Yantra tattooing or Sak Yant is a form of tattooing using Indian yantra designs. It consists of sacred geometrical, animal and deity designs accompanied by Pali phrases that are said to offer power, protection, fortune, charisma and other benefits for the bearer.
Tattoos believed to offer protection and other benefits have been recorded everywhere throughout both mainland Southeast Asia and as far south as Indonesia and the Philippines.[1] Over the centuries the tradition spread to what is now Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and parts of Myanmar.[2] While the tradition itself originates with indigenous tribal animism, it became closely tied to the Hindu-Buddhist concept of yantra or mystical geometric patterns used during meditation. Tattoos of yantra designs were believed to hold magic power, and were used much like the kolam tattoos of India. For these people, religion is closely tied to the notion of magic, health, and good fortune.[3]
The script used for yantra designs varies according to culture and geography. In Cambodia and central Thailand, the Old Khmer script (Cambodian language) of the Khmer Empire is used. While in northern Thailand yantra tattoos may use Shan, northern Thai, or Tai Lu scripts, and in Laos the Lao Tham script is employed.[4][5][6][7] The script spells out abbreviated syllables from Pali incantations. Different masters have added to these designs over the centuries through visions received in their meditations. Some yantra designs have been adapted from pre-Buddhist shamanism and the belief in animal spirits that was found in Southeast Asia and incorporated into Thai tradition and culture.[8]
Meaningedit
Yantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers, protection, or good luck.[9] There are three main effects of a yantra tattoo. One is that which benefits the wearer, such as making them more eloquent. Another is that of protection and to ward off evil and hardship. This is commonly used by military personnel, police, taxi drivers, gangsters and others in perceived dangerous professions. Another type is that which affects people around the wearer, such as invoking fear. The tattoo only confers its powers so long as the bearer observes certain rules and taboos, such as abstaining from a certain type of food.[1]
Sak yan designs are also applied to many other media, such as cloth or metal, and placed in one's house, place of worship, or vehicle as a means of protection[citation needed] from danger or illness, to increase wealth, and to attract lovers. In recent years Hollywood celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, whose tattoos were inked by Ajahn Noo Ganpai with Old Khmer script Sak yant in Thailand, have made them popular among women.[4] Angelina Jolie got a yantra tattoo of a Bengal tiger in 2004 to celebrate acquiring Cambodian citizenship. [10]
However a modern movement in Thailand seeks to progress away from their animistic past. As part of this movement, many modern-day Thais view yantra tattoos as nothing more than good-luck symbols that are stylish.[11]
Types and designsedit
The "unalome" is a common motif in yantra tattoos and is itself a popular yantra used widely in Southeast Asian Buddhism.Om written in Thai script.
There are many traditional types and designs of yantra tattoos, but some of the most well-known and popular include:
Ong Phra (Thai: องค์พระ; translation: Buddha's body) - one of the most commonly used elements in Yantra tattooing, but can also be a more complex standalone design. Meant to provide insight, guidance, illumination, etc.
Ha-thaeo (Thai: ห้าแถว; translation: five rows) - Typically tattooed on the back left shoulder. Each of the five lines relates to a different blessing for success and good luck.
Kao-yot (Thai: เก้ายอด; translation: nine spires) - typically tattooed on the center top of the back in various sizes and levels of complexity. Simple version pictured at the top of this article.
Si-yot (Thai: สี่ยอด; translation: four spires) - to influence the feelings or actions of others and protect the bearer.
Paet-thit (Thai: แปดทิศ; translation: eight points) - represents protection in the eight directions of the universe. Round shape; typically tattooed on the center of the back. Pictured in gallery below.
Sip-thit (Thai: สิบทิศ; translation: ten points) - a version of paet-thit, but protects in ten directions instead of eight.
Maha-niyom (Thai: มหานิยม; translation: great preference) - to grant the bearer favor in the eyes of others. Round shape; typically placed on the back right shoulder.
Yot Mongkut (Thai: ยอดมงกุฎ; translation: spired crown) - for good fortune and protection in battle. Round shape; typically tattooed on the top of the head.
Panchamukhi (Thai: ปัญจมุขี; translation: five Deva faces) - intended to ward off illness and danger.
Suea-koo (Thai: เสือคู่; translation: twin tiger) - typically depicts twin tigers. Symbolizes strength, fearlessness, and resilience.
Uṇālom (Thai: อุณาโลม; translation: urna, often left untranslated as "unalome") - the ūrṇā curl the between eyebrows of the Buddha. Variously described as representing the 'third eye', the path to nirvana, and the coil, line, and point of the syllable 'Om' written in Thai script.
Hanuman (Thai: หนุมาน; translation: monkey god) - Hanuman is revered for his ability to overcome obstacles and challenges, making the Hanuman Yantra a symbol of resilience and determination.
Yant Krop Kaew (Thai: ยันต์กรอบแก้ว; translation: diamond shield) - features geometric patterns resembling a diamond or crystal lattice, symbolizing strength and invincibility.[12]
Locationsedit
One of the most famous temples in the present day for yantra tattooing is Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. Ajaan Noo Kanpai, perhaps the most famous practitioner of sak yan in Thailand, trained here.
One well-known temple in northern Thailand is Wat Nhong Khem (khem means needle).[13] It is in San Patong just outside Chiang Mai and was home to the late sak yan master Phra Ajaan Gamtawn, who died in Chiang Mai on 14 September 2010. This temple no longer applies tattoos.[14]
^Cummings, Joe, (2011) Sacred Tattoos of Thailand: Exploring the Magic, Masters and Mystery of Sak Yan, Marshall Cavendish.
^Drouyer, Isabel Azevedo; Drouyer, Rene, (2013) Thai Magic Tattoos, The Art and Influence of Sak Yant, Riverbooks editions.
^ abCummings, Joe. (2015). Sacred Tattoos of Thailand: Exploring the Magic, Masters and Mystery of Sak Yan. ISBN9814302546 See also [1]
^May, Angela Marie. (2014). Sak Yant: The Transition from Indic Yantras to Thai Magical Buddhist Tattoos (Master's thesis). The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
^Igunma, Jana. (2013). Aksoon Khoom: Khmer Heritage in Thai and Lao Manuscript Cultures. Tai Culture, 23, Route of the Roots: Tai-Asiatic Cultural Interaction.
^Kourilsky, Grégory, & Berment, Vincent. (2005). Towards a Computerization of the Lao Tham System of Writing. In First International Conference on Lao Studies (FICLS).
^Bangpra, Tik (September 8, 2020). The Power Of Sak Yant: 50 Designs & Meanings Of Thai Tattoos (1 ed.). Independently published. p. 1. ISBN979-8683996604. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
^. Archived from the original on 2011-10-01. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
^. Archived from the original on 2016-08-14. Retrieved 2010-02-12.
^. Archived from the original on 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2010-09-16.
Further readingedit
Chean Rithy Men. "The Changing Religious Beliefs and Ritual Practices among Cambodians in Diaspora", in Journal of Refugee Studies. Vol. 15, No. 2 2002, pp 222–233.
Cummings, Joe. Sacred Tattoos of Thailand: Exploring the Masters, Magic and Mystery of Sak Yan. Singapore, 2011.
Drouyer, Isabel; Drouyer, Rene. Thai Magic Tattoos The Art And Influence of Sak Yant. Ed. River Books, 2013.
Harris, Ian. Cambodian Buddhism: History and Practice. Honolulu, 2008.
Igunma, Jana. "Human Body, Spirit and Disease; the Science of Healing in 19th century Buddhist Manuscripts from Thailand", in The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities. Vol. 1, 2008, pp. 120–132.
Rivers, Victoria Z. "Layers of Meaning: Embellished Cloth for Body and Soul", in Jasleen Dhamija, Asian Embroidery. New Delhi, 2004, pp. 45–66. ISBN81-7017-450-3.
Swearer, Donald K. Becoming the Buddha: the Ritual of Image Consecration in Thailand. Princeton, 2004.
April 11, 2024
yantra, tattooing, yant, form, tattooing, using, indian, yantra, designs, consists, sacred, geometrical, animal, deity, designs, accompanied, pali, phrases, that, said, offer, power, protection, fortune, charisma, other, benefits, bearer, contents, history, me. Yantra tattooing or Sak Yant is a form of tattooing using Indian yantra designs It consists of sacred geometrical animal and deity designs accompanied by Pali phrases that are said to offer power protection fortune charisma and other benefits for the bearer Contents 1 History 2 Meaning 3 Types and designs 4 Locations 5 Gallery 6 See also 7 References 8 Further readingHistory editTattoos believed to offer protection and other benefits have been recorded everywhere throughout both mainland Southeast Asia and as far south as Indonesia and the Philippines 1 Over the centuries the tradition spread to what is now Cambodia Laos Thailand and parts of Myanmar 2 While the tradition itself originates with indigenous tribal animism it became closely tied to the Hindu Buddhist concept of yantra or mystical geometric patterns used during meditation Tattoos of yantra designs were believed to hold magic power and were used much like the kolam tattoos of India For these people religion is closely tied to the notion of magic health and good fortune 3 The script used for yantra designs varies according to culture and geography In Cambodia and central Thailand the Old Khmer script Cambodian language of the Khmer Empire is used While in northern Thailand yantra tattoos may use Shan northern Thai or Tai Lu scripts and in Laos the Lao Tham script is employed 4 5 6 7 The script spells out abbreviated syllables from Pali incantations Different masters have added to these designs over the centuries through visions received in their meditations Some yantra designs have been adapted from pre Buddhist shamanism and the belief in animal spirits that was found in Southeast Asia and incorporated into Thai tradition and culture 8 Meaning editYantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers protection or good luck 9 There are three main effects of a yantra tattoo One is that which benefits the wearer such as making them more eloquent Another is that of protection and to ward off evil and hardship This is commonly used by military personnel police taxi drivers gangsters and others in perceived dangerous professions Another type is that which affects people around the wearer such as invoking fear The tattoo only confers its powers so long as the bearer observes certain rules and taboos such as abstaining from a certain type of food 1 Sak yan designs are also applied to many other media such as cloth or metal and placed in one s house place of worship or vehicle as a means of protection citation needed from danger or illness to increase wealth and to attract lovers In recent years Hollywood celebrities such as Angelina Jolie whose tattoos were inked by Ajahn Noo Ganpai with Old Khmer script Sak yant in Thailand have made them popular among women 4 Angelina Jolie got a yantra tattoo of a Bengal tiger in 2004 to celebrate acquiring Cambodian citizenship 10 However a modern movement in Thailand seeks to progress away from their animistic past As part of this movement many modern day Thais view yantra tattoos as nothing more than good luck symbols that are stylish 11 Types and designs edit nbsp The unalome is a common motif in yantra tattoos and is itself a popular yantra used widely in Southeast Asian Buddhism nbsp Om written in Thai script There are many traditional types and designs of yantra tattoos but some of the most well known and popular include Ong Phra Thai xngkhphra translation Buddha s body one of the most commonly used elements in Yantra tattooing but can also be a more complex standalone design Meant to provide insight guidance illumination etc Ha thaeo Thai haaethw translation five rows Typically tattooed on the back left shoulder Each of the five lines relates to a different blessing for success and good luck Kao yot Thai ekayxd translation nine spires typically tattooed on the center top of the back in various sizes and levels of complexity Simple version pictured at the top of this article Si yot Thai siyxd translation four spires to influence the feelings or actions of others and protect the bearer Paet thit Thai aepdthis translation eight points represents protection in the eight directions of the universe Round shape typically tattooed on the center of the back Pictured in gallery below Sip thit Thai sibthis translation ten points a version of paet thit but protects in ten directions instead of eight Maha niyom Thai mhaniym translation great preference to grant the bearer favor in the eyes of others Round shape typically placed on the back right shoulder Yot Mongkut Thai yxdmngkud translation spired crown for good fortune and protection in battle Round shape typically tattooed on the top of the head Panchamukhi Thai pycmukhi translation five Deva faces intended to ward off illness and danger Suea koo Thai esuxkhu translation twin tiger typically depicts twin tigers Symbolizes strength fearlessness and resilience Uṇalom Thai xunaolm translation urna often left untranslated as unalome the urṇa curl the between eyebrows of the Buddha Variously described as representing the third eye the path to nirvana and the coil line and point of the syllable Om written in Thai script Hanuman Thai hnuman translation monkey god Hanuman is revered for his ability to overcome obstacles and challenges making the Hanuman Yantra a symbol of resilience and determination Yant Krop Kaew Thai yntkrxbaekw translation diamond shield features geometric patterns resembling a diamond or crystal lattice symbolizing strength and invincibility 12 Locations editOne of the most famous temples in the present day for yantra tattooing is Wat Bang Phra in Nakhon Chai Si District Nakhon Pathom Province Thailand Ajaan Noo Kanpai perhaps the most famous practitioner of sak yan in Thailand trained here One well known temple in northern Thailand is Wat Nhong Khem khem means needle 13 It is in San Patong just outside Chiang Mai and was home to the late sak yan master Phra Ajaan Gamtawn who died in Chiang Mai on 14 September 2010 This temple no longer applies tattoos 14 Gallery edit nbsp Yan Paet thit nbsp Hlwong Pi Nan tattooing at Wat Bang Phra Temple nbsp Hlwong Pi Pant tattooing a yan in Ang Thong Province nbsp Devotee of Wat Bang Phra covered in sak yant nbsp Sak yan Nakhon PathomSee also editCetiya Sacca kiriya Jinapanjara Luang pho phet Thai Buddha amulet Rangoli Tattooing in BurmaReferences edit a b Lars Krutak Spiritual Skin Magical Tattoos and Scarification Reuss ISBN 9783943105117 Cummings Joe 2011 Sacred Tattoos of Thailand Exploring the Magic Masters and Mystery of Sak Yan Marshall Cavendish Drouyer Isabel Azevedo Drouyer Rene 2013 Thai Magic Tattoos The Art and Influence of Sak Yant Riverbooks editions a b Cummings Joe 2015 Sacred Tattoos of Thailand Exploring the Magic Masters and Mystery of Sak Yan ISBN 9814302546 See also 1 May Angela Marie 2014 Sak Yant The Transition from Indic Yantras to Thai Magical Buddhist Tattoos Master s thesis The University of Alabama at Birmingham Igunma Jana 2013 Aksoon Khoom Khmer Heritage in Thai and Lao Manuscript Cultures Tai Culture 23 Route of the Roots Tai Asiatic Cultural Interaction Kourilsky Gregory amp Berment Vincent 2005 Towards a Computerization of the Lao Tham System of Writing In First International Conference on Lao Studies FICLS Bangpra Tik September 8 2020 The Power Of Sak Yant 50 Designs amp Meanings Of Thai Tattoos 1 ed Independently published p 1 ISBN 979 8683996604 Retrieved 13 June 2021 Sak Yant Magic Tattoo Thai Guide to Thailand Archived from the original on 2011 10 01 Retrieved 2010 03 12 Angelina Jolie Has Three Giant New Tattoos 2016 February 9 SELF Retrieved February 2 2021 from https www self com story angelina jolie new tattoos Tattoo Chiang Mai Your destination in northern Thailand thai tattoo Retrieved 2017 04 02 Sak Yant Muay Thai Tattoos amp Meaning Siamkick Fight Retrieved March 28 2024 Sak Yant at Wat Nhong Khaem Archived from the original on 2016 08 14 Retrieved 2010 02 12 Phra Ajarn Gamtorn Sak Yant Chiang Mai R I P Thai Guide to Thailand Archived from the original on 2016 11 07 Retrieved 2010 09 16 Further reading editChean Rithy Men The Changing Religious Beliefs and Ritual Practices among Cambodians in Diaspora in Journal of Refugee Studies Vol 15 No 2 2002 pp 222 233 Cummings Joe Sacred Tattoos of Thailand Exploring the Masters Magic and Mystery of Sak Yan Singapore 2011 Drouyer Isabel Drouyer Rene Thai Magic Tattoos The Art And Influence of Sak Yant Ed River Books 2013 Harris Ian Cambodian Buddhism History and Practice Honolulu 2008 Igunma Jana Human Body Spirit and Disease the Science of Healing in 19th century Buddhist Manuscripts from Thailand in The Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Universities Vol 1 2008 pp 120 132 Rivers Victoria Z Layers of Meaning Embellished Cloth for Body and Soul in Jasleen Dhamija Asian Embroidery New Delhi 2004 pp 45 66 ISBN 81 7017 450 3 Swearer Donald K Becoming the Buddha the Ritual of Image Consecration in Thailand Princeton 2004 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Yantra tattooing amp oldid 1216018003, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
