Sak yant – magical shamanic tattoo | History, meaning of tattoo, masters
Sak Yant is considered a magical tattoo, which is particularly sacred. They are mostly made in Thailand. If you want to make a tattoo on your body, then you need to keep in mind that Sak Yant is not just a drawing on the body. This tattoo is endowed with magical powers. Before you do it, you should think a few times: do you really need it? This is not a simple tattoo that any artist can do. Sak Yant can turn the fate of its owner in a good or, conversely, bad direction. Everything is detailed in our article.
History of the tattoo
Time does not stand still, but Thai people firmly believe in the mystical power of Sak Yant. Rituals, which were especially relevant in ancient times, play an important role for them to this day. In particular, the ritual of applying the tattoo indicated above is a very responsible matter. And both for the one who applies it, and for the one who is the direct carrier.
In Asia, Sak Yant has long been made by warriors who wanted to protect themselves from mortal wounds. The drawing was spoken by a shaman who was a master. He endowed the drawing with magic, which was supposed to help its owner save a life. Since you are planning to get this tattoo, we recommend that you read the article: to Thailand on your own and How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
Meaning of Sak Yant
Sacred drawings can be seen on the body of a large number of Thais. They are deeply convinced that tattoos help with various troubles and misfortunes, diseases, and can protect them from the enemy. Tourists have long begun to look at Sak Yant. It is believed that such a tattoo can make happy and enrich the one who wears it.
After they saw the tattoo on the body of Angelina Jolie, which is, in fact, Sak Yant, the popularity of this sacred drawing has grown significantly. The famous actress made it for herself in order to attract success into her life. Who wants to be happy in life and successful in all matters and undertakings? Of course, everyone. But everything is not so simple. When drawing a picture, you can bring not only happiness, but also trouble.
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Before starting the procedure, it is worth discussing the meaning of the tattoo with the master, telling some details of your life, telling about future plans and aspirations. The master must understand which pattern is suitable for a particular person. An individual approach is essential in such a difficult craft. We must try to be as open as possible in communication, not to try to hide even the smallest details, otherwise the tattoo will not play in favor of its wearer.
Thai monks are true masters of Sak Yant. Only they can make a truly mystical drawing with sacred symbols. In addition to the fact that the monks apply the pattern, they also read Buddhist prayers and special formulas, which are designed to bestow blessings. Some salons offer to make a tattoo – a kind of Sak Yant. But this is precisely the similarity, since the pattern will have absolutely no meaning. It is neither a talisman nor a protection. This is just a picture on the body that any tattoo parlor master can do.
What does the word “Sak Yant” mean?
“Sak” in translation – “stuffing”, and “Yant” – sacred
A pattern created in accordance with geometric symbolism. Buddhist monks have the right to make such a tattoo only for males. Tattoo artists can put a pattern on a woman's body. But true monks are strictly forbidden to carry out such a procedure.
Those miraculous prayers that are applied during the execution of the drawing (Yant) are called Kata in Thai. These prayers have another name – mantra. More than two thousand years ago, Yants were applied in Asian countries and in Thailand. This is an ancient custom. The masters have their own secrets regarding the creation of the pattern and its conspiracy. Secrets are passed from the master to his disciples.
Drawing technology
Thus, several dozen generations tried to preserve the established tradition. Now the technologies for applying Yants are slightly different from those that were used before. The tattoo is applied to the body with a bamboo or steel stick. They are reusable. Tools are treated with alcohol. Other methods of disinfection are not used.
Each instrument is unique. Before using it for the first time, prayers in Sanskrit are read over it, as subsequently over Sak Yant. Therefore, sticks are not disposable. The execution time by the master of the order ranges from 15 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the complexity of the drawing.
Commandments to be obeyed
At the end, when everything is ready, the master asks the one whose body is tattooed to fulfill the basic commandments: do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, do not commit adultery. These are the rules that play an important role for every Buddhist. If you do not fulfill the commandments, then the magical power of San Yant will disappear. The master may ask, for example, not to wear a red shirt (this is rare). But still. If you need it, then you need it. The requirements and advice should be taken seriously.
Myths about Sak Yant
With the advent of information about Sak Yant, numerous rumors appeared. Europe was flooded with information allegedly that monks mixed the ashes of the deceased and blood with ink. But in fact, this kind of information is groundless. It is not known where such ridiculous rumors came from.
Some journalists managed to communicate with the masters, who did not confirm them. The whole power of a mystical tattoo lies in the pattern itself and those inscriptions that are applied during execution. The inscriptions are unique. For each client, they are selected individually. During the performance, the master reads a mantra that will not be repeated for another person. It is worth knowing that at first glance, tattoos that are absolutely identical to each other have completely different meanings and act on their owners in different ways.
What color is Sak Yant
Sak Yant is made in three colors: black, red and transparent. Basically, everyone makes their choice in favor of black, rarely decides on red. Transparent tattoos are applied with the help of oil to children serving the state and women. No one will be able to see such a tattoo, while its power is preserved. Invisible Sak Yant is in no way inferior to black and red. Moreover, a transparent tattoo is considered stronger than its counterparts.
Where to find Master Ajyan Kobu
Now a few words about the master Sak Yant. To find it in Thailand, you have to spend a little time. The master who practices Sak Yant is called Ajyan. Ajyan Kobu lives in Ayutthaya near Bangkok.
I recommend reading the article Itinerary and a guide to Bangkok.
To find it, you can use the services of a Russian guide who will take you to your destination. You can find such a guide on the social network. If you don't want to pay money for delivery, then the only way to get to Ajyan is to go to it yourself. You can take a taxi for 100 baht.
The city‘s famous landmark Wat Maha That has taxi drivers who know where the master lives. They will agree to take the tourist to his house. Arriving at the place, you should keep in mind that Ajyan may be busy. More precisely, you need to think about this even before your arrival. A large number of people want to make Sak Yant from a professional. You have to be patient and wait your turn. Sometimes people even spend the night in a tent near the master's house, waiting in the wings.
It is quite possible that the visitor will be lucky and the waiting time will not be more than a few hours. May fortune be kind. Never stop hoping for luck. The house with turquoise walls is the working area of Ajyan Kobu. It is worth checking the price in advance. It is assigned from 1000 baht and goes up to 25000. The last figure is indicated for tattoos all over the body. Sometimes there are lovers to paint themselves from head to toe, but usually one is enough for people.
The application procedure is quite painless, you can endure it without clenching your teeth and without gathering the last drops of willpower into a fist. There are many albums in the Ajyan Kobu hall where you can see the main versions of Sak Yant and their cost. The master can offer his version of the tattoo, which seems to him the most suitable.
If he categorically refuses to fill a drawing that he likes, do not insist on his own. It is better to listen to Ajyan's opinion and choose something more, in his opinion, appropriate. To negotiate with the master, you must speak Thai. Or take an electronic translator with you. Well, or use the service of a guide.
Having decided to make Sak Yant, we must remember that this is not a tribute to fashion. Tattoos have become fashionable, but they are not just tattoos. Taitsy treat tradition with special reverence and awe. It is necessary to clearly understand why such a tattoo is needed on the body. If she is stuffed, it will be necessary to observe the commandments and strive to behave accordingly.