It's back to the end of the week, the day the Untold Story series accompanies your last weekend. Unlike before, this time we will be discussing a culture that still exists today. Did you know that there are ancient practices in Southeast Asia that are rich in mystical traditions and meanings? One of them is Sak Yant, which originated in Thailand.
Sak Yant, also known as Sak Yan or Sak Yantra, is an ancient art of tattooing that originated in Thailand. Considered a combination of art, religion and spirituality, Sak Yant has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries. These tattoos have deep symbolic value and are believed to bring protection, luck, and strength to the owner. In this article we will explore the history, meaning and practice of Sak Yant, which has attracted the interest of many people from all over the world.
Sak Yant originated in ancient Thailand and is considered part of its rich and diverse folk culture. Sak Yant is a representation of Buddhist mysticism in Thailand, known as Theravada Tantra, embodied in the form of tattoos. To properly understand Sak Yant, we must understand the concept of mysticism that connects the human body to the cosmos and higher powers.
In the Sak Yant tradition, tattoos are seen as a way to receive spiritual power and protection from entities believed to possess magical powers. These Buddhist tattoos usually contain geometric symbols that are considered sacred, including images of animals and deities, as well as sacred mantras.
Historically, Buddhist monks have used Sak Yant as a means of protection during meditation and forest retreats. In the past, these tattoos were given to warriors before battle to provide protection and encouragement as they guarded their lands.
Meaning and Symbolism
Each Sak Yant symbol has a unique and profound meaning. The "ajarn" (tattooist) of Sak Yant has a deep knowledge of this symbolism and is considered a saint or religious leader by the local community.
Some examples of Sak Yant symbols are:
1. Hah Taew: The most popular symbol in Sak Yant, it consists of five mantra lines symbolizing the five Buddhist principles - patience, perseverance, trust, contemplation, and steadfastness.
2. Gao Yord: Also known as "Nawika", is a triangular tattoo symbol that represents the nine forms of protection in Thai belief.
3. Paed Tidt: A symbol that symbolizes courage and provides protection from physical and spiritual harm.
4. Hanuman: Symbolizes strength, courage and loyalty, taken from the Hindu mythological figure of Hanuman.
Sak Yant - Exclusivity
Receiving a Sak Yant is a special ritual that is only performed by trained tattooists such as monks and ajarns (teachers committed to Buddhism) who fully understand the deep meaning behind it and can provide the appropriate quality of tattoo. The process involves an in-depth conversation with the artist, tattoo selection, prayers, tattooing, and an offering ceremony, making it a meaningful process and different from getting a regular tattoo.
Traditionally, these tattoos were carefully crafted by Buddhist monks or ajarn using bamboo sticks and herbal inks. Today, metal sticks have replaced the traditional bamboo, but the process remains similar. Some tattooists work by hand, while others use paper designs that are placed on the skin as a guide.
Although often considered a Buddhist tradition, sak yant is actually an interesting blend of ancient Hindu and Buddhist animist beliefs. In animist beliefs, all things in nature have a spiritual essence, and if the spirits of nature are not respected, they can become dangerous. These beliefs still play an important role in the tattoo traditions of Southeast Asia.
No wonder Sak Yant is also known for the belief that this tattoo will come to life and contain magical powers that will bring protection and good luck to its owner. To achieve the desired spiritual and auspicious effects, Sak Yant tattoos traditionally require their owners to follow a certain lifestyle. This involves the adoption of a set of individual rules and moral vows, which often include Buddhist teachings and sometimes dietary restrictions.
The monk who gives the blessing is the one who lists these rules. If these rules are not scrupulously followed, the tattoo will not provide the expected benefits.
The Global Sak Yant
With the growing interest in Thai culture and spiritual practices, the popularity of Sak Yant has crossed national boundaries, attracting people from all over the world. International travelers and tattoo art lovers travel to Thailand to get a Sak Yant tattoo from a famous ajarn.
However, this tattoo tradition once faded due to the advent of modernization, Christian missions and later the communist movement in the region. The communities that still practice this tradition are mostly in rural areas or are still guarded by the aristocracy.
Although Sak Yant has gained worldwide popularity today, it still faces some controversy. Some practitioners are concerned that the tradition has become a commercial product that has lost its essence and spiritual meaning. In addition, there are questions about the authenticity of some practitioners who may not have sufficient knowledge or qualifications.
Despite all this, Sak Yant remains an interesting part of Thai culture, combining art, religion and belief into one. For many, Sak Yant is not just a tattoo, but rather a form of spiritual expression that connects the past with the present and carries deep meaning and magical powers for its owner.
Because it is a spiritual practice and has a beauty of its own, ignorance of the deep meaning behind this art can be unwise. If you decide to get a tattoo of a religious or spiritual nature, it is highly recommended to do thorough research beforehand. It is always wise to take the extra time to understand and respect the culture and practice.
