What is a Sak Yant:
Sak = meaning to tap or to tattoo
Yant = short for Yantra, a mystical diagram
Sak Yant or Yantra Tattooing is a traditional Thai tattoo which is done in a temple by a Master Monk aka Ajarn. There are four main forms of Yantra; Round Yant, Triangular Yant, four Sided Yant, and Pictorial ones such as a tiger or monkey. The lines aka bones of the Yant symbolism Buddhas umbilical cord and its connection to you.
How is it done: The Sak Yant is done with a metal rod called a Khem Sak. Up until the 1950’s bamboo rods were used however, they are more likely to splinter and cannot be passed down Monk to Monk so they were replaced with the Khem Sak. The tattoo is done in either black or red ink (only one color per Yant) which the Temple always provides.
Why do people get them: Sak Yant tattoos are done for their Magic which comes from Buddha. They give their carrier strength and balance that they otherwise would not have. Each individual Sak Yants have their own meanings. For example, the tiger Yant is for the strong, many Thai law enforcement and Muay Thai Fighters have this Yant.
Rules for Sak Yant: Every Sak Yant comes with a different set of rules however there are six general rules:
- Do not kill
- Do not steal
- Do not desire another person’s lover or spouse or be unfaithful to your own
- Do not lie
- Do not get intoxicated
- Do not speak ill of your mother or any other mother
Tourism: Over the past 20 years Sak Yants have become very popular among western tourists. To the extent that there are tattoo tours you can go on where you get a tattoo in a Temple. The commercialization does not bother most Thais as long as you are respectful to their culture and the rules and beliefs behind the tattoo . If you are a foreigner (farang) interested in getting a Sak Yant you should keep in mind the meaning of the tattoo and how it applies to you as well as it’s religious meaning. Also know that most Yants which designs are on the internet have minor flaws in them that only a Ajarn will recognise. This means that if you get a design off the internet and take it to a tattoo parlor it is more than likely flawed. This is done on purpose to insure that the true designs stay sacred to Monks and are only performed the traditional way, in a Temple.
