A Sak Yant is a form of tattoo that is very popular in Thailand. Sometimes referred to as a Buddhist tattoo or a yantra tattoo. These Buddhist tattoos regularly contain sacred geometry, animals and deities accompanied by sacred mantras. Sak Yants are speculated to be up to two millennia old. Although the oldest definitive use of Sak Yants date back only to the 1600’s. During that time Thailand was known as The Kingdom of Ayuttaya. Warriors were given yant tattoos in order to protect them in battle. Many of the figures depicted in Sak Yants come from Devas folklore (divine beings) such as Rama or the mythical “Himapant” animals, which are legendary creatures usually made up of two or three different animals. In Sak Yant tattoo culture, each design carries a specific meaning and significance, and the placement of the tattoo on the body is also important. Thai Sak Yant tattoos use the Ancient Kom language. Sak Yant lettering tattoos do not have translations in either English or Thai. One letter may come from a long chant and may symbolise a longer story.

The traditional process would involve finding an Ajarn, a master who has studied Sak Yants and the spiritual significance of each design. They are not monks but may have been in the past. People may also seek a Sak Yant hand-poke bamboo tattoo from a monk. However, it is widely known that if you prefer a higher quality tattoo, it is recommended to find an experienced tattoo artist and then attend a ceremony with a monk to receive a personalised blessing.

Here at Ink Point we are able to provide a top notch experience and a comfortable setting for your Sak Yant tattoo. After the tattoo is completed, clients have the option to schedule a time to visit a local temple with an artist to receive a blessing from a monk.

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Sak Yant Ceremony Etiquette

Attire:

When you arrive to the temple you will take your shoes off and sit on the floor along with the artist. If you are a woman it is important to dress modestly with your shoulders, upper arms, and knees covered. For men although you may remove your shirt for the ceremony it is a sign of respect to arrive wearing something that is clean and slightly more formal than a tank top.

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Greeting:

When you greet a monk, you “Wai” and keep your body lower, it is polite to be the first to wai as is a sign of respect to the monk or elder. “Wai” means pressing your palms together near your chest, then, lower your head and raise your hands until the thumbs touch the middle between the eyebrows. You should not stand above a monk as a matter of politeness.

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Kar Kru Offering:

You will then present your Kar Kru, a donation “offering to the spirits” before the Sak Yant ceremony begins. The offering signifies respect to the monk and shows them that you are grateful for their blessing and skills. This offering should be arranged on a tray which includes flowers, incense, a candle, and the money offering. You can choose an amount that ends with the number 9 like 299 baht is a good number because 9 or “Kaow” in Thai means being successful but its not necessary or a must. You will bow three times in front of the monk as you give your offering.

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The Blessing:

The monk will accept the offering on behalf of the temple and the spirits and then begin the blessing incantations. The monk will cast magic while applying holy oil over your tattoo. Real gold leaf is placed afterwards. While you are receiving the blessing, put your hands together in prayer and keep your eyes closed. The history behind the gold leaves is that we believe that gold leaves represent the 5th element of gold in your body. The 24k gold leaf blesses the ceremonial process, the person, and the energy centers that are being worked with.

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The monk will then sprinkle holy water for removing bad luck while you kneel in front of them. It is encouraged to set the intention of having a clear mind as you listen to the incantations. At the close of your ceremony, a red/orange string is blessed and wrapped around your wrist to serve as a reminder to continue with the commitments and intentions that you’ve put in place during your ceremony. This is called a Sai Sin and it symbolises the Divine umbilical cord to your ceremony.

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The final part is to pour ceremonial water called Gruad Nam to show merit to the artist, the monk, your ancestors, relatives, friends, and those who have passed away.

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