Nourishing the Mind & Body Bangkok Ancient Thailand Sak Yant Ink-less Tattoo
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Not all nourishment comes from a physical food source. I find that food, travel, and ancient practices that are shared while I am traveling promote my individual inner and physical growth. Opening myself up to new cultural traditions for well-being is powerful and is as important as the food I consume. It reminds me of a quote I once read ” Minds are like parachutes. They function better when they are open.”
As 2023 begins, many of us look forward to a new year ahead full of good health practices, mentally and physically. May your year be filled with happiness and the best nourishment for you!
While traveling throughout Thailand, I stopped in Bangkok for a few days. I was introduced to the ancient practice of Sak Yant Ink-Less Tatoo, using powerful oils taking the place of the red or black ink used to tattoo the Sak Yant Sacred, which has been practiced for over 2,000 years. The meaning of Sak Yant is “prayer tattoo” this ancient blessing, whether with oil or ink, is a sacred pledge to be taken seriously. Prayers for protection from harm, strength, prosperity, and a balanced healthy life are performed individually, and each recipient’s needs are thoughtfully considered. In my case, a third-generation Ajarn Master in Sak Yant performed my blessing. What is an Ajarn? An Ajarn is a teacher, professor, monk, or master in their craft with more than 20 years of experience in their field of dedication.
I had no idea what to expect when I was offered this opportunity to meet with Arjarn Neng, located in Bangkok, for my blessing. I knew I had fed my body abundantly with many delicious fresh Thailand Fruits and meals thus far. I felt I needed a little more than nourishment from my physical body. Magically, the Land of Smiles welcomes travelers from all spiritual backgrounds, races, and countries together. Whether you are a Christian, Buddhist, Hindi, or believe in a higher spiritual power, it doesn’t matter; Thailand is where everyone’s beliefs are respected.
I was soon picked up at my hotel by a knowledgeable cultural guide named Tammy. Tammy would translate and navigate me through my Sak Yant experience, answering questions in English. She made me feel at ease when we started discussing the day ahead. Once we left for the short ride to the Arjarn neighborhood, with our coffee in hand
Tammy and I stopped by a local cart with flowers and offerings to prepare for the blessing ceremony. The handmade flower offerings were so fragrant and beautiful. The cart owner women, made all of them by hand and ventured out each morning to the flower market in Bangkok to purchase the flowers for her stand; Tammy explained to me as the woman spoke to us. I bought a small plate containing sliced fruit, a sweet of some kind, and what looked to be puffed corn. In addition, a flower ring made with white jasmine flowers and a red rose is dangled from the loop of jasmine flowers. We thanked the woman and headed off to Ajarn Neng’s. Tammy’s abundant knowledge of the history of Thailand and the ancient practices of their traditions was impressive. Thailand was not her native country, but you would not know how she took pride in sharing the region’s rich stories.
A short tuk-tuk ride away, Tammy and I arrived at Ajarn Neng’s Studio. Set off the road and surrounded by plants fish pond Ajarn Neng’s Studio felt very calm and peaceful. In front was an altar where the offerings and incent were to be placed before the ceremony could start.
Tammy led me through a traditional offering ceremony and prayer chants. The smell made my body release and relax when we lit the incense sticks. My monkey mind was now at rest and in the present moment.
I never thought of tattoos as a spiritual blessing in my home country.
The impact on one’s life may differ after each Sak Yant Sacred Tatoo; nevertheless, it is a place to start expanding our knowledge of the many ancient customs and traditions that have been around for more than 2,000 years.
My Invisible Oil Tattoo was performed by @Ajarnneng Thaisakyant, with over 20 years of experience. Ajarn’s, have had to undergo incredibly rigorous training to do this style of tattooing. Generations pass down their expertise and knowledge.
As Tammy showed me Ajarn Neng Studio, I felt connected to Ajarn’s Neng presence as soon as I met him.
Ajarn Neng asked about any concerns or blessings I wanted to express before he chose the tattoo symbol best to serve me for the Sak Yant Ink-Less Tattoo Blessing. I was also asked if I had any wishes or desires moving forward.
As I sat in front of Ajarn Neng, it was as if I understood what he was saying in Thai. I could see in his eyes that he was very dedicated, wise, honest, and caring. Arjarn Neng asked Tammy to relay some of his questions to me. I also found it fascinating that many of the subjects Arjarn brought to my attention were strikingly accurate. Reinforced my decision to go forward with the Ancient Sak Yant Blessing with total trust in Arjarn Neng.
Ajarn Neng showed the symbol he had picked for me. Ajarn takes an abundance of care to explain what each part of the symbol means before he ever picks up his hand-crafted steel-tipped needles rods called “Khem Sak” Khem means Give, and Sak means Tatoo.
Many of these Khem Sak are passed down from generation.
The days of bamboo needles are less common due to the fact they can hold contaminants and be less precise.
The handmade steel-tipped needles are sanitized, and the Ajarn wears gloves and takes extraordinary precautions to keep everything clean and sanitary. I had no problems during or days after the Sak Yant Invisible Tatoo.
The character’s picked for me matched what I had requested and what Ajarn Neng thought I needed to move forward from the present moment. I was in complete agreement with the Arjarn Neng choice.
I was asked to change for him to reach my back, for this was the place he thought best for the Sak Yant Tatoo.
I was sitting my back facing Arjarn. He asked me to read and focus on the chant on the wall in front of me. It said, “SO TA YA” when I asked Tammy what that meant, she told me it was a part of a more significant passage from Buddha. Afterward researching it a little further, I found it is taken from II Tayata Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radha Samudgate Soha II Mantra that invokes healing from all forms of suffering. The chant is said to relieve humans and animals of their physical and mental pain and bring them peace, good health, and prosperity.
Once I started repeating these words, Ajarn began tapping on my back with his precise, gentle steel needle. Honestly, I thought this process would take longer and hurt more. There were only a couple of times I felt anything. It was such a positive and meditative experience. I continued to focus on the words SO TA YA then I was told he was finished. He then placed a square of gold on my back under the Sak Yant Invisible Oil Tatoo.
The end of the blessing continued. I was handed a beautiful tray of offerings containing a wreath of orange flowers, money, drink, food, and other items. I faced Ajarn Neng, and each of us held one side of the tray and prayed. It was a very pivotal moment for me. Lastly, I returned with my back to Ajarn. He placed his hands on my shoulders and said one last blessing ending by blowing on my back.
It was over, and I was highly peaceful, relaxed, and delighted! Unknown to me Tammy had taken a few photos and a short video for me to remember this memorable day.
It was time to change into my clothes and thank Ajarn Neng again. Tammy and I left. It was lunchtime, so I was treated to a local restaurant called Rosdee, which was nearby. A gentleman who worked there had a necklace made of amulets worn especially around the neck as a charm seen as good fortune, blessings, and protection. His smile was radiant as he chatted with Tammy and me. I enjoyed shrimp cakes, spring rolls, and rice noodles with vegetables and eggs. The sincere kindness and hospitality Tammy had shown me today was a perfect way to end my entire experience.
I had fed my spirit and body; I could not ask for a better day!
If you are traveling and open to a new experience, please check out the references listed in my blog. I can’t speak for everyone, but my experience was terrific!
Arjarn Neng can be found on IG @ArjannengThaisakyant
Tammy, my Cultural Guide, was excellent. She was referred to me by @wsetravel; check them out on Instagram.
Tammy’s knowledge of the Sak Yant Blessing and the additional history of the Thai culture was genuinely enlightening.
“Travel brings moments that expand our minds if we let it.
Nourishing. Highlighting and Preserving Cultural History,
Shelly
The Food Scholar