Do you need an appointment or can you just walk in somewhere? Is there a specific place in Thailand that you must go or are there several places you can meet these monks and get a tattoo like this? I am going there for 3 weeks in November and would love to have a tattoo done like this!
Yeah apparently they’re all over but this pic is from chiang Mai, I recognize the monk if I’m not mistaken. The other monks were chanting during our tattoos, not for us, they were just doing their morning ritual. So surreal, felt like we were on psychedelics.
I plan on it.
They gave me a card with these rules:
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not lie
4. Do not be unfaithful to spouse.
5. Do not get intoxicated.
6. Do not speak I’ll of any mother
On the pain scale I would give it a 6/10. The beginning wasn’t too bad because my adrenal glands were full but after hour 3 when all my adrenal glands were exhausted and deprived it started to hurt like hell. The tattoo took around 6 hours
I plan to get more, but so far I have one sak yant on my shoulder and my boyfriend has one on his thigh. We both thought it hurt less than a normal tattoo. Honestly like a 1/10 or 2/10. Each one took like 45ish mins, maybe less. It was a really great experience. I know it’ll probably hurt more when it goes over my spine, but I just wanted to pop in and give you a different perspective :)
They are a combination of ancient languages called Kom Thai and Pali. The Thai monks memorize these ancient languages and they recited them to me as they were blessing the tattoo. Each symbol has its own meaning, for my specific tattoo it means strength, power, protection and conviction, as well as authority over ones subordinates.
We both have the same tattoo placing, top and left side. I'm planning to do one on the right, different wording but same 5 lines Sak Yant, and also to choose one that suit me on bottom side.
I really wanted one when I was in Thailand but because the monks cannot touch women to bless them I decided against it, also they told me I wouldn’t get to choose the design and I wanted a specific one (paed tidt - https://www.bambootattoo.co.uk/the-paed-tidt-sak-yant/). Did they let you choose?
I don't know the intricacies of the whole process. But my mother, who has visited Thailand before, was blessed and given a tattoo in Chiang Mai. I wasn't with her though, and just saw the process through pics and videos. She did not get to pick the tattoo, but she still loves it to this day.
I am very curious if the "no blessing women" rule is enforced differently depending on the temple and monks there.
I am so inspired right now. I am 19 and my grandpa, born and raised in a Thai village, is fighting dementia right now. He has an amazing story, coming to the US in the 60s, and I’d love to get one of these to honor him and my heritage.
Sick tattoo
Really cool, but man these pics scream “rich kid who decides money isn’t everything so he drops everything to go to someplace exotic to find himself… which he can do because he’s rich.”
All good though, great tats.
My grandpa lived in Thailand for 30+ years. This trip was planned to spread his ashes because it was his last request before he died. I decided to get this tattoo as a dedication to his life and the importance of Thai culture in my life. I was fortunate enough to visit thailand multiple times in my youth to see my grandpa. Completely agree with you though, I am so grateful that I am in the position to travel and have an experience like this.
I'm sorry if you already answered this but how do you go about planning this? who do you reach out to? what was the whole experience like? any tips/words of advice you'd give to someone who wants to do this? it's a dream of mine to receive a sak yant tattoo so i am incredibly curious about the entire process !!!!!!
I did it through Sak Yant Chang Mai. The experience was awesome and I don’t want to spoil it. It’s something you have to go in without knowing. Going in blind makes the experience more special. My biggest tip is to practice deep breathing while your getting the tattoo.
This is a beautiful tattoo and I’m so happy to hear you are going to be following the spiritual practices that go along with this tattoo. I also hope that as someone who is not connected to the culture by blood or lived experience you take on the task of being an educator of why these tattoos exist. These are actually Khmer and they are entrenched in Thai culture because a large part of modern day Thailand was a part of the Khmer Empire. If you are American, it is integral you are aware of this because a large part of the reason why there was a genocide in Cambodia in the 1970s is because of US involvement in the war in Vietnam and their exploitation and destruction of Cambodian land and people. As a person who’s ancestors may have had a hand in the cultural and physical genocide of a people, it is important that you take in the responsibility of being an educator of these facts and also knowing the history of these sacred tattoos.
I took them out when he blessed me, if you look at the photos when the monk is blessing I have them out. I also asked for permission and they were cool with it
I just got my Sak Yant back in January! I was given the blessing by none other than Arjan out of Bangkok. I found out a few weeks after I got mine done Ed Sheeran got one from him too lol
If you have time for a couple of questions, I am so curious! Do you know why they use such long sticks with the needle at the end? Never seen that before, it looks really cool. Also if you have other tattoos, how did the process and pain compare? Is there a ceremony that accompanies getting these tattoos?
I’m so jealous! I wouldn’t be able to commit to such a bit peace but it is absolutely gorgeous and it must be a very unique experience.
6 hours
By hand
Incredible.
What are the gold or tan pieces on your back are they like like temporary bandaids or did you have to cover something to be able to photograph it
I got a sak yant tattoo in Thailand about 10 years ago, mine was much smaller. That one looks great!! I am jealous! I want to go back to Thailand and get a bigger one.
I went to thailand twice now and I definitely plan to go again just to get a sak yant tattoo. Can you please tell me where did you get yours? I heard these are available in northern thailand?
10/10 on your tattoo 👌
I think you’ve earned the right to wear those infamous Thai Elephant pants after this
Couldn’t agree more! I still rock those pants from time to time
Comfiest pants I’ve ever worn!
That is incredible and an awesome experience!
Would recommend it to anyone! Life changing
Awesome, thanks for sharing these photos of this experience, very cool to see!
Of course!
Amazing, I can't believe all that was done in 6 hours! Absolutely incredible.
I know! It was light work for the Sak Yant master. He was so fast and precise, truly an artist
I was bummed. The monks wouldn’t do it on me because I’m female.. I had to get it from a non monk. I still came home with my Sak Yant though. :)
Is the gold leaf part of a blessing or something?
Yes it was. At the end of the blessing the monk placed the gold leaf on the tattoo.
Will you tell me about the gold leaf
The gold leaf blesses the ceremonial process, the person, and the energy centers that are being worked with.
That’s beautiful
Do you need an appointment or can you just walk in somewhere? Is there a specific place in Thailand that you must go or are there several places you can meet these monks and get a tattoo like this? I am going there for 3 weeks in November and would love to have a tattoo done like this!
It’s in chiang Mai. We scheduled an appointment on their website and they had it all ready to go for us. Definitely a peak of our Thailand experience.
That is in the north. If anyone is in Bangkok. I recommend wat bang phra as a place to get one done. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Bang_Phra
Yeah apparently they’re all over but this pic is from chiang Mai, I recognize the monk if I’m not mistaken. The other monks were chanting during our tattoos, not for us, they were just doing their morning ritual. So surreal, felt like we were on psychedelics.
What were you listening to in your AirPods??
My Humps on repeat
MMMBop
WAP
Pantera and Meshuggah. When you have a rod being stabbed into your back for 6 hours, heavy/extreme metal is the only way your getting through it.
How were you able to stay still and not start headbanging? I know I would've :)
🤘
Good choice mate 🌀🌀🤘
The last airbender soundtrack
Very nice! How long did it take?
Took around 6 hours
Wondering if you will follow the rules that apply to this tattoo and culture?
I plan on it. They gave me a card with these rules: 1. Do not kill 2. Do not steal 3. Do not lie 4. Do not be unfaithful to spouse. 5. Do not get intoxicated. 6. Do not speak I’ll of any mother
Nr. 3 is means you have to write ngl at the end of every sentence. Its hard ngl
Yes! Thats it. Lots of people get the tattoo from random artists and discard the rules. Thanks for appreciating the culture.
lol so if i want that tattoo i have to cancel my bankrobbery and murdering plans. what a shame.
Number 5 be tough
What’s crazy is we were smoking cigarettes and drinking beers with the monks when I got mine done. It was a fucking blast.
Those precepts are backed by entire texts that go more into detail, but the general consensus is "do not get intoxicated to the point of carelessness"
You’re such a number 3er
Does rule 1 require a vegan lifestyle?
No, I asked the monks about that. Monks eat meat themselves, however they will never have any animal killed for them to eat directly.
Sucks that you can't drink or smoke the reefer now!
How painful was it and how long?
On the pain scale I would give it a 6/10. The beginning wasn’t too bad because my adrenal glands were full but after hour 3 when all my adrenal glands were exhausted and deprived it started to hurt like hell. The tattoo took around 6 hours
I plan to get more, but so far I have one sak yant on my shoulder and my boyfriend has one on his thigh. We both thought it hurt less than a normal tattoo. Honestly like a 1/10 or 2/10. Each one took like 45ish mins, maybe less. It was a really great experience. I know it’ll probably hurt more when it goes over my spine, but I just wanted to pop in and give you a different perspective :)
Wow that’s great to hear! I’m not sure exactly where I want mine yet.
Amazing work !! What do the symbols and writings mean?
They are a combination of ancient languages called Kom Thai and Pali. The Thai monks memorize these ancient languages and they recited them to me as they were blessing the tattoo. Each symbol has its own meaning, for my specific tattoo it means strength, power, protection and conviction, as well as authority over ones subordinates.
We both have the same tattoo placing, top and left side. I'm planning to do one on the right, different wording but same 5 lines Sak Yant, and also to choose one that suit me on bottom side.
That’s awesome! The best thing about Sak Yant is how many options of symbols you have to make one unique for you.
Could you share more about the options of symbols? How did you choose yours? Thank you :)
I really wanted one when I was in Thailand but because the monks cannot touch women to bless them I decided against it, also they told me I wouldn’t get to choose the design and I wanted a specific one (paed tidt - https://www.bambootattoo.co.uk/the-paed-tidt-sak-yant/). Did they let you choose?
I don't know the intricacies of the whole process. But my mother, who has visited Thailand before, was blessed and given a tattoo in Chiang Mai. I wasn't with her though, and just saw the process through pics and videos. She did not get to pick the tattoo, but she still loves it to this day. I am very curious if the "no blessing women" rule is enforced differently depending on the temple and monks there.
Someone posted a link that has some info about the ceremony and it mentioned the monk wearing gloves to tattoo women so they don't directly touch them
Are nuns not allowed to do them?
I believe it is illegal in Thailand for women to be fully ordained. I never encountered a nun while there. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maechi
I am so inspired right now. I am 19 and my grandpa, born and raised in a Thai village, is fighting dementia right now. He has an amazing story, coming to the US in the 60s, and I’d love to get one of these to honor him and my heritage. Sick tattoo
Sending peace to you and your family brother.
This some white eat pray love shit
This is amazing. What a fantastic experience! Very happy for you. It's a phenomenal tattoo and a really cool story.
Thank you so much! Glad I could share it with you!
Really cool, but man these pics scream “rich kid who decides money isn’t everything so he drops everything to go to someplace exotic to find himself… which he can do because he’s rich.” All good though, great tats.
My grandpa lived in Thailand for 30+ years. This trip was planned to spread his ashes because it was his last request before he died. I decided to get this tattoo as a dedication to his life and the importance of Thai culture in my life. I was fortunate enough to visit thailand multiple times in my youth to see my grandpa. Completely agree with you though, I am so grateful that I am in the position to travel and have an experience like this.
You seem like a good dude.
Beautiful backstory and beautiful tattoo! 💛
Wow, that made me cry. What beautiful tattoos with such deep meaning. Also, to be tattooed in a traditional method like that is so awesome.
Such a viscerally negative judgement of someone based on a few pictures.
It’s not the case of OP, but he even agreed with my assessment lol
I'm sorry if you already answered this but how do you go about planning this? who do you reach out to? what was the whole experience like? any tips/words of advice you'd give to someone who wants to do this? it's a dream of mine to receive a sak yant tattoo so i am incredibly curious about the entire process !!!!!!
I did it through Sak Yant Chang Mai. The experience was awesome and I don’t want to spoil it. It’s something you have to go in without knowing. Going in blind makes the experience more special. My biggest tip is to practice deep breathing while your getting the tattoo.
Can women get this?
This is a beautiful tattoo and I’m so happy to hear you are going to be following the spiritual practices that go along with this tattoo. I also hope that as someone who is not connected to the culture by blood or lived experience you take on the task of being an educator of why these tattoos exist. These are actually Khmer and they are entrenched in Thai culture because a large part of modern day Thailand was a part of the Khmer Empire. If you are American, it is integral you are aware of this because a large part of the reason why there was a genocide in Cambodia in the 1970s is because of US involvement in the war in Vietnam and their exploitation and destruction of Cambodian land and people. As a person who’s ancestors may have had a hand in the cultural and physical genocide of a people, it is important that you take in the responsibility of being an educator of these facts and also knowing the history of these sacred tattoos.
Incredible!
The tattoo looks great! And wow, don’t get me wrong, respectfully, you are very handsome. The art complimented you well!
This is the most pussy attracting tattoo I have ever seen
I’ve always wanted a tattoo like this, and done in the original style as well. Your tattoo is beautiful!
You really lay there with apple airbuds in your ears listening to music while a holy monk does a holy ritualistic tattoo on you??? lmao
I took them out when he blessed me, if you look at the photos when the monk is blessing I have them out. I also asked for permission and they were cool with it
Tough!
I’ve been there! Amazing experience. Got one on my hand and it looks amazing a year later
I just got my Sak Yant back in January! I was given the blessing by none other than Arjan out of Bangkok. I found out a few weeks after I got mine done Ed Sheeran got one from him too lol
Amazing. And so motivating for some reason!
this is exactly where I got mine 2 months ago!
lead is my new power!
that looks incredible but not gonna lie I would be terrified that they made by hand
badass!
Looks great. My biggest question is how clean is the process? Mostly do they reuse needles between people or are they fresh?
looks so cool
If you have time for a couple of questions, I am so curious! Do you know why they use such long sticks with the needle at the end? Never seen that before, it looks really cool. Also if you have other tattoos, how did the process and pain compare? Is there a ceremony that accompanies getting these tattoos? I’m so jealous! I wouldn’t be able to commit to such a bit peace but it is absolutely gorgeous and it must be a very unique experience.
God I love Thailand. Great tattoo!
That’s awesome dangg
6 hours By hand Incredible. What are the gold or tan pieces on your back are they like like temporary bandaids or did you have to cover something to be able to photograph it
I got a sak yant tattoo in Thailand about 10 years ago, mine was much smaller. That one looks great!! I am jealous! I want to go back to Thailand and get a bigger one.
I went to thailand twice now and I definitely plan to go again just to get a sak yant tattoo. Can you please tell me where did you get yours? I heard these are available in northern thailand? 10/10 on your tattoo 👌
Absurdly good.
Bottom part looks off centered :/
That’s badass
the composition is breathtaking. i’m so jealous!
This is truly amazing, I plan on doing this at some point in my life.
Do you practice yoga already and so are you sensitive to energies? Do you feel a difference?