SAK YANT INFORMATION
Sacred numerology
Sacred numerology (Lek Yant) is a branch of Thai occultism influenced by Brahmanism and later integrated with Buddhist elements. It involves the inscription of mystical symbols in the form of numbers, characters, or images arranged in grids or patterns. These inscriptions can be written, tattooed on the skin, or engraved onto various materials such as cloth, leather, wood, or metal. Thai sacred numerology is traditionally inscribed using scriptural characters, such as the Lanna Tham script, the Isan Tham script, and the ancient Khmer script.
Historical Background
The origins of Lek Yant may be traced back to early Tantric rituals, which likely served as a foundation for this mystical practice. However, concrete historical evidence of its emergence remains unclear. In the Sukhothai period, an ancient inscription known as "Tua Tho", which is now associated with Lek Yan, was discovered on silver palm leaf manuscripts stored within a stupa at Wat Phra Borommathat in Kamphaeng Phet province (this stupa is believed to have been built between 1347–1376, B.E. 1890-1919), making it one of the earliest known instances of Lek Yant in Thai history.
During the Ayutthaya period, Lek Yant was systematically recorded using the Khmer script. These inscriptions were preserved in Samut Thai (folding books made from Khoi paper), covering various disciplines, including direct occult studies, astrology, traditional medicine, and military strategy. The first historical mention of Lek Yan in Thai chronicles dates back to 1498 CE. In this era, Lek Yant was systematized and widely studied. Many masters incorporated Buddhist teachings into their yantras, connecting them to ancient meditation practices.
Yantras were commonly used as protective talismans, inscribed on Takrut (metal scrolls), Phisamon (sacred parchment), copper sheets, and Pha Yan (sacred cloths). Some yantras were even used in traditional medicine, inscribed on medicine pots or stone grinders to enhance the healing properties of herbal remedies. Others were integrated into astrological calculations.
During the early Rattanakosin period, under King Rama I, Buddhism was actively promoted, and ancient scriptures, including texts on Lek Yan, were revised and preserved. Thai men at the time commonly studied mystical incantations and Lek Yant, which became popular in the creation of amulets and sacred objects. By the reign of King Rama IV, yantras from esteemed monks, such as the Takrut from the Phra Yantra Sophamongkol scripture by Luang Pu Iam of Wat Saphan Sung (1803–1896, B.E. 2360-2439), the Khaw Suea Kae (Tiger Fang amulet) with the Grass Blade Yantra by Luang Pho Pan of Wat Bang Hia (1820–1909, B.E. 2363-2452), and the Takrut of the Yom Salak Kalo scripture by Luang Pu Kun of Wat Phra Non (1860–1920, B.E. 2403-2463), and Mak Tuy (a type of betel nut amulet) containing sacred Yantra-inscribed paper, created by Luang Pu Iam of Wat Nang (1832–1926, B.E. 2375-2469)
In 1945 (B.E. 2488), the formal education of the Khmer script was discontinued, leading to a decline in literacy among monks and laypeople. As a result, fewer individuals could read or interpret the ancient yantras.
Before World War II, tattooed yantras (Sak Yant) gained popularity as protection charms, with renowned monks such as Luang Pu Suk of Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao and Luang Pu Thong of Wat Ratchayotha in Bangkok becoming well-known for their expertise in mystical tattooing.
Elements
The sacred numerical yantra (Lek Yant) consists of three main elements. The first element is the visual structure, which includes the framework or the base design of the yantra (known in Lanna as Khong Yan). This framework is typically divided into sections by lines (these internal lines are referred to as the "bones" of the Yantra), leaving blank spaces where sacred inscriptions are placed. The structural framework of the Yantra is often geometric in form, such as circles, squares, or diamond shapes.
The second element is the script. The characters found in the Yantra are derived from sacred scripts of different regions, written in Pali and local dialects. The third element is the numerals. The numbers used in the Yantra come from traditional sacred scripts and can generally be categorized into two types: Horoscopic numbers (Lek Hora), which represent celestial bodies in astrology, and Dhamma numbers (Lek Nai Tham), which are associated with numerical values in Buddhist teachings or other symbolic meanings as determined by tradition. However, even if a Yantra contains only one of these three elements, it is still considered a Lek Yant.
Writing the Sacred Numerical Yantra
The practice of inscribing a sacred numerical Yantra requires the practitioner to undergo formal training, including the study of Lop Phong (the preparation of sacred powders) as a fundamental practice. There are 5 essential scriptures associated with this discipline, including the Pathamang scripture, the Ithaje scripture, the Trinisinghe scripture, the Maharaj scripture, and the Buddha-kun (Rattanamala) scripture. Each of these texts differs in its content, writing techniques, inscription process, and ritual applications.
When inscribing a Yantra, the practitioner must maintain deep concentration and unwavering focus. The hand that inscribes must be steady, and the mind must remain centered. Every stroke of the Yantra must be completed precisely according to the prescribed formula in a single session. If the inscription is interrupted, a specific ritual must be performed to continue the process correctly. It is strictly forbidden for the sacred characters or numbers to overlap or cross the framework lines, as this would render the yantra ineffective—such a flawed yantra is referred to as a "blind Yantra" (Yan Tabot), which holds no power. Furthermore, the ritual of inscribing a Yantra must always be preceded by a Wai Khru (teacher-honoring ceremony). During the inscription, sacred incantations must be recited, and once the Yantra is completed, it must be further empowered through consecration rituals.
Regions
The Central Region Yantra, which has a lineage of knowledge from the Ayutthaya Kingdom, seems to have been inherited from the true Brahmanism because it always refers to Shiva and Narayana. The Yantra before the first fall of Ayutthaya, therefore, consists of many Yantras related to Brahman gods. The distinctive feature of the Central Region Yantra is the use of Khmer characters in writing Yantras. This leads to the assumption that the class that invented the Thai Yantras was mainly monks, since they were the class that mainly used Pali and Khmer characters, and Yantras were used to record religious stories. Another distinctive feature of the Central Region is that Yantras were made into sacred powder.
Southern Yantra is mainly influenced by Wat Khao O Temple. The distinctive feature is the use of Thai characters in composing Yantra, and the Namo Thong Chai set of characters is popular.
The Yantra in the Northeast is influenced by 3 sources: Laotian sect, sect of the local people of the lower Northeast such as the Khmer, and sect of the Central region. The distinctive features of the Yantra in the Northeast are that it is usually written in the Dhamma script of the Northeast and is usually recorded in palm leaf books. The Yantra found in the Northeast is usually written in characters rather than in the form of numerals. The unique amulet is the book of Kom written on the numerals, which is used as an amulet to carry around. It is popular to use the elemental characters, namely Na Ma Pa Tha, and the glass element called "Na Ma Aa U".
Northern Yantra has a distinctive feature of being written with Lanna Dharma letters. The Yantra group found most densely in Lanna texts is the candle Yantra. There are also many types of large Yantra cloths that are larger than Yantra cloths from other regions.
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Meaning of Sak Yant Tattoo
The literal meaning of a Yant Tattoo is: “Sak” which means “to tap” and “Yant” means “ “Yantra”.In Thai, a Sak Yant tattoo is described as the “tattooing of sacred geometrical designs on skin”.
Also, the Buddhist script around the Yant is known as “Khata” which is also known as “Mantra”, meaning “prayer”. In Thailand, tattoos especially the Yant tattoos are drawn by Buddhist monks or holy Brahmin men. These tattoos have been influenced by different religions over the centuries.
The Yantra designs were adapted by Thais from the Indian Hindus. Not all the sects of Thai Buddhism incorporate the ancient art of the mystical Sak Yant tradition but in general believe in the validity of the Sak Yant tattoo, regardless of the school of thought they belong to.
The Sak Yant tattoo has become a part of Thai culture and is seen as a way to offer protection and bring good luck. Usually, the monk or Ajarn who inks the Sak Yant tattoo has studied the traditional art and this incorporates magical blessings in addition to the Sak Yant itself.
Group of sak yant meanings
Maha Amnaj - To be a powerful person and have power over others.
Metta Mahaniyom - To make others kind to you, to make you popular.
Kong Grapan Chatri - To be invaluable, give you strength.
Maha Sanae - To be attractive.
Klaew Klaad - To avoid dangers and harm.
Jang Ngang - To be stunned, to control other people's minds and actions toward you.
Choke Larp – To bring you luck, good fortune, opportunity, and success.
How to choose which Sak Yant tattoo design to get?
You may have heard some information about the way to get a Sak Yant tattoo that you can't choose a design and placement. I can tell you that it is not true. Yes, there is a place where you can't choose a design, a monk will give you whatever he wants to do. The reason behind that is back in the day the Master took so little money from you and there were a lot of people waiting. And also a long time ago money was not that important. You don't need money to live but nowadays is different. Things have changed. I have heard that some places still doing that way. Taking a little fee and not allowing you to choose a design but this is so rare, I am not sure if they still do that now. How to choose which Sak Yant tattoo design to get? It is easy to know which design suits you from its meaning. All Sak Yant designs come with a meaning behind them. Follow the link for Sak Yant tattoo designs and their meaning https://thaitattoocafe.com/sak-yant-design
Can the master choose a Sak Yant design for you?
Of course, The master will be very happy to do so if you can be committed that you would take the master's advice. He may ask about your personal history, how you live your life, what kind of job or what is your desire in life, and who you want to be in the future. You will need to open yourself up and let him know all about the asking then he could advise you which Sak Yant tattoo design will suit you the best. But in the end, which design to go for is your decision. Imagine, if he picks something that you don't like or some design that is over your budget then this is not gonna be good for you. Your life, your body is your choice.
Personalize Sak Yant tattoo
Authentic Sak Yant tattoo design was not created for a specific person. The traditional way consists of three main elements. such as the visual structure, the script, and the numerals. Thai Tattoo Café preserves this traditional art; we do not offer a personalized Sak Yant tattoo.
SOME SAK YANT TATTOOS ARE ALLOWED BELOW THE WAIST.
For example a tiger, eel, snake, crocodile, bird, swan, turtle, bear, pig, lion, dragon, peacock, fox, dragon, fish, gecko, some hanuman designs, and some spell lettering. This needs to be done with specific chanting and spells that allow below the waist. We have had many people asking about this for a lot of time. People are shopping around and asking advice from local uneducated Thai people or some inexperienced tattoo shop. They are being informed that Sak Yant tattoos are not allowed below the waist. Which is false information. These tattoo shops do not own or design their own Sak Yant or know how to read it or write Ancient Thai Khom. They do not know much about Sak Yant. Please make sure that you are getting the correct Sak Yant Tattoo from an experienced Sak Yant business. Just ask them if they can read, write, and know the meaning. If they cannot then you know that they are not the right artist for you.
KAR KRU - SAK YANT FEE
A Karkroo – Sak Yant Fee: The money that is included in your offering is as well as a contribution to the Sak Yant master's living expenses. It also helps cover the cost of the tattoo equipment. It takes many many years to become a Sak Yant master. A Kar Kru offering is applied to most skilled crafts or trades in Thailand like massages and fortune-telling.
Every place, including Thai Tattoo Café, allows you to choose a design and placement with some fee, more or less depending on how much they think the work is wort,h and there is no standard price. Quality of work, hygiene, services, experience, times, place, electricity, equipment, etc cost money. Nothing is free on this day. Go for who you are happy with.
Can the Sak Yant tattoo be done in another color?
Yes, Sak Yant tattoo can be done in any color but an authentic color is black and red. In our tattoo house, we prefer to do it in black and red. It can be mixed with black and red as well. Color does not change the meaning of Sak Yant.
SAK YANT TATTOO WITH AURA
Sak Yant tattoo with Aura; A Sak Yant master will never know what tattoo to give you unless you tell him. A Sak Yant master is not the kind of person who can “read” you. If you would like a master’s advice or for him to choose a Sak Yant tattoo for you then you will need to have a chat with a Sak Yant master and let them know what you want a Sak Yant tattoo from receiving it.
SAK YANT TATTOO WITH HOROSCOPE
Sak Yant tattoos have nothing to do with the year you were born or what “animal” you are. A tiger, a bird, or any animal symbolizes certain Sak Yant meanings like strength or intelligence. A picture will be meaningless without lettering and symbols around it.
A translation for Sak Yant tattoo.
Sak Yant lettering tattoos do not have translations in either English or Thai. They are chants – almost like music. One letter may come from a long chant and symbolize a story that is many pages long. The Sak Yant chants and meanings are highly regarded and respected. It takes a lot to study and learn from another master. Some spells take a lifetime to study one chant. They have to keep it secret for themself and will pass it to the person who deserves it. We are only allowed to know the meaning of Sak Yant or what it says but not for a translation or deeper information.
AJARN SAK YANT
Ajarn means “Master” in Thai. Most Sak Yant masters nowadays are not monks. ( A monk in this team is a man who has already been ordained for a while. A monk is a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery.) To become a Sak Yant master, you must learn the language; white magic, and tattooing. Not a monk can perform a Sak Yant ceremony if they are not a Sak Yant master. So, do not get it wrong that you may get a tattoo from any artist and go to the temple asking a random monk to bless your tattoo.
You may have seen some Sak Yant masters who are a monk. That is their choice to still live a monkhood and still tattooing. But performing the Sak Yant tattoo is not a monk's duty. A monk can't touch or near a woman even though just performs the Sak Yant tattoo. If you are a women who want to get a Sak Yant tattoo from a monk, you should consider this.
OFFERING
PARN KRU - Offering
A Parn Kru – Making a Sak Yant Offering: Different Sak Yant masters will accept different items for their Parn Kru Offering. Some Sak Yant masters will accept Thai rum, cigarettes, or traditional Thai chewing gum. The most important items to be included in your Parn Kru is one of the following:
A flower.
A candle.
An incense.
Money
SAK YANT CEREMONY PROCESSING
Yok Pan Kru - Giving your offering.
This first part of the Sak Yant process shows the master that you are ready to be a disciple and willing to follow the Sak Yant rules that will allow the magic of the Sak Yant to take place. This action also shows respect to the master and the Sak Yant tradition. To give your offering, kneel forward face-to-face with the master. Pass the offering pan to the Sak Yant master while looking down. The master will perform the first blessing.
Rab Karn Sak Yant - Getting your Sak Yant tattoo.
Do your best to remain still. Focus on controlling your breathing as if meditating. If you need a break, ask for one.
Seak Kha Tha - Receiving Your Blessing.
When the Sak Yant tattoo is finished, you will receive a blessing for the Sak Yant tattoo. The master will cast magic while applying holy oil over your Sak Yant tattoo. And then apply some gold leaves on your tattoo afterward. While you are receiving the blessing, put your hands together in prayer and keep your eyes closed. Stay focused on your master's voice. The history behind the gold leaves is that we believe that gold leaves represent the 5th element of gold in your body. Gold means luck and an abundance of money.
Prom Nammon - Sprinkling holy water.
The master sprinkles holy water to remove bad luck. Kneeling in front of the master is a sign of respect. Put your hands together in prayer. Closing your eyes, clearing your mind while keeping your head down.
Krob Kru - Being accepted as a disciple
The last part of the Sak Yant tattoo process that may occur is when the Sak Yant master signifies that he has accepted you as a disciple. This is done by placing a Ruhsi mask on your head. Once this is done, it means that the Sak Yant master will pray for you and protect you. Where you are and who you are, you are considered a part of his family. Along with his other disciples, you are considered their brother or sister.
SAK YANT RULES
Important Rules for Receiving a Sak Yant Tattoo Sak Yant tattoos require the receiver to abide by certain rules in order for the magic to work. The Sak Yant rules are different, depending on which Sak Yant tattoo you are receiving. Below, we have outlined the most important Sak Yant rules you need to know. The five precepts are the most important Sak Yant rules that you will need to follow. They reflect the most important aspects of Buddhist life.
1. You must abstain from the life of living beings. (Do not kill any life for fun)
2. You must abstain from stealing or taking what is not given. (Do not steal)
3. You must abstain from sexual misconduct. (Do not cheat)
4. You must abstain from telling any lies and from harsh speech. (Do not lie)
5. You must abstain from intoxicants and harmful substances. (Do not drugs)
Abstaining from alcohol is the single most important precept because it allows the follower to adhere to the other precepts reliably. Alcohol and drugs both dull the mind and cause one to slip into recklessness.
Now you may be very worried about breaking that intoxication rule. Don't be. The most important aspect of this Sak Yant rule is that you are indeed allowed to drink and even smoke marijuana, but not to the point of intoxication. A small amount of relaxation is perfectly fine.