What is sak yant tattoo?

Yantra tattooing or Sak Yant is a form of tattooing sometimes using Indian yantra designs. It consists of sacred geometrical, animal and deity designs accompanied by Pali phrases that are said to offer power, protection, fortune, charisma and other benefits for the bearer.

Tattoos believed to offer protection and other benefits have been recorded everywhere throughout both mainland Southeast Asia and as far south as Indonesia and the Philippines. Over the centuries the tradition spread to what is now Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and parts of Myanmar. While the tradition itself originates with indigenous tribal animism, it became closely tied to the Hindu-Buddhist concept of yantra or mystical geometric patterns used during meditation. Tattoos of yantra designs were believed to hold magic power, and were used much like the kolam tattoos of India. For these people, religion is closely tied to the notion of magic, health, and good fortune.

The script used for yantra designs varies according to culture and geography. In Cambodia, the Old Khmer script used. In central Thailand, the Khom Thai script is used. While in northern Thailand yantra tattoos may use Shan, northern Thai, or Tai Lu scripts, and in Laos the Lao Tham script is employed. The script spells out abbreviated syllables from Pali incantations. Different Arjans (masters) have added to these designs over the centuries through visions received in their meditations. Some yantra designs have been adapted from pre-Buddhist shamanism and the belief in animal spirits that was found in Southeast Asia and incorporated into Thai tradition and culture.

Yantra tattoos are believed to be magic and bestow mystical powers, protection, or good luck. There are three main effects of a yantra tattoo. One is that which benefits the wearer, such as making them more eloquent. Another is that of protection and to ward off evil and hardship. This is commonly used by military personnel, police, taxi drivers, gangsters and others in perceived dangerous professions. Another type is that which affects people around the wearer, such as invoking fear. The yantra is only as powerful as the Arjun that applies it, and only confers its powers so long as the bearer observes Buddhist rules and taboos.

Sak yan designs are also applied to many other media, such as cloth or metal, and placed in one's house, place of worship, or vehicle as a means of protection from danger or illness, to increase wealth, and to attract lovers. In recent years Hollywood celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, whose tattoos were inked by Arjan Noo Ganpai with Khmer script Sak yant in Thailand, have made them popular among women. Angelina Jolie got a yantra tattoo of a Bengal tiger in 2004 to celebrate acquiring Cambodian citizenship.

However a modern movement in Thailand seeks to progress away from their animistic past. As part of this movement, many modern-day Thais view yantra tattoos as nothing more than good-luck symbols that are stylish.

There are many traditional types and designs of yantra tattoos, but some of the most well-known and popular include:

What Parts of The Body Are NOT Okay For Sak Yants?

Traidtion says that most sak yants and Buddhist tattoos are forbidden to be tattooed below the wait. Men are allowed some animal yants and some sexually-related yants to be placed on their thighs, however. Although women are not given this same privilege.

Additionally, the feet are a no-go for both men and woman.

With that said, tattoo shops and individual tattoo artists may not care about these rules.

Can Women Get Sak Yants?

It depends on where you go.

Tattoo shops will tattoo you without any question. Whereas if you’re looking to get an authentic sak yant experience you may have to jump thru a few hoops to make it happen. Women cannot be tattooed in a temple from our understanding. Some monks may tattoo women outside of the temple. And most, if not all, ajarns will tattoo women (we think).

Also worth mentioning is that monks and ajarns will not place any Buddhist tattoo near your breasts.

Is it Okay to Tattoo a Picture of Buddha?

While we are specifically discussing sak yants on this page, it is worth bringing up images of the Buddha being used for tattoos.

• Do not kill another living creature. This includes any sentient being from a human all the way down to the smallest of insects.
• Do not steal or lie.
• Do not be unfaithful.
• Do not become intoxicated.
• Do not speak ill of your family.