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The Ancient Art of Sak Yant Tattoos

After doing some research over the past couple of weeks, and even more since we've been here in Bangkok, Kristen and I decided we really wanted to locate an Ajarn who could provide us with Sak Yant Tattoos. Neither of us would consider ourselves Buddhist per se, but we have both studied Buddhism a bit and find ourselves in agreement with many of its teachings. Therefore, we felt compelled to take this incredible opportunity to receive the blessing of a local Ajarn.

What is a Sak Yant Tattoo?

Sak Yants is the Thai name for the Tattooing of Sacred geometrical designs. But these tattoo rituals cannot (or should not) be done by just anyone. Yant (or Yantra), are typically tattooed by Buddhist monks or an Arjan (someone who has studied the art and trained for many years to understand the magical languages, symbolism and the blessings associated with each design). Dating back over 700 years, Sak Yants are an ancient art that has developed under the influence of several different religious philosophies, including Hindu and Buddhism.

Who should get a Sak Yant? The Sak Yant has become a big part of Thai culture as a way to provide protection and gain good luck through the mystical side of traditional philosophies and the Buddhist influence. Of course it's become somewhat popular with Westerners who are traveling to the area. But the art is mostly used by the Thai locals, monks, Buddhist philosophers, and even muay thai boxers (for strength and protection).

Let's Break it Down

สักยันต์ - Sak Yant

Sak - meaning "to tap" or "to tattoo"

Yant - meaning "Yantra" which derived from the Sanskrit word "YANTRA".

The ancient method of delivering the ink was through the use of bamboo shoots with wooden (bamboo) tips. However, due to sanitary reasons, and because wood can split, today's Yant Saks are typically etched into the skin using a steel tip at the end of a bamboo shaft.

Yantra is commonly misunderstood as mantra, but yantras are defined as geometric diagrams, or any objects, used as an aid for meditation in tantric worship. Each Yantra (design) is created specifically for each person, based on their needs and desires, so it's highly unlikely that two are ever created identically.

Some information adapted from www.sakyantchiangmai.com

3 Primary Designs of Sak Yants

For first-time recipients of Sak Yants, you're likely to receive one of three main designs: Hah Taew (Five Lines), Gao Yord, or Paed Tidt. I opted to receive the Hah Taew as I liked the design but also appreciated the Yantras incorporated into it. The Sak Yant Hah Taew dates back to over 700 years ago in the ancient Kingdom of Lanna which is now Northern Thailand.

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Whether on purpose, or by accident, the original 5 lines of script which were written in Khom (an ancient Khmer language), saw several changes over time. In more recent years, several Ajarns have completely replaced the original 5 lines of script with lines of their own. These sacred (and secret) designs and teachings are passed down from master to student through the centuries.

The Hah Taew Sak Yant represents 5 yants (or magical spells). Each one is done individually, and the following magical spells have been cast to do as explained below.

The first row prevents unjust punishment and leans in your favor when the area is grey, cleans out unwanted spirits and protects the place you live in.
The second row reverses and protects against bad horoscope constellations and bad fortune.
The third row protects you from the use of black magic and anyone who tries to put a curse on you.
The fourth row energizes your good luck, success and fortune in your future ambitions and life style.
The fifth row is to gain charisma and attraction to the opposite sex. It is also is a boost to the fourth row.

As I mentioned before, each Sak Yant is designed in a unique way using a combination of local teachings and personal style. If you were to show your tattoo to an Ajarn in another area, it's likely he would be unable to decipher it exactly.

Choosing an Ajarn

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Ajarn Neng

Kristen and I researched as much as we could online about the local Ajarns in Bangkok. There are several and many of them are booked up for weeks in advance. We narrowed down our search to a couple, and only one of them returned our email right away. We looked over his website to learn more about his practice and studies. And of course, we also read through the many reviews describing the experience of others.

We decided to go with Ajarn Neng who is situated on the other side of Bangkok from our hotel. The one hour drive by Grab (Asia's version of Uber) was so worth it for the authentic experience that we received. You can learn more about him and his Sak Yant services below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaisakyant/
Website: http://www.thaisakyant.com/index.php/en/

I might add that Ajarn Neng has provided Sak Yant tattoos for some pretty high profile individuals, including Brooke Shields, Ryan Phillippe, and Steven Seagal, among many others.

The Sak Yant and Blessing Process

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Before entering the home studio of Ajarn Neng, we first performed a prayer ritual at an alter in front of his home. We then proceeded inside where we gave our offering to Ajarn Neng. Keep in mind that there are technically no costs for the tattoo, but donations are expected. We donated 8,000 Baht for the both of us.

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After the donation is received, the Ajarn will give it his blessing...

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Next, he asked what Sak Yant I wanted and where I wanted it placed. Despite popular beliefs among Westerners, it is NOT traditional for the Ajarn to pick your tattoo for you. But they will help you decide if you explain your purpose for getting one and what you hope to gain from it.

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I told him (through the translator) that I wanted the Hah Taew Sak Yant on my right forearm. He then laid out a diagram template on my arm. This was unlike your typical tattoo template because there were no designs or words on it, just lines to help guide (and align) his blessings onto my arm.

Bring on the Pain!

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I really had no idea how bad the pain would be from a needle on a bamboo poll being poked into my skin over an over. I had read blogs where people described it as like being stung by bees over and over again. Others said it wasn't too painful and went by really quick.

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I have to say that it wasn't really that bad. Sure, it hurt... but shouldn't it? Luckily I was facing Ajarn Neng so I spent most of the time getting lost in the many tattoos that covered his body. Focusing on his ink somehow made me forget about the bamboo needle poking my arm thousands of times over.

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Almost done!

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After the Sak Yant was complete, Ajarn Neng blessed and consecrated my new amulet through a ceremony that involves prayer, chanting, sprinkling of water, and blowing on the tattoo. He also placed a gold leaf for good luck before his assistant wrapped it up in plastic wrap. It was a humbling experience to receive blessings from someone who has spent most of their lives studying Buddhism and the ancient practice of Sak Yant rituals. Unfortunately Kristen didn't snap any pics of the blessing, but that's quite okay as it is a sacred ritual.

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Me (looking super mellow) and Kristen w/ Ajarn Neng after receiving our Sak Yants

Sak Yant Aftercare

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A few hours after getting back to our hotel, I unwrapped my new ink to take a look at it. The gold leaf had somewhat dissolved and the lines were looking great! In the states I would usually use A&E Ointment on a tattoo a couple of days after it started healing, but it's almost impossible to find A&E Ointment anywhere but the states. At least this traveler has had a hard time finding it anywhere.

Luckily the translator today told me to just use coconut oil which is plentiful here. It will moisturize the tattoo and encourage healing without pulling any ink out. We'll go and pick some up tomorrow to have on hand while we're traveling around.

My Overall Experience

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We are so happy we decided to visit Ajarn Neng and receive our Sak Yant from him. The experience was authentic and really taught us a lot about the local tradition. We also feel very empowered by receiving the yants involved with our new ink. Something important to point out is that the needles here are always switched out between people, and the ink is brand new for each person, unlike other places you might receive your Sak Yant. Many of the wats still do things the old way which sometimes means sharing a bucket of ink (and blood) with others.

I like to document times like this because they're really a unique, once in a lifetime experiences. It's rare to be in the presence of someone of Ajarn Neng's stature, let alone receive their blessing. We plan to visit Bangkok again in the near future to pay him a visit and receive fresh blessings for our Sak Yants, and possibly even receive new ones.

I guess it goes without saying that we highly recommend Ajarn Neng. I highly doubt you'll find a cleaner, or more personable and authentic experience anywhere else!

Bangkok Day 3: Buddhist Thai Sak Yant Tattoos by Ajarn Neng