Episode 289 - A Sweet Renaissance Man: Chance Kelejian-Robles

In this rich and introspective episode of The Drunken Taoist Podcast, host Rich Evers and co-host Daniele Bolelli welcome Chance Kliegen-Robles, a multifaceted tattoo artist, writer, and spiritual practitioner whose identity is deeply rooted in his multicultural heritage—Armenian, Lakota, Mexican, and Basque. The conversation unfolds as a tapestry of personal revelation, cultural wisdom, and philosophical depth, exploring how art, especially tattooing, functions as a sacred, transformative act that connects inner truth to outer expression. Chance shares a pivotal spiritual vision during a ritual bath in his youth that led him to embrace the jaguar medicine and commit to tattooing as a form of healing and ceremony. He reflects on the responsibility of marking another’s body forever, the meditative state induced by the tattoo process, and the importance of authenticity over commercialization. The dialogue expands into broader themes: the Taoist and indigenous worldview of embracing mystery, the rejection of dogma in favor of eclectic wisdom, and the power of place and energy—whether in Ojai, South Dakota, or Maui. The episode culminates in a profound meditation on life as a series of glimpses rather than answers, and the necessity of humility, integration, and living with intention. The hosts express deep admiration for Chance’s maturity, integrity, and ability to embody multiple disciplines with grace and purpose. Key takeaways include: (1) Tattooing is not just art but a sacred, ceremonial act of transformation and connection; (2) True creativity flourishes when we honor our inner truth rather than chasing external validation or market trends; (3) The most meaningful life is lived with humility, accepting that we only ever get glimpses of deeper truths; (4) Cultural and spiritual wisdom from diverse traditions—indigenous, Zen, Shinto, and more—should be integrated, not compartmentalized; (5) Pain and discomfort, when accepted rather than resisted, become gateways to deeper presence and endurance; (6) The energy of places—like Ojai’s peaceful valley or Maui’s tranquil spirit—can profoundly shape our inner state; (7) Authenticity and connection matter more than fame or profit; and (8) We are all part of a larger, mysterious web—be it the cosmos, the earth, or the human spirit—and our role is to be present, open, and kind.