I got it at the Chameleon in Boston, MA, by one of the older artists named Reuben - an amazing, incredibly talented artist. It was my first tattoo and the reason I got it was simply because i love what the koi fish stands for - perseverance in the face of adversity; swimming upstream to pass through the gate and turn into a dragon. It serves as my reminder that I have goals to fulfill and to keep on truckin' even when things get a little rough.
HA! This is the first time I have seen someone besides me with the two koi and the lotus! I have a temple as well though....the symbolism of the two koi and the lotus w/temple means longevity of the soul,overcoming hard obstacles and becoming enlightened.