Are There Any Sak-yan For Tattoos To Make Merit (etc) For A Deceased Loved One?

[makamja]

Hi there..

I recently discovered the name for the sacred squiggles on the back of the Thai Buddhist pendant I wear are called "yan" -thanks to my visit to the Thai temple in Sydney - Wat Buddarangsee. My whole world has opened up! I am Australian but went to highschool in Phetchabun on a Rotary Exchange a million years go hence the nickname Makam, since then Thailand has been part of me and Buddhism resonates with me, the pendant I wear was a random gift from a sweet Thai guy I was talking to on one of my trips. I'll be going back to Thailand for the first time in 3 years (this will be my 7th trip!) in April and I am SOOOOOO EXCITED! I LOVE THAILAND!

I come to this topic because I want to get a tattoo in honour of my brother, who was killed in a car accident about 6 years ago. I have no tattoos at present and always told myself I would only get one that is significant (I have no interest in tattoos for fashion, though I definetley appreciate the aesthetic!). I started to think about where I would like a tattoo (my left inner wrist, I am not sure if thats possible with Yan though) and I also know that I want it to be in white (or invisible is good too) ink, so that it is discrete and personal.

Here is an example of an inner wrist tattoo in white.. Lindsay Lohan's tattoo which says "breathe" in white ink. (If someone could also let me know how the "invisible ink" they use for women - the sesame oil?? - differs from the white ink I would be very grateful)

Hope that works! (this is my first post in this forum)

Then I have started to wonder - apart from just yan of protection for the self, is there something I could do that would honour my brother... or even, ideally, that would MAKE MERIT for him in a way. I know this is quite a falang way to approach things and that making merit is not something you acheive through a tattoo but something in your heart.. but I was wondering. The Yan are so beautiful and would mean a lot to me if there was a sacred one I could wear on behalf of my brother.. for honour or making merit.. or something along those lines.

The Thai monk in the temple here was kind enough to write out (in normal Thai script) my bro's name and birthdate, and also "kor hai bai sukati" ("go to heaven" in thai.. sort of the equivalent of "rest in peace") so I could see what they would look like. (Images would be wonderful)!!!

Any suggestions or tips on specific yan (or other Thai related Buddhist things) and ideas would be greatly appreciated in addition to the reading I have been doing on this great website.

Sincerely,

Makam

kop koon maaaaaaaaaaakkkkkk na ja!!!! XXXX

Edited January 11, 2008 by makamja

[Tywais]

First, welcome to Thaivisa makamja and you seem to have a handle on posting images. There is a topic on Yan tattoos here > http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=51445

Some more information here > http://travelhappy.info/thailand/thailand-...-wat-bang-phra/

[makamja]

Tywais - thankyou so much for the speedy reply na! I see you're from Chiangmai uni -- I'll be heading your way come Songkran -- sanukkkk deeeee! Can't wait!

I had a look through a lot of threads on this forum today and this did help me about the sesame oil..

It's when the tattoo artist needles in the yantra using sesame oil instead of ink. The oil doesn't colour the skin at all but the needling does raise red welts for a day or two. After that the tattoo is 'invisible' but still performing its magic, or so it's believed.

It's mainly women who ask for the oil tattoos but some men ask for them as well. The monks at Wat Bang Phra also do them. They're done on the arms and back, just like ink tattoos, but at Wat Bang Phra I've also seen the monks applying oil tattoos to women's tongues and foreheads, two places you would never normally see an ink sak yan.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=51445

Anyone who could direct me to specific symbols would be wonderful..

[dog412]

Tywais - thankyou so much for the speedy reply na! I see you're from Chiangmai uni -- I'll be heading your way come Songkran -- sanukkkk deeeee! Can't wait!

I had a look through a lot of threads on this forum today and this did help me about the sesame oil..

It's when the tattoo artist needles in the yantra using sesame oil instead of ink. The oil doesn't colour the skin at all but the needling does raise red welts for a day or two. After that the tattoo is 'invisible' but still performing its magic, or so it's believed.

It's mainly women who ask for the oil tattoos but some men ask for them as well. The monks at Wat Bang Phra also do them. They're done on the arms and back, just like ink tattoos, but at Wat Bang Phra I've also seen the monks applying oil tattoos to women's tongues and foreheads, two places you would never normally see an ink sak yan.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=51445

Anyone who could direct me to specific symbols would be wonderful..

believe you start accepting the "magical" attributes, i would seriously advise you to get informed of the "responsibilities" concerning the "upkeep" of said powers.

[makamja]

believe you start accepting the "magical" attributes, i would seriously advise you to get informed of the "responsibilities" concerning the "upkeep" of said powers.

WELL, "dog412", thanks for all those inverted commas, how about helping me out by maybe telling me more about what you mean? If its so serious, how about directing me to some more information? Im trying to educate, learn and be culturally sensitive here.

[dog412]

believe you start accepting the "magical" attributes, i would seriously advise you to get informed of the "responsibilities" concerning the "upkeep" of said powers.

WELL, "dog412", thanks for all those inverted commas, how about helping me out by maybe telling me more about what you mean? If its so serious, how about directing me to some more information? Im trying to educate, learn and be culturally sensitive here.

i'm no expert on the matter, but for the traditional way you have the choice between a Monk and a acharn suk. try googling Thai magic, amulets, s.e. asian scripts, etc. there are a myriad of taboos that may be associated with the particular symbols, from menstrual blood to walking under bridges. ever wonder why a Thai male cannot walk underneath a pair of female panties? take a look at " Sacred calligraphy of the east" by John Stevens -Shambala publications for some info on Buddhist script. best of luck