Sak Yant, The Magical Tattoo From Thailand

Yantra tattoo, also called sak yant, is a form of tattoos practiced in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. This practice also began to grow in popularity among Chinese Buddhists existing in various countries with China's population at most. Sak means "press (tattoo)", and yant is the sacred Sanskrit letters in Thai yantra.

Sak yant designs are usually made tattoos by Wicha (witches) practitioners and Buddhist monks, traditionally with long bamboo sticks sharpened to a point (called sak mai) or alternatively with long spike metal (called sak khem).

_{Image : Sak Yant}

History of Sak Yant

The Chinese chronicle describes the yantra tattoo between Thai culture of southwest China and northwest Vietnam at least 2000 years ago. For centuries tradition has spread to what is now Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and parts of Myanmar. Today is the most popular is in Thailand, while in Cambodia and Laos tradition has almost completely vanished.

The script used for yantra design is a mixture of ancient Khmer and original Buddhist / Pali script. History shows that yantra tattoo comes from the Angkor era. Different designs have been added to this design over the years through the vision received in their meditation. Some of the yantra designs have been adapted from pre-Buddhist Shamanism and belief in animal spirits found in Southeast Asian continents and incorporated into Thai traditions and culture. 

Yantra tattoos are believed to have magic and provide a mystical force, protection, or success. In Cambodia, tattoos are used for self-protection. Cambodia people believes the yantra has a magical power that wards evil and suffering. The tattoo is especially popular among military personnel. The tattoo allegedly assures that the person can not accept physical damage as long as they observe certain rules.

Types And Design

There are traditional types and designs of the Yantra Tattoo, but some of the most famous and popular include:

• Ongk Phra (Buddha body) - one of the most common elements used in Yantra tattoos but it can also be a more self-contained more complex design. Intended to provide understanding, guidance, counseling, etc.

_{Image : Ongk Phra}

• Ha Thaew (five lines) - one of the most common Yantra designs for women in Thailand, but also used for men. Usually tattooed on the left shoulder behind. Each of the five lines deals with different blessings for success and luck.

_{Image : Ha Thaew}

• Kao Yord (nine towers) - usually tattooed at the top of the back center in various sizes and levels of complexity.

_{Image : Kao Yord}

• Sii Yord (four towers) - to influence the feelings or actions of others and protect the carrier.

_{Image : Sii Yord}

• Paed Tidt (eight points) - is a refuge in the eight directions of the universe. Has a round shape, usually tattooed in the middle of the back.

_{Image : Paed Tidt}

• Mahaniyom (great preference) - to provide carrier assistance in the eyes of others round shape, usually placed on the right shoulder belt.

_{Image : Mahaniyom}

• Yord Mongkut (a pointed crown) - for luck and protection in battle. Round shape, usually tattooed on the top of the head.

_{Image : Yord Mongkut}

• Bpanjamukhee (the five faces of God) - is meant to ward off disease and danger.

_{Image : Bpanjamukhee}

• Suea (tiger) - usually describes the twin tigers. Represents power and authority. It is power and authority.

_{Image : Suea}

There is about Sak Yant, the magical tattoo from Thailand. From countries in Asia where tattoo yantra is done, Thailand is by far the country with the highest number of people. Sak yant is performed all over the country at temples in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and northern Thailand. Today the most famous temples for yantra tattoos is Wat Phra Bang in Nakhon Chaysri, Nakhon Pathom, Ajarn Noo Kanpai, probably the most famous practitioner of sak yant in Thailand, trained here.

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