Traveling gives you experiences that will change your life forever. How much more if you venture into a spiritual journey marked by a meaningful art that stays with you for the rest of your life?
My recent country hopping was made even more life-changing with the Sak Yant Tattoo from an authentic monk, the famous Sak Yant Master from Bangkok, Thailand.
A Sak Yant tattoo is a traditional form of permanent tattooing that originated in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. These tattoos use sacred geometrical designs and are believed to offer power, protection, fortune, charisma, and other benefits for the bearer.
Aside from Angelina Jolie who had many, famous musician Ed Sheeran also recently had his Sak Yant in Bangkok, during his Mathematics Tour. I feel deeply inspired to have mine from exactly the same Sak Yant Master who did Ed’s iconic tattoo — Master Arjan Neng.
The beauty of Sak Yant lies in the fact that it is far more than just another ink in the body. It is a spiritual journey with deep personal and profound meaning and impact to each of the owner.
Customized design represents different magic enchantment, blessings, and protection. Each masterpiece is personalized based on your values, personal experiences, life journey, and what you need moving forward in your life.
The staffs are very pleasant and helpful (shoutout to Phuke, Vale, and the bois!). I was asked to share my life story. And from that, it was translated to Master Arjan who then curated a design especially unique for me. I was asked to record as they comprehensively explained to me the meaning behind the design. I was stunned and my spirit owned it as part of me.
Did some chant and offertory prayer, and there I was gasping my breath with the stinging painful big needle. Beautiful.
From now on however, I should be mindful of some “rules” as bearer of this “magical” tattoo, or else it loses its “power”. Here are its Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do not curse/sear at your parents and benefactors.
- Do not use illegal drugs.
- Do not have affairs with others.
- Be a good person and do good things.
- Pray to the Ka Tha (Mantra/Magic Spells).
Mine is placed in the center of upper back, known to be the right spot for chakra (energy source), and believed to be best spot for magic spell to spread through the whole body.
I can’t read the characters written here, but some monks like Master Arjan who spent decades of meditating and praying can.
I am not a Buddhist, but I believe in something, a higher form, a greater force, a superior being, whatever it is.
Every journey begins with a decision to move forward, to try more, to be more. While it can be a scary decision, it can also be the most important one.
This will be my constant reminder that an excruciating pain in life can turn into a lifelong source of strength and inspiration.
Jhayography 
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