I got my first tat back in ‘95 and since then I’ve always had an itch to get another. I’ve been playing around with the idea of getting a Sak Yant, or a Thai Temple Tattoo.
“Sak Yants the Thai name for the Tattooing of Sacred geometrical designs on the skin. Yant (or Yantra, as we call them in the west), are normally tattooed by Buddhist monks, or Brahmin Holy men . The Yant tattoos have developed over the centuries under the influence of several different things The Yantra designs that already existed in Hindu India were adapted by the Thais as Buddhism arrived from neighbouring India.”
I consider the Yantra sacred so my decision whether or not to get one will be weighed carefully. Last February I undertook and requested the Upasampada “Going Forth” or Buddhist Monk Ordination. It is tradition for males in Thai families to undertake ordination and become a monk for a temporary period, at least once in their life. I’ll be sure to blog about it later, as it deserves more then this short paragraph.
My Ordination
Anyway my initial point is that I saw several of the Monks at the Temple with Yantras. I’ve always been intrigued by them, but the timing has never been right. To have them done properly they have to be done by a Monk or “Shamen”. Not too many running around San Francisco. Also I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the videos of the Sak Yant ceremonies. It’s straight up crazy. People claim to fall into a trance or become possessed… not really my cup of tea. I’ve attached a clip at the bottom of the post. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
The Designs
Here are 2 designs that I like however the issues are I don’t know their purpose/meaning, and I think they are a bit too intricate for me. If you look at pictures of Wanlop Sitpholek he actually has quite a few Yantra’s on him.
I’m thinking I should just go with something outside of Yantra… I don’t want or need anymore Karmic baggage. I was thinking about going with a battle scene out of the Ramakien. If any of you are interested in learning more about Yantra, check out SakYant.com
Hanuman in battle
Sak Yant Ceremony
Popularity: 100% [?]
15 responses so far ↓
1 Tong Po // Jan 26, 2007 at 9:53 am
Looks pretty cool. I think I’ve seen a version of that top one before on someone at my gym (Say?).
2 nopadon // Jan 26, 2007 at 10:38 am
Tong Po-
Close… the one Say has is of Hanuman Sleeping. It is from the Ramakien. This is what he has on his back
http://nopadon.smugmug.com/photos/52173230-M.jpg
3 Tong Po // Jan 26, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Oh, ok. Either way I think he got it in the pen, not from a monk.
4 prin // Jan 26, 2007 at 1:27 pm
i briefly considered getting one as well, as i think the designs are beautiful and would be a great way of literally embodying my thai pride, but my parents seem really dead set against the idea - they think that tattoos (even sak yant) will doom you to life as a thug. my dad also told me some crazy stories about people getting “powers” after getting their sak, as well as the crazy rituals you mention. i also share your concerns about adhering/participating in the rules and customs that go along with the sak. definitely not something that should be taken lightly.
5 Josh // Jan 26, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Wow, those are awesome. Do you have anymore pictures of some designs? Isn’t there one with a tiger?
6 Ernesto // Jan 26, 2007 at 2:54 pm
So.. what sort of powers do they give you?
7 George // Jan 26, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I appreciate you sharing your experiences….I check out your site everyday!
8 nopadon // Jan 26, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Josh-
Yeah there are tons… yes the tiger one seems to be pretty popular. Check out the link sakyant.com they’ve got a lot of the designs on their site.
9 adrian // Feb 8, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Hey does anyone know what the tattoo is on tong po’s shoulder in kickboxer? and also if there is a design of it anywhere as i am very keen on getting something similar
10 Vippassana Meditation // Jul 6, 2007 at 12:05 am
[…] had made mention in a old post I had once took ordination as a Buddhist monk. In Thailand it is often customary for a male to take […]
11 kingkong // Aug 18, 2007 at 1:44 pm
i think that sakyant has abeautiful history worth preserving and to be taught to the younger generations
12 Intimidating Tattoos // Nov 13, 2007 at 12:05 am
[…] did a post last year on Sak Yant, or Thai Temple Tattoo’s. I’ve noticed at my camp, nearly all of us have some sort of […]
13 Piseth // Jan 24, 2008 at 2:13 pm
i did a lot of research on these tattoos also because i wanted to get something in relation to my thai background. i love my culture and wanted to celebrate it but i strongly advise anyone considering getting these designs to please consider the sanctity of these tattoos. once the ink is in your skin and the prayers are chanted you will be condemned for life.
basically, the tattoos are suppose to make you invincible but you’re soul will forever burn if/when you die.
14 Commander // Mar 31, 2008 at 7:37 am
This type of interesting dailogue about Muay Thai and its history is what makes your site so cool. Not just a bunch of meat heads talking about beat downs and smoking pot. Thanks Nop!
15 MMCMuayThai // Jul 23, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I have decide to get an Sak Yant. I dont know what im going to get yet but i am dead set on getting one
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