If you’ve spent some time in Thailand and South East Asia and aren’t afraid of a little ink under your skin, you should consider getting a Sak Yant.
The Sak Yant is a special tattoo, given by monks, that bestows magical powers upon it’s receiver. The magic comes from the “yant” or the sacred design of the tattoo which incorporates Buddhist mantras. The design was originally inscribed on cloth jackets that many Thai soldiers would wear to give them protection in battle. There are many legends of people surviving gun shots and horrific accidents that survived because they had a Sak Yant on their body.
The Sak Yant Process
The Sak Yant is a type of tattoo that is popular all around South East Asia. While this type of tattoo originated in Cambodia, today it is Thailand that produces the highest number of this tattoo in the world. The fact that the process is so common should be comforting, as the method of tattooing is quite different than that of the western world.
If you receive a Sak Yant in the traditional way, a monk will use a long bamboo stick with a very sharp and thin point, similar to a quill. A more modern version may be made out of a long metal spike. You may leave the design up to the monk, who will bestow upon you the mantra he sees most fitting with your persona or what you are looking to gain from the tattoo (protection, good luck, prosperous business, love, etc.)
There are many designs but here are some of the most popular:
Hanuman: The shape of the Hindu Monkey God, whose legend involves a heroic fight against evil, will bestow physical strength, perseverance and devotion. This is often chosen by people born within the Year of the Monkey and many Muay Thai boxers.
Hah Taew Yant: These five vertical lines placed on the shoulder blade were made very popular by Angelina Jolie and is by far the most popular Sak Yant for females. Each line bestows a different blessing, typically involving love, success, kindness, luck and protection against evil.
Geo Yord Yant: Also referred to as the Nine Spires, this yant is usually placed on the nape of the neck and represents 9 important images of the Lord Buddah, a number that’s extremely important to Buddhism.
Paed Tidt: This circular shape with eight spires contains eight mantras written in concentric circles in the middle of the design. This will give you protection in any direction you travel. One of the more complicated designs and mantras, you can combine the first syllables of particular spires to create a mantra specific for any direction you travel.
Tiger: The tiger is one of the most powerful yants, meant to bestow attributes of the tiger such as strength and fearlessness, powerful enough to drive away evil spirits and competition. This is common for people who want to gain wealth or were born under the Year of the Tiger.
Ganesh: This is a popular one, as it is easily recognized by the elephant head representing the important Hindu God, who is the Remover of Obstacles as well as the Lord of Beginnings, Patron of Arts and Science, and Lord of Letters and Learning.
Tong Maharat: This large triangle shape placed on the side of the body has a name that translates to “Great Flag.” The mantras within it bestow qualities of mercy, kindness, compassion, popularity and good luck in love. This is very popular with salespeople.
