Sak Yant at Ajahn Kob (Ayutthaya, Thailand). Full catalog of tattoo artists with descriptions and tariffs

A tattoo depicting a shaman denotes a person’s connection with nature, the unity of the material and spiritual worlds, a talisman against diseases, misfortunes and evil spirits, harmony, successful hunting and harvest.

Shaman tattoo meaning

Shamanism, whose history dates back to the Paleolithic period, is the ancient art of communication with the world of spirits and is aimed at the most natural understanding of the world, the study of the process of communication between people and nature.

Scientists in this field are confident that the shaman is primarily called upon to heal his people from any misfortunes and illnesses. However, the functions of a shaman are very wide. In addition to healing, he must protect his tribe from misfortunes and troubles, supporting its economic way of life. Communicating with the spirits of nature, the shaman asks them for plenty of game and harvest. Thus, the shaman is obliged to ensure harmony and balance in the world.

A traditional shaman, in addition to the above, could search for disappeared objects and people, accompany the souls of the dead to the afterlife, predict the future and make conspiracies against dark forces. If a shaman abused his gift for selfish reasons or caused evil, then he was called a sorcerer.

In the modern world, a shaman preserves the customs and rituals of his ancestors and uses various practices to summon spirits. For this reason, a tattoo with the image of a shaman is chosen by extraordinary people who believe in nature and higher powers.

The shamanic worldview indicates that spirits live throughout the material world, each of which has its own characteristics and abilities. Shamans are tightly connected and united not only with nature, but also with the cosmos; they gain strength, help and advice in the spiritual world.

As for tattoos depicting a shaman, drawings of a similar theme are true talismans and amulets. By complementing the image of a shaman with various details, you can get powerful body protection. At the same time, mistakenly tattooed shamanic symbols can only bring trouble to a person, making him unhappy if the owner of the tattoo sincerely believes in shamanism and the culture of his ancestors.

Basically, tattoos depicting shamans are complemented by various bright ornaments or images of totem animals. It was previously believed that a shaman could transform into such an animal at will, and the bizarre patterns actually endowed him with certain abilities, including the ability to communicate with the spirit world. For this reason, tattoo images often contain images of shamans dressed, for example, in the skin of a wolf. In this case, the meaning of the drawing will be expanded due to the symbolic meaning of the animal itself.

Much less often in the shamanic theme of tattoos you can find special writing, since each of these signs has its own meaning, and not every person is able to understand it correctly. Even one wrong letter can radically change the symbolism of a tattoo.

It is worth noting that a truly shamanic tattoo is very different from the traditional designs offered in salons. A real tattoo depicting a shaman and shamanic signs should not be interpreted in two ways; it has one single meaning, which is the purpose of the shaman himself. Otherwise, the idea of ​​such a drawing will be lost.

Since ancient times, followers of Buddhist teachings have received magical Sak Yant tattoos, which attract good luck, happiness, and also protect against evil and physical injury. Ancient images should be applied only to people who are ready to adhere to restrictions in the future and strive for the spiritual, otherwise the consequence will be madness and quick death.

What are Sak Yant tattoos and what do they look like?

Historians find references to magical images applied to the body in documents of ancient China dating back to the 1st century. BC e. The application of Sak Yant is based on long-standing traditions, since the images are endowed with a special ritual meaning. Magical patterns are made up of “kat”, called mantras in the West. Words are written in Pali, which originated in the northern provinces of India, but since it did not have a written designation, the Thai and Khmer alphabet is used. Tattoos are inextricably linked with Buddhism.

In addition to the sacred phrases, figures from geometry and schematic representations of animals are drawn, which endow the owner with the qualities characteristic of the beast. Spells transferred to the skin and cast in a special way by a reishi monk or a former minister ajahn bring happiness, wealth and strength. They also protect from physical impact. However, a Sak Yant made by an ordinary tattoo artist has no power, so you need to contact Buddhist monks.

Application rules

A Reishi monk cannot get a tattoo for a woman, as they are forbidden to touch the opposite sex. But Sak Yant is allowed to apply ajana.

In order for a magical tattoo to gain power and not harm the owner, it must be applied in a Buddhist temple. Initiated Reisi often lead the life of recluses and strictly observe their vows. An ascetic life involves many restrictions, thanks to which the soul of a monk is purified. Only pure energy can convey the power of Sak Yant. During application, the mantra must be read. True flights see the Sak Yant suitable for a particular person, and also what awaits him ahead. If a monk has chosen a certain tattoo, then practitioners do not advise arguing with him, because such is fate.

Most often, tattoos are done by ajans who used to be monks and have undergone proper training. They have less strict vows, but there are also restrictions and rules. To achieve Sak Yant, you must maintain purity of soul and high moral principles. Ajans often come to them with a chosen tattoo design, but former monks can also give advice and dissuade them from certain symbols that can worsen the life of the wearer. Previously, magical symbols were tattooed with a stick, but modern monks use tattoo machines. Practitioners believe that the method of application is not important, the main thing is the embedded value.

The meaning of the magical Sak Yant tattoo

When choosing a sketch, practitioners recommend focusing on your own feelings and listening to your intuition. If a certain Sak Yant tattoo fascinates you, then you should get it. The most common magical images are presented in the table:

Since ancient times, people have felt the need to apply certain designs to their bodies. More than 2000 years ago, the Sak Yant tattoo arose, which had a magical effect on a person. These tattoos are still very popular all over the world, cost a lot of money and require care when choosing a design.

How the drawing appeared

Sak Yant tattoos originated in Southeast Asia several thousand years ago. In the 17th century, tattoos appeared in Thailand and spread to Myanmar during the war between Siam and Burma. The bodies of the warriors were covered with intricate Sak Yant patterns, with the exception of even the arms, legs and fingers, and the application process was trusted only to an experienced shaman.

It was believed that such drawings made people invulnerable during battle, and the process of applying them was trusted only to an experienced shaman. This is confirmed by King Jayavarman VII, from whose tattooed chest, according to legend, arrows bounced off. It is noteworthy that his biography is officially documented.

Over the years, the tradition of applying magical tattoos has taken hold in Thailand and China, mainly among monks. Until now, Thais firmly believe that these body designs have a sacred meaning and are a powerful talisman.

What is a tattoo?

The word “sak” translated into Russian means “to stuff”, and “yant” means “sacred”. Such tattoos look like phrases, geometric shapes, divine images and animal images. A Sak Yant tattoo is not a drawing, but a graphic image consisting of prayers, spells, phrases and sounds in the Pali language. But the ancient Pali language did not have a written language, so when applying they use the Thai, Khmer, Shan alphabet or the Ly language.

Very often, near the letters and styles there are images of various animals. Every person who wants to possess the qualities of a particular animal can choose a tattoo with its image. Sak Yant can also be dedicated to certain deities. Each of them is capable of endowing its owner with certain abilities.

Symbolism and philosophy

Sacred Sak Yant tattoos (see photos in the gallery) have magical properties. Westerners treat them as ethnic designs and sometimes stuff them into cars in regular salons, but such an image has no meaning. Eastern, predominantly Thai, experts are categorically negative about this approach. Especially if this concerns the deity depicted by the owner on the body below the waist. When applying Sak Yant, monks say prayers and spells, and this enhances the effect of sacred tattoos and changes a person's life.

There are 3 main meanings of Sak Yant tattoos.

1. Protection in case of danger, accidents, risky enterprises. Such tattoos are in demand among the military, police, fans of extreme sports, stuntmen, bikers - all people whose profession involves risk.
2. Sak Yant endows its owner with eloquence. This is very important for public people. These include politicians, artists, lecturers, teachers, orators, that is, all professions where diction and voice are the main tools.
3. The Sak Yant tattoo helps the owner to dominate other people. Owners of tattoos will be able to instill fear, dependence, respect, love and hatred. This is in great demand among magicians and sorcerers, politicians and leaders. But in this case, let the scammers and charlatans not be deluded: the magical effect of the tattoo will not extend to them.

Sak Yant is an ancient philosophy that is used not only in tattoo art, but also in images on objects, materials, etc. It, like any religion, requires compliance with certain rules, otherwise the tattoo will not work. These rules are set by a monk who gets a tattoo with a certain meaning and requirements based on the principle of feedback. A tattoo gives the owner the qualities he needs, and the owner fulfills the conditions necessary to own a tattoo. These can be both biblical commandments (do not kill, do not steal, etc.) or personal rules (do not eat meat, do not drink alcohol, do not smoke, etc.).

Basic sketches

Let's look at five basic designs for a magical tattoo.

• “Five genera” is the most common, stamped on the left shoulder. Each row has its own special interpretation. The first guards the house and is responsible for its safety. The second row enhances positive character traits and events in a personal horoscope, neutralizing the negative aspects. The third guarantees career success. The fourth promises success in all endeavors. The fifth will help you become merciful, successful and invulnerable. Actress Angelina Jolie has this tattoo.
• The gecko gives charisma when communicating with people.
• The tiger is a powerful tattoo that allows you to influence your destiny and change the course of events.
• Dragon – strength, wealth and wisdom.
• Crocodile is a rare option, not particularly loved by craftsmen. The bearer of such a Sak Yant is invincible, submits to the forces of evil, is ruthless and unmerciful.

Application methods

Before stuffing the Sak Yant, you need to weigh the pros and cons in terms of safety. Ink and needles can be contaminated with hepatitis B, C and the HIV virus. Thai artists have a completely different attitude towards sterility than European tattooists.

The tattoo is applied using a thin needle, forked at the end, about half a meter long. Its design allows you to apply two points at once. During the session, the monk uses eight such needles at once, which are pre-treated with alcohol.

A tattoo takes place very quickly; on average, about 3,000 injections are required. Every half a minute the monk dips the needle into a special mixture. It should also be added that this procedure is painless. Unlike conventional tattooing, it does not make a person feel pain.

Shamanic Sak Yant tattoo is performed in black and red colors. All colors are acceptable for men. For women, such a tattoo is made with special oil (in this case, the monk has no right to touch a woman, so he works with gloves). A colorless tattoo is visible only during the application and healing process. Then it disappears from the body, but its magical properties remain.

Sacred Sak Yant tattoos have a special, sacred meaning. The meanings of Sak Yant contain magical formulas and Buddhist prayers. Understanding the meaning and meaning of drawings increases their impact on a person who wants success in business or protection from misfortunes.

Features of applying Sak Yant

Buddhist monks who apply the tattoo are called Ajyana, meaning "respected one". Sometimes this skill is passed on from a father to his son, who undergoes mandatory training and initiation. A person who receives a tattoo from Ajyan becomes his student and enters the circle of his spiritual family. Today there are monasteries in Thailand famous for their Sak Yanta masters. For example, Wat Bang Phra, located near Bangkok, is famous for the master Luang Por Phern. This temple hosts an annual festival, which attracts people from all over the world to undergo a sacred ritual.
Traditionally, the tattoo is applied with a bamboo needle, and more recently with a steel needle. This needle takes a long time to make, and special prayers and incantations are read over it. Sak Yants are applied with special red or black ink. Sometimes the tattoo is made colorless. In this case, only the owner knows about its existence and it is believed that in this way it gives additional strength and protection from higher powers.

The procedure for applying sacred drawings itself lasts from 15-20 minutes to 3-5 hours - depending on their complexity and “importance”. After this, Master Ajyan reads a special mantra (Pra Kataa) relating specifically to this Sak Yant in the Pali language. Gives commandments for the student’s future life.

Sacred designs come in several forms:
Round - denotes the face of Buddha or Brahman (in the Brahman tradition).
Triangular - Triple Gem (Buddha, Sangha, Dharma).
Rectangular - four elements: Water, Air, Earth, Fire.

An artistic (animalistic) tattoo depicts mythical animals from the ancient epic Ramayana, plants, people or angels.
One of the famous ones is Sak Yanta, depicting Buddha (Onk Pra). Above it is a crescent moon, illuminating the way in dark times.

The sun symbol (small circle), found in many tattoos, represents the illuminated path of the day. Talks about the importance of planets and stars that give people development.
Spiral lines (Unalome) represent saints who have achieved Enlightenment. And the straight line at the end of the zigzag means the direct path to Nirvana. It is applied to complete the work in the upper part of the drawing.

Some Yants use numbers instead of symbols. For example, when writing the mantra “Novahorakun”, you can designate it with the Thai number 9 (according to the number of syllables in the mantra).

Categories Sak Yant

Amnai. Gives physical and spiritual Strength

Giang Ngang. Stuns and causes paralysis of the enemy.

Sath Himapant. Images of mythical animals that give their strength to the owner of such a tattoo.

Klaev Klaad. Eliminates dangers and accidents.

Maha Sanae. Makes the owner attractive to the opposite sex and adds charm.

Mattha Mahanyom. Inflicted by a person in need of compassion and help.

There's Kvaam. Brings good luck in personal affairs and helps solve a specific problem.

Chok Laap. Improves social status, career, brings happiness and success.

Sak Yant is considered a magical tattoo, which is particularly sacred. They are made mainly in Thailand. If you want to get a tattoo on your body, then you need to keep in mind that Sak Yant is not just a drawing on the body. This tattoo is endowed with magical powers. Before you do it, you should think several times: do you really need it? This is not a simple tattoo that any artist can do. Sak Yant can turn the fate of its owner in a good or, conversely, a bad direction. About everything in detail in our article.

Time does not stand still, but the Thais firmly believe in the mystical power of Sak Yant. Rituals that were especially relevant in ancient times play an important role for them to this day. In particular, the ritual of applying the above-mentioned tattoo is a very responsible matter. Moreover, both for the one who applies it, and for the one who is the direct carrier.

In Asia, Sak Yant has been made since ancient times by warriors who wanted to protect themselves from mortal wounds. The drawing was spoken by a shaman, who was a master. He endowed the drawing with magic, which was supposed to help its owner save his life. Since you are planning to get this tattoo, we recommend that you read the article: to Thailand on your own and How to get from Bangkok to Phangan or Samui.

Meaning of Sak Yant

Sacred drawings can be seen on the body of a large number of Thais. They are deeply confident that tattoos help with various troubles and misfortunes, illnesses, and can protect them from the enemy. Tourists have long since begun to take a closer look at Sak Yant. It is believed that such a tattoo can make the person who wears it happy and enriched.

After seeing the tattoo on Angelina Jolie’s body, which is essentially Sak Yant, the popularity of this sacred design has grown exponentially. The famous actress made it for herself in order to attract success into her life. Who wants to be happy in life and successful in all matters and endeavors? Of course, everyone. But it's not that simple. When drawing a picture, you can bring not only happiness, but also misfortune.

To find it, you can use the services of a Russian guide who will take you to your destination. You can find such a guide on a social network. If you don’t want to pay money for delivery, then the only way to get to Ajyan is to go there yourself. You can get there by taxi for 100 baht.

The famous landmark in the city, Wat Maha That, has taxi drivers who know where the master lives. They will agree to take the tourist to his home. When arriving at the place, it is worth keeping in mind that Ajyan may be busy. More precisely, you need to think about this before arriving. A large number of people want to have Sak Yant done by a professional. You'll have to be patient and wait your turn. Sometimes people even spend the night in a tent near the master’s house, waiting in the wings.

It is quite possible that the visitor will be lucky and the waiting time will not be more than a few hours. May fortune be favorable. You can never stop hoping for luck. A house with turquoise walls is Adjyan Kobu’s work area. It’s worth checking out the price in advance. It is assigned from 1,000 baht and goes up to 25,000. The last figure is for tattoos all over the body. Sometimes there are people who like to paint themselves from head to toe, but usually one is enough for people.

The application procedure is quite painless, you can endure it without gritting your teeth or gathering the last drops of willpower into a fist. In the Ajyan Kobu hall there are many albums in which you can see the main versions of Sak Yant and their cost. The master can offer his own version of the tattoo, which seems most suitable to him.