THE ORIGINS OF THE SACRED TATTOO
AT THE BEGINNING
In wartime in South-East Asia, we did not consider that the physical protection of an armor. On one hand because it was well too hot to envisage a massive coat of mail like that could be the case in Europe, because weapons were lighter and asked for more mobilities.
They expected also and above all on the divine and spiritual protection and that this became a reality necessarily by a tattoo.
Except the warlike frame, the traditional tattoo ( Sak Yant) which we find in Thailand, in the Cambodia, in Burma or in Laos always represents an Indian god of the mythology, that one chosen according to the profits that we want to pull(fire) it. According to other sources these tattoos would have been returned by Brahmans of India to export the Hinduism.
Thai Sak Yant is more popular, but it appeared in fact in the Khmer empire (approximately 3000 years ago): it takes Buddhist symbols which give various types of profits (strength, wealth, health etc.) and which ill omen repels the dangers and others.
They power of protection were reserved at first for the bonzes, and they then spread at the soldier’s.
THE RITE
At the middle way between Buddhism, Brahmanism and animism, he begins with a song and a prayer recited in Pali.
According to the tradition, the most powerful tattoos are placed as close as possible to the head: it is of the blow for that that we find it very little on legs.
Once the tattoo was finished, it is activated by mantras (prayers) recited in Pali. In my case, it was necessary to return on Monday to do it.
To make the tattoo, we use or Sak Mai (it is the as it is, cut bamboo) or Sak Khem, metal more modern version.
THE AJAHN
In the Buddhism Theravada, Ajahn is bonzes having crossed(spent) at least 10 Vassa: it is about spiritual pensions for three months each, generally from July till October, dedicated to the meditation. A last year as bonze becomes a reality generally by the number of made Vassa.
TYPES OF SACRED TATTOOS AND MEANINGS
A sacred tattoo always contains Yants (prayers written in Pali, Khmer or Thai) and Ounalom (points at the top of the tattoo) which pass on them in the Nirvana.
Here are the main types of tattoos, with a brief explanation (the subject is really dense and complex, whole books were written on the subject).
TYPES AND MEANINGS
The tattoo in 5 lines: it is about the most traditional, popularized moreover by Angelina Jolie.
Its meaning can vary according to Ajarn, but we have generally:
– Line 1: protection and purification of the place of residence, it takes away the enemies.
– Line 2: distant the evil spell and the bad karma
– Line 3: protection against the curse and the black magic
– Line 4: give success, fortune and luck. Grant the luck, the fortune and the success in the projects, ” wherever you go, numerous will be the ones who will assist you, will serve you. ”
– Line 5: attraction power: it makes attractive and strengthens line 3 and 4.
One of the first tattoos worn by the bonzes: the buddhas represent Buddha’s passages on Earth, the outline is the umbilical cord of Buddha and the spirals (that we call Unalom) send the prayers of the tattoo to the Nirvana. it gives luck and protection against attacks and curses. Everything is written in Pali (a cousin of the Sanskrit used for the Buddhist prayers) there.
Garuda
The god at the middle-man the middle-bird, he is similar in Thailand closely to the monarchy and to the power.
Hanuman
One of the main Indian fighting divinities: it brings the victory to the war, and in everyday life the strength, the success in the work and a protection for the boxers.
Tigers
One of the tattoos of the most known animals: it is there to inspire the strength and hunt the fear and the doubts.
THE BASIC RULES
To receive a sacred tattoo, it is necessary to respect some basic rules (a little as Ten Commandments). Every tattoo has then his own set of rules to be respected.
– do not kill (classic)
– Not to steal (always regular visitor)
– not to deceive his husband/wife or to practise the adultery
– not to poison itself (alcohol, drugs etc.)
– not to lie
Many of his rules are also supposed to protect the purity and the power of the tattoo.
At the reception of the tattoo, Ajarn can very well refuse to begin if it feels that you do not take the ceremony seriously.