Sak Yant (sacred Buddhist) tattoos?

[jenrawks]

Hello!

I'm looking to find the best places/temples to have a Sak Yant (sacred Buddhist) tattoo done here in Chiang Mai or nearby? Also, is there anyone out there who has a lot of these tattoos that would be willing to talk more about the experience or share a personal story around this? I've read news that the popular monk that gave these tattoos has recently passed away.

Thanks!

[KRS1]

There is a bookstore at Airport Plaza that has a book about thai tattoos. Saw it about 4 months ago.

[cmbe]

Sawang arom temple, Thung Satok, San Pa Tong. Here is map https://maps.google.co.th/maps?q=%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C+%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%AD+%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87+%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A5+%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%81+%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94+%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=18.566121,98.861074&spn=0.041902,0.073299&sll=18.565592,98.845754&sspn=0.020951,0.03665&hq=%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%93%E0%B9%8C&hnear=Thung+Satok,+Chiang+Mai&t=m&z=14&iwloc=A

Another temple in San Pa Tong that make tattoo is Wat Rong Than. https://maps.google.co.th/maps?q=Rong+than+san+pa+tong&hl=en&ll=18.629979,98.819275&spn=0.335092,0.586395&sll=18.566121,98.861074&sspn=0.041902,0.073299&hq=Rong+than&hnear=San+Pa+Tong+District,+Chiang+Mai&t=m&z=11&iwloc=A

[DaddyWarbucks]

Before getting any kind of a tattoo, it's always a good idea to get a check-up from the neck up.

There may be a screw loose somewhere.

[Trujillo]

Keep in mind that tattoos done by monks are going to be more expensive (sometimes laughably so) and more amateur than the same thing by someone who has years of experience in tattooing and is actually skilled and artful.

I mean you could say, "Yeah, I got this <deleted> tattoo, but it was done by a monk in a temple," or "Yeah, I got this cool traditional tattoo in Thailand, then had a monk in a temple bless it (for a fee)."
Or, you could buy an amulet to wear around your neck and avoid the later regrets of getting a tattoo, crap or not.

[AngelsLariat]

Keep in mind that tattoos done by monks are going to be more expensive (sometimes laughably so) and more amateur than the same thing by someone who has years of experience in tattooing and is actually skilled and artful.

I mean you could say, "Yeah, I got this <deleted> tattoo, but it was done by a monk in a temple," or "Yeah, I got this cool traditional tattoo in Thailand, then had a monk in a temple bless it (for a fee)."

Or, you could buy an amulet to wear around your neck and avoid the later regrets of getting a tattoo, crap or not.

I agree that If you just want to be the Illustrated Man you're better off to go to a specialist for your tattoos rather than to a monk or a shaman. Personally I think that it's a mistake to get a spiritual tattoo if you aren't serious about the spiritual aspects of it. But if you are getting the tattoo for spiritual reasons, the monk or shaman might provide you with more satisfying services than some guy who makes a living by doing tattoos for lager louts.

[seabear]

Before getting any kind of a tattoo, it's always a good idea to get a check-up from the neck up.

There may be a screw loose somewhere.

I'm not a complete idiot.

There's a screw missing somewhere.

[grumpyoldman]

Also known as a Thai barcode.....

[lomprebernard]

I have allready 8 sak yant tattoos

1 in tattoo shop

3 by monks

4 by sak-yants

the best is arjan KOB in ayutthaya near the old floating market

And dont go to wat bang phra, the monks are tired to see farangs!!!

feel free to contact me by PM

Edited January 18, 2014 by onthedarkside
web site link removed

[lomprebernard]

Before getting any kind of a tattoo, it's always a good idea to get a check-up from the neck up.

There may be a screw loose somewhere.

hi daddy............. feel free to open your mind !

[haybilly]

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of tattoos--and always thought that these 'Sak Yant' ones were done by some kind of Religious/Shaman type with the purpose of warding off, or healing from, some evil or other--in the minds of believers; but, what would make a foreigner, unless they are practising the same Bhuddist faith and with the similar beliefs in the shamanic protection of these things--want to have one? Or are they fashionable these days--because I quite often see one poking out of the top of a foreigners T-Shirt.

I'm not being provocative--just interested in the reasons behind having them.

[lomprebernard]

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of tattoos--and always thought that these 'Sak Yant' ones were done by some kind of Religious/Shaman type with the purpose of warding off, or healing from, some evil or other--in the minds of believers; but, what would make a foreigner, unless they are practising the same Bhuddist faith and with the similar beliefs in the shamanic protection of these things--want to have one? Or are they fashionable these days--because I quite often see one poking out of the top of a foreigners T-Shirt.

I'm not being provocative--just interested in the reasons behind having them.

Thanks you haybilly

First: sorry for my bad english, i only try to do my best.

At your inverse i am big tattoo arts fan, i am tattoo artist (ask googloe my name) and i am buddhist.

What i see about the sak-yant is some fashion that is shure but no problem !

But that also have the meaning that people want an evolution on general tattoo art, they are looking for drawing with meaning.

And every customer have his personal reasons to having the sak yant done.

[haybilly]

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of tattoos--and always thought that these 'Sak Yant' ones were done by some kind of Religious/Shaman type with the purpose of warding off, or healing from, some evil or other--in the minds of believers; but, what would make a foreigner, unless they are practising the same Bhuddist faith and with the similar beliefs in the shamanic protection of these things--want to have one? Or are they fashionable these days--because I quite often see one poking out of the top of a foreigners T-Shirt.

I'm not being provocative--just interested in the reasons behind having them.

Thanks you haybilly

First: sorry for my bad english, i only try to do my best.

At your inverse i am big tattoo arts fan, i am tattoo artist (ask googloe my name) and i am buddhist.

What i see about the sak-yant is some fashion that is shure but no problem !

But that also have the meaning that people want an evolution on general tattoo art, they are looking for drawing with meaning.

And every customer have his personal reasons to having the sak yant done.

Thanks for taking the time to give me some insight.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

[aquario33]

unbelievable to say a tatoo by a monk will be more expensive as they are not allowed to ask for money at all you simply give from heart as a so called " tamboon" and of course it will be welcome to support but usually it should not be a Price loke buying something in a supermarket .actually there is a example about a monk which did a tatoo to a well known woman and voices say he lost his powers because of greed...

Gesendet von meinem iPad mit Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[finy]

Got all mine done in Wat Bang Phra, but it's outside Bangkok. The journey would be worth it instead of getting a second rate one done.

It's the same as a normal tattoo, the pain will change depending on where you get it done.

Does get quite nippy though.

[lomprebernard]

unbelievable to say a tatoo by a monk will be more expensive as they are not allowed to ask for money at all you simply give from heart as a so called " tamboon" and of course it will be welcome to support but usually it should not be a Price loke buying something in a supermarket .actually there is a example about a monk which did a tatoo to a well known woman and voices say he lost his powers because of greed...

Gesendet von meinem iPad mit Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Ajarn Noo Kanpai or Sompong Kanphai is not a monk.

[gazwa]

I have allready 8 sak yant tattoos

1 in tattoo shop

3 by monks

4 by sak-yants

the best is arjan KOB in ayutthaya near the old floating market

And dont go to wat bang phra, the monks are tired to see farangs!!!

feel free to contact me by PM

I have recently had 2 sak yant tattoos done by a monk at Wat Bang Phra and he was very happy to do it. He likes to have the opportunity to speak english and to educate farangs about Thai culture/mysticism. We also had a good laugh!

P.S. My wife also had several tattoos done by 2 young shamam at the temple and the work by all is top quality.

Edited March 3, 2014 by gazwa

[sustento]

Isn't 'sacred Buddhist' an oxymoron?

[aquario33]

Posted 2013-08-17 15:22:42

Keep in mind that tattoos done by monks are going to be more expensive (sometimes laughably so) and more amateur than the same thing by someone who has years of experience in tattooing and is actually skilled and artful.

I mean you could say, "Yeah, I got this <deleted> tattoo, but it was done by a monk in a temple," or "Yeah, I got this cool traditional tattoo in Thailand, then had a monk in a temple bless it (for a fee)."

Or, you could buy an amulet to wear around your neck and avoid the later regrets of getting a tattoo, crap or not.

ummmm...

usually the main reason to get a Sak Yant should not be to wear it as something beautyful or artful than to worship...thats the original background..

[Catoni]

I spent four months in Chiang Mai and in Lisu villages in the mountains north west of Chiang Dao. After becoming friends with some Thais, I was offered to go with them to a monk outside of Chiang Mai who has been doing Sak Yant for about 16 years os so and has a great reputation with Thais there.

When we arrived there, I was the only westerner. There were several Thais receiving Sak Yant tattoos. The monk interviewed me through one of my Thai friends as an interpreter. Apparently he does not do everybody.

I was 62 when I was there last year, and never had a tattoo before. This monk uses Khem Sak. A brass rod in which he inserts double pointed sharp spikes. The ink is drawn up between the double points by Capillary action. I think the bamboo ones are called Mai Sak. I can't remember.

He did the Gao Yord nine peaks tattoo on my upper back, measuring first with a ruler and drawing lines in pen before beginning the actual tattoo. Then he started.... and it hurt. A couple of minutes in I thought to myself... "Maybe this was not such a good idea." But then I just zoned my mind out and simply let the pain continue and stayed absolutely still. Also I did not want to show any emotions while all those Thai men were watching me get this done.

There is also script lettering done with this tattoo... some form of Pali/Khmer maybe called Khom script..... not sure... prayers and blessing given by the monk accompany the tattoo.... you make offering.... the cost ? ? In my case... you offer whatever you think it is worth to you.....

There're are a few famous ones that do tattoos near Bangkok.... and now they have a reputation among Thais of being in it to make the big bucks... charging Farangs lots of money for simple Sak Yant. And you get to brag about who did your tattoo. I didn't want that. The monk that did mine is not in it to get rich... and he did fantastic artwork on me. Better than many others I have seen.

After getting my Gao Yord..... and going through the pain.... a couple days later I wanted more..... and returned to the monk twice more with my Thai friends ... I ended up with a total of nine sacred Sak Yant Yantra tattoos..... five across my back... and two on each arm...

My Thai friends had a party for me after the tattoos and temple visits.... and they told me... "Now you are Thai, wherever you go in the world. And someday you will return to Thailand and Chiang Mai. "

I caught no diseases from the experience...... perhaps all my vaccinations I got before I left Canada helped.......I don't know...

Now back in Canada... and planning on returning to Chiang Mai this coming year... four months there was not long enough...

[Catoni]

unbelievable to say a tatoo by a monk will be more expensive as they are not allowed to ask for money at all you simply give from heart as a so called " tamboon" and of course it will be welcome to support but usually it should not be a Price loke buying something in a supermarket .actually there is a example about a monk which did a tatoo to a well known woman and voices say he lost his powers because of greed...

Gesendet von meinem iPad mit Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Ajarn Noo Kanpai or Sompong Kanphai is not a monk.

According to a lot of Thais..... Ajarn Noo Kanphai is in it for the big bucks now from Farangs with a lot of cash to spend. His reputation among Thais has gone downhill and he criticizes Sak Yant done by others...... His celebrity status has gone to his head....

No... he is not a monk. I wouldn't get a Yantra tattoo from him even if he paid me. I don't care how good he is... it's just money for him now...

Edited August 7, 2014 by Catoni

[uptheos]

Did Buddha have a tattoo?

[bifftastic]

Did Buddha have a tattoo?

Yeah, he had a West Ham badge on his leg

[mccw]

I have many over the years from the same master. Very strong power; can feel like an electricity tingling when doing the ceremony part; and feels like the top of the head opens at some time and a clear cool feeling like a stream flowing down and through ones hollow body. Amazing.

I not tell anyone where he is sorry.

He stopped to give tattoos last year because some greedy Falang and then a greedy Thai woman make like a tattoo tour business charging mini bus loads of foriegners one or two thousand bht each to visit his temple for tattoo and advising them to make offering for the monk/ temple of just 100 bht. Terrible greedy taking advantage what was purpose for goodness / to helping people. That many tattoos is like 10 or even 16 hours strait. They use the monk like a slave who can not say no because of his vow. He still does help local people by other ways; like sucking the black magic off the cursed and such. People have gone there sick and been healed. I have seen it. And seen the effects on the Monk also.

These energy and spirit systems are a reality existing weather the closed minds choose to believe in them or not. When I first started out on this learning curve I was not believing/ knowing , but was not so arrogant to think that I did know the nature of the universe by simply reading a few science books in school - after many experiences I am now 100% sure of the existence of reality beyond the physical / material world; just as gravity or magnetism is a reality and has effects yet we can not directly see or touch it.

Any doubters or wonderers who have the patience could discover the truth by practicing meditation diligently. But one can not force the brain to open immediately because of desire for answers ; first must learning to tame the monkey mind.

[northernjohn]

Keep in mind that tattoos done by monks are going to be more expensive (sometimes laughably so) and more amateur than the same thing by someone who has years of experience in tattooing and is actually skilled and artful.

I mean you could say, "Yeah, I got this <deleted> tattoo, but it was done by a monk in a temple," or "Yeah, I got this cool traditional tattoo in Thailand, then had a monk in a temple bless it (for a fee)."

Or, you could buy an amulet to wear around your neck and avoid the later regrets of getting a tattoo, crap or not.

Will a regular tattooer give you a sacred Buddhist tattoo?

[northernjohn]

Did Buddha have a tattoo?

I can't remember. Senior moment check with me tomorrow.

[mccw]

Keep in mind that tattoos done by monks are going to be more expensive (sometimes laughably so) and more amateur than the same thing by someone who has years of experience in tattooing and is actually skilled and artful.

I mean you could say, "Yeah, I got this tattoo, but it was done by a monk in a temple," or "Yeah, I got this cool traditional tattoo in Thailand, then had a monk in a temple bless it (for a fee)."

Or, you could buy an amulet to wear around your neck and avoid the later regrets of getting a tattoo, crap or not.

Will a regular tattooer give you a sacred Buddhist tattoo?

They will give such a design.

Just design- no power.

Any one can tel the real compared to the fake/ tattoo shop ones also because the real made by the manual jabbing leaves the tattooed area slightly raised; where as a tattoo made by a gun/machine is smooth to the touch.

One could get it blessed; but it's likely not as effective because the tattoo masters know exactly what they are doing and actually speak/ read the Pali or old Lana or Khermer script (script varies depending on the tradition the master has learnt in). My first was from a shop because the old monk I mets eyes weren't do good any more so he say go to a shop and come back for blessing. (This is 10years back) But when I found the other master for a next beginning he did "fix" a few of the characters and add a bit to the script.

The designs on the internet leave out key parts for purpose that people can not copy them- it's just for example how it looks like.

There are two elements at work in these things really- most important is the power of the Master (Monk or Brahmin / Shaman). Second is the artist skill aesthetically wise.

Many Thais get the tattoos done in oil - so nobody can see they even got it done. Purely for the power.

Lots of other ceremonies I have witnessed. Like a voodoo magic to bring cheating husbands back to their wives; or large congregations calling on the Gods for protection and fortune.

These things are not the Buddhas teachings. But they are not denied as real either. So the "Buddhist tattoos" label is not really a correct one and such questions as "did Buddha have tattoos" is irrelevant ; these tattoo are just a part of a wider spiritual system which can be attempted to be used for worldly effects

[mccw]

The "magic" predates Buddhism.

Some tattoos call on The Buddha in various ways- while others are directed at animals or spirits or Gods or etc

[Thighlander]

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/05/canadian-professor-made-to-leave-burma-due-to-anger-over-buddha-tattoos-on-leg/

Is it worth getting deported?

[mccw]

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/05/canadian-professor-made-to-leave-burma-due-to-anger-over-buddha-tattoos-on-leg/

Is it worth getting deported?

Very foolish to get Buddha below the belt.

I've seen silly hippies with Buddha face on the leg and Ganesha tattoos in insensitive places too- also doing dumb stuff like skateboarding. Some peoples brains clearly not working properly.

The worse though must be the USA marines unit which has a "devil" Buddha with horns as it's logo and many get it as a tat. Talk about culturally insensitive. Especially after the bombing, nerve agents, supporting of lunatics and drug running thier state got up to in this region not do long ago.

Lucky the guy in the news clip wasn't in Srilanka- they'd have probably thrown him in jail for a while.

Sak Yant done by monks in the correct way and place should not be a problem for people though- totally different kettle of fish. But I do think people should be at least open to , if not practicing and understanding the spiritual systems at work here- not just collecting a holiday token like a pair of fishing pants or bag in the market.