him as if he were interacting and blessing his disciples. His hair is depicted in familiar curls, with his body covered by a piece of loin cloth.

This is a truly surreal artwork, depicting Buddha in a dreamlike state. Drawn upon the shoulder and upper arm, the tattoo foregrounds the trance like face of Buddha with multicolored floral figures. Streaks of sunlight across his familiar curly hair and forehead provide a bewitching quality to the tattoo.

Etched upon the leg, this truly unique Buddha tattoo showcases a rather chubby looking Buddha, indicating its East Asian influence. This haunting tattoo has a beautiful Buddhist monastery as the background. Intricate floral figures and cloud patterns impart a unique mystical quality to this tattoo.

A full sleeved tattoo, it depicts the upper half of a meditative Buddha with his hands folded together on his lap. Buddha is shown sitting atop a flower with a figure of a rather calm looking tiger beneath. Buddha's face is framed with a lovely and symmetrical halo.