INKEDblog takes you beneath the skin of today's tattoo culture. Our mission is to celebrate tattooing as a modern art form which incorporates art, fashion, style, and pop culture. While paying homage and respect to the past, we look to present a contemporary take on the present and future of skin art. getinked@inkedblog.com

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Monday  May 22, 2006

Dear INKEDblog: Can I receive Sak Yant?

Hello INKEDblog,

I first came across information on Sak Yant a few years ago and was instantly intrigued. Being a Buddhist, this was very important to me. I saw a blog on your site and thought that maybe you could answer some questions.

I currently have a good amount of tattoos. My Avalokiteshvara being the latest and most sacred to me. Yet, none of these came from monks or even Buddhists at all. It would be a great honor to me to be able to receive Sak Yant and I truly believe in the power of the tattoos, the rituals, and the Dhamma.

So, I suppose what I am trying to ask is if it is possible for Buddhists from the West to receive Sak Yant. I plan to visit Bangkok with my wife in about a year and a half as we are from the US. Thank you so much for all of your time and help. Be well and happy always:)

Chris

Dear Chris,

Sak Yant is the Thai name for a form of sacred tattoo composed of geometrical designs and Sanskrit prayers. These beautiful tattoos are most often administered by monks, though the practice is being appropriated by non-Buddhists in the West, as well.

Many non-practicing Buddhists have received Sak Yant, but this is at the discretion of the monk doing the work. Angelina Jolie recently made Sak Yant a popular topic when she had the tattoo done a few months ago.

According to stories, the ink takes a year to make, and is composed of hundreds of magical ingredients including battery acid and snake venom!

In answer to your question, yes, it should be possible to receive Sak Yant as a Westerner. As in any unfamiliar ritual, make sure that you learn local standards of respect and payment prior to the visit.

Check out http://www.sensiseeds-online.com/. This is a great source of information on all aspects of Sak Yant. Additionally, they recommend the temple of Wat Bang Pra in Thambon Bang Gaew Fa, which is outside of Nakorn Chaysri, near Bangkok.

We at INKEDblog can not verify this temple, but if you do go, be sure to take pictures and send us some!

Best of luck!

(photo above via http://www.sensiseeds-online.com/)

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