Why do Buddhists in South East Asia rely on tattoos and amulets during a time of War?

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0. Brief Overview of the Buddhist Ancient Practices

98% of Thailand, as one of the nations in South East Asia, is Buddhists. According to (Hansen 2007), Buddhists have a very long and aesthetic history in the belief of the supernatural and magic. Moreover, since the 3^rd Century “BCE,” Buddhism is one of the religious practices that has always been prominent in Southeastern parts of Asia. The prevalence of Buddhism in Southeast Asia is mainly attributed to the frantic attempts of King “Asoko” and all of his subsequent descendants who made it their sole responsibility to promote the rapid spread of Buddhism as a practice in the region. Buddhists in Southeast Asia strongly believe in the “Sak Yant” tattoos and amulets as the strongest form of good luck and protection against forces resulting from the four (4) elements: fire, air, water, and earth (Hansen, 2007). Additionally, the Buddhist also use the “Sak Yant” tattoos and amulets as forms of individual or personal “Talisman” in creating the desired change in their ability to achieve life goals and objectives, favor and good luck in life situations and circumstances and in transforming their personality (Hansen, 2007).

Different cultures across the entire world have always developed their unique magical systems basing on the forces resulting from the main four (4) elements: air, fire, water, and earth. They initially thought of them as being composed of the natural physical properties and forces that control the world. Ancient cultural societies, for instance, the Greeks, Incas, Romans, and finally, the Wiccans held and strictly believed in the forces of the four main elements and that these elements were the key pillar in the philosophy of medicine and science (de la Perrière, 2017). Additionally, these elements were believed to be very “pure” and that they could not be found in their purest form on the surface of the earth. Therefore, everything that existed on earth was made up of a combination of different elements: fire, air, water, and earth (de la Perrière, 2017). The rich Indian traditional practices uniquely follow these beliefs and practices that were influenced by the “Khmer empire,” which was later on dissolved into Cambodia and Thailand. As Buddhism practice slowly encroached into Southeast Asia, they added another fourth element that is also commonly known as “Buddha” or the spirit.

For years, the Khmer and Thai warriors or soldiers in Southeast Asia were always feared and highly renowned for the magical powers that earned them the name “ghost soldiers.” The key secret behind their power and enormous strength was their magical amulets and the “Sak Yank” tattoos that were found on their skin. These tattoos and the magical amulets were composed of a mix of the Buddhist prayers, psalms, the shamanic sorcery, and spells that thrived and survived the various transitions of the Buddhist practices in Southeast Asia. Ever since the historical days of King “Nareswon” of the golden period of “Ayuttaya,” The soldiers in Thailand sought for power and protection from wearing and praying of the magical amulets and the “Sak Yant” tattoos on their bodies.

Key Words: Taharn Phee, ghost soldiers, amulets, amulets, “Sak Yant” tattoos

1.1. Purpose of the Research

            During the Second World War (II), in the Vietnam and Korean war, the soldiers from Thailand were nicknamed as ghost soldiers also “Taharn Phee” because of their magical amulets and their Sak Yant” tattoos. Most of the “Muay” also boxers in Thailand also commonly known as the “Nak Muay” always seek out the strength and protection from the magical powers of the amulets and the “Sak Yant” Tattoos (de la Perrière, 2017). Throughout this research paper, I will provide a candid and comprehensive analysis of the origin of the Yant tattoos and the magical amulets in Southeast Asia. This research study will also focus on evaluating and analyzing the supernatural and magical powers of the Yant tattoos and the amulets in protecting the Buddhist soldiers during a time of War (McDANIEL, 2014). Finally, the paper will review the respective transformation and evolution of the Yant tattoos and the magical amulets into the modern world and their current among Buddhists in Southeast Asia.

1.2. Research Study Questions:

To achieve this objective, this research study will focus on providing comprehensive answers to the following study questions:

• What is the origin of the “Sak Yant” tattoos and the Magical Amulets in Southeast Asia?
• How did the Buddhist soldiers in Southeast Asia rely on the Amulets and the tattoos for protection during times of War?
• What is the modern use of tattoos and the magical amulets in Southeast Asia?

CHAPTER TWO: INTRODUCTION

2.0. Brief Overview of how the Buddhist used Amulets and Tattoos

2.1. Buddhist Amulets

This research study will focus on evaluating and analyzing the origin of the tattoos and the magical amulets and how the soldiers in Southeast Asia relied on them for protection during a time of War. Predominantly, the essay will put more emphasis on the Thai Buddhist “Sak Yant” tattoos and the magical and the Amulets. Moreover, the paper will also analyze their respective evolution or transformation into the social and physical modern world. The phrase “Amulet” is a term that is strategically used to the innate traits and functions allocated to these items. According to (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.), the amulets are items used to provide: guidance, enhancement of life, increased physical and spiritual well-being, prosperity, and finally, protection (de la Perrière, 2017). Moreover, different types of tattoos and Amulets were originally believed to possess some unique magical elements and powers. Moreover, the author (Conway, 2007), summarized by informing that the phrase “amulet” is basically used to infer to the respective objects that are strictly carried by the individuals, displayed in their homes, business locations, personal assets, vehicles, businesses or in their livestock primarily for protection and to provide strength. The ancient Buddhist practices strictly believed that the amulets possessed unique magical elements or properties that may be used to avert any negative events of scenarios in the individuals lifetime for instance: preventing an assault, ill-health or diseases from oneself, another human, spirit or an animal (de la Perrière, 2017).

Moreover, the term “amulet” is usually utilized to refer to items that bring good fortune and good luck to a person’s life. The scholar (Conway, 2007), informs that the main difference between talisman and amulets is very distinct and that amulets are meant for protecting while talisman is responsible for bringing good luck to the person. Despite the historical belief that the amulets have some form of magical power, these items may simply act as forms of reminders of the philosophical and religious beliefs, teachings, and the traditional ancestral practices (Conway, 2007). The amulets and the tattoos may also be used to indicate to be used as items that aid in devotion and worship for instance; the Buddhism amulet uniquely depicts the image of the spirit or “Buddha” that may be used by the followers to meditate on the Buddhism practices (Conway, 2007). Amulets are also present in different ancient traditions and religious practices, for instance: The Egyptian’s “Eye of Horus” and the “Scarab beetle.”

2.2. Buddhist “Sak Yant” Tattoos

The phrase of term “Sak” is used to refer to the process of tattooing. Over the past ancient years, Khmer and Thai soldiers or warriors were feared and renowned for their magical amulets and tattoos that were found on their skin. The tattoos and markings on the skin of the Thai warriors in Southeast Asia were basically composed of a mixture of several Buddhist prayers and the shamanic sorcery and spells (Cook, 2007). The “Sak Yant” is a phrase that is used to refer to the sacred markings, tattoos that are geometrically designed on the skin of the warriors and soldiers. The Yant tattoos are usually done by the holy men or “Brahmin” also called as the monks in the Buddhist religious practice. The “Sak Yant” tattoos were originally developed centuries ago under the philosophy and influence of several different aspects (Sak Yant Chiang Mai, n.d.).

Originally, the “Yantra” tattoo designs originated from the Hindu religion that was found in India, which was later on adopted by the Thai Buddhists when the religious practiced arrived from the nations that neighbored India. Moreover, the author (Sak Yant Chiang Mai, n.d.) stated that the “Sak Yank” tattoos are usually done using ink-less tools or oil that is believed to be magical and that the tattoos usually go away from the naked human eye after a period of one week (Sak Yant Chiang Mai, n.d.). These Buddhist tattoos are believed to be some form of sacred designs that are geometrically done on the body of an individual with the sole purpose or obligation of providing them with various blessings and protection through the Buddhist magical psalms and formulas (Cook, 2007). The Buddhist formulas and psalms that are usually written in Khmer or Thai scripts that revolve around the “Sak Yant” are referred to as the “Khata” which is commonly used to refer to prayer.

CHAPTER THREE: LITERATURE REVIEW:

            According to (Bamboo Tattoo Kuta Bali, 2016), the Southeastern cult of tattoos and amulets may be viewed as a controversial subject that has created or resulted in a lot of interest in the magical items among both the non-Buddhists and Buddhists across the globe. The origin and the deliberate utilization of the amulets and tattoos have been evaluated by different authors and scholars for their ability to provide protection, strength, enhancement of life, and success. There are several different examples from both text and scriptures like the “Parittasand Jinapañjara Gārthā,” that provide a lot of support and encourage the widespread use of the “Sak Yank” tattoos and the Buddhist amulets due to their magical powers (Bamboo Tattoo Kuta Bali, 2016). Therefore, this warrants further comprehensive evaluation and analysis to ascertain the historical origin of these magical items and how the Buddhist soldiers in Southeast Asia used them for protection during a time of War (Bamboo Tattoo Kuta Bali, 2016).

3.0. The Origin of the Buddhist “Sak Yant” tattoos and Magical Amulets

3.1. Origin and Function of the “Sak Yant” Tattoo

            The founding principle and philosophy of the “Yant” tattoo designs are the Hindu or Indian traditional belief in the four key or main elements that guide the forces of the world, for instance: fire, water, earth, and air (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.). The Buddhist “Yant” designs are a form of geometrical and symbolic representation of Astrology, Tantra, and Mantra, which represents the divine and cosmic potential of the tattoos (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.).

Image shows: an Individual receiving the “Sak Yant” tattoo using the traditional bamboo in Thailand. Retrieved from  (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.)

The “Yant” tattoos were originally utilized and linked to the “animistic” worships as practiced by the shamanistic cultures that were prevalent during the existence of time. These shamanistic cultures that co-existed in nature strictly applied or mimicked different animal practices, qualities, and behaviors depicted by the animals that lived within their environment (May 2014). The “animist” societies and cultures did not have any particular “gods,” but they worshiped different combinations of nature and ancestors who were specifically related to the particular region or area (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.).

Most of these local cultures and tribes usually used images of animal tattoos as a critical part of their unique religious and traditional practices. Ideally, the “Sak Yant” tattoo did not originate from the Buddhist traditional practice, but it was assimilated when Buddhism spread and expanded into other nations in Southeast Asia that did not contradict with Buddhism and their teachings (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.). Therefore, it is prudent to acknowledge that “Sak Yant” tattoos originated from other Asian traditions and cultures that were held in Thailand as a major part of their Shamanism practices that were already present.

Image shows: “The three master Buddhist”Yant” tattoos Retrieved from (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.)

Over the previous historical years, the “Sak Yant” tattoos have been ingrained in the Buddhist tradition, and it is a major practice in the culture of Thailand (Cook, 2007). Moreover, the Buddhist soldiers and warriors focused on using the “Sak Yant” tattoos as a means of protection and on helping them to gain success and good luck during a time of War. Moreover, the “Ajarn” also commonly known as the Monk, is the person who is responsible for performing the “Sak Yank” tattoos and incorporating the magical blessings and charms of the tattoo designs (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.). Additionally, some of the common “Yant” tattoo designs include the “Yant Sarigaa kuu” which represents the love birds, the “Yant Paed Tide” that signifies the eight (8) directions, the “Yant Moo Tong” which represents the wild boar, the “Yant Suea Paen” which shows a leaping tiger among other tattoo designs with different symbolic meanings (Charney, 2004).

The author (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.), informed that understanding the Buddhist “Yant” tattoo meanings was a critical part in comprehending how they were applied and their importance in acting as symbols of protection and prosperity among the Buddhist warriors and local members (Charney, 2004). For instance, the round “Yant” was significant in representing the face of the spirit or “Buddha,” the triangular “Yant” signified the three main jewels of “Sangha and Buddha Dharma (McDANIEL, 2014).”  The “Yant” that was four-sided signified the four key elements, for instance: fire, air, water, and eath while the “Onk Pra Yant” was used to represent the Buddha or the spirit himself (Charney, 2004).

Image shows: two men with “Yant” tattoos in Southeast Asia Retrieved from (Sak Yant Thailand, n.d.)

3.2. Origin and Function of The Magical Amulets

            According to (Charney, 2004), amulets have an important and rich significance in cultures and societies for a significant period of time. However, the authors (Charney, 2004), also point that as the unique need of the general societies has evolved, the use and belief in amulets has also significantly evolved. The author (McDANIEL, 2014), reveals that the scripture amulets in Abraham’s traditional practices were mainly popular in the Islamic and Jewish faith.

Additionally, Hinduism and Buddhisms were often presented by the images of the spirit or “Buddha” on their amulets during the cultural and traditional practices. The basic function of the amulets for the Buddhist warriors or soldiers may vary significantly by looking at the appearance of the amulets. Despite all amulets looking like a mere piece of jewelry, the difference between the amulets lies in their function and nature of these magical amulets (Charney, 2004).

When choosing a particular amulet, the Buddhist soldiers and warriors usually considered the main function, nature, and key characteristics of the amulets. In Southeast Asia, amulets have a long-standing historical relationship with the Buddhisms since the amulets were commonly possessed by children, women, and even men (Ruth, 2018). Additionally, the unique belief in the magical power possessed by the Amulets is significant in understanding why the Buddhist soldiers often relied on them during times of War. The authors (Charney, 2004) informed that the amulets provided protection, signified prosperity, fertility, success, good luck, among other aesthetic beliefs for the wearers. The author (McDANIEL, 2014) informed that the amulets are common among Southeast Asia where they are blessed by the local traditional monks, and they may be worn on the neck or waist by the men during the time of War for protection against the enemies.

CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS

            Many societies in the history of mankind have portrayed their unique interest and desire to learn about the different beliefs in the magical activities and practices across different societies. To help shed light on this information gap, this section of the research paper will help in evaluating the magical nature and belief of the “Sak Yant” tattoos and the magical amulets that are prevalent in Southeastern Asia. The authors (Charney, 2004), have the belief that specific persons or individuals may gain unimaginable, unlimited, and super-normal powers from wearing the amulets and applying the “Yant” tattoos. This unique traditional belief and practice in the magical power and abilities of the “Sak Yant” by the warriors in Southeast Asia.

This is evident from the World War II case study that saw the Thai soldiers being nicknamed as ghost workers or “Taharn Phee” during the Vietnam and Korean war because of the magical powers possessed by their amulets and the “Yant” tattoos (Charney, 2004). Moreover, the “Muay,” which is a term used to refer to the boxers in Thailand, usually get their protection and strength from the magical Buddhist tattoos and the amulets (Charney, 2004). This analysis section will focus on evaluating the magical and supernatural beliefs and practices revolving around the Thai amulets and “Yant” tattoos, their benefits, and why the soldiers in Southeast Asia relied on them for protection and success.

4.0. Supernatural and Magical Buddhist Tattoos and Amulets

            In the Buddhist religious society with a more specific focus on the “Tibet,” supernatural powers and magic may be considered as a major part of the monastic and lay cultural societies. However, traditional miracles are often believed to be magical in nature. Additionally, the authors (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013) also perceived other forms of miracles as events or actions that were unique and those that differed from the normal or anticipated course of outcome, which eventually resulted in individuals being amazed or astonished (Charney, 2004). However, it is prudent to inform that this understanding is not a universal belief in the concept of miracles.

According to (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013), there are about four (4) main unique types of Thai magical protective amulets that are found in Southeast Asia. The amulets are loosely referred to as potent or sacred objects that may be divided into four main categories: (1) the “khryang-rang” which is an amulet made from materials like stone and those in charge of protecting the wearer when they are held against their bodies or in the mouth. (2) “phra-khruang” is a specific statue or “small-figure” amulet that shows the spirit or “Buddha,” which may be used to protect the entire household or the individuals.

Thirdly (3), the “Khruang-pluk-sek” is another type of amulet that has the unique fertility power of stimulating the potency or fertility of an individual through means of incantation or spell. Finally (4), the “wan ya” is a natural amulet, for instance, a root or a plant that is aesthetically believed to contain the ability to combat various diseases and safeguard the individual against misfortunes that are believed to be brought about by the “malevolent” spirits (Charney, 2004).

4.1. Why Buddhist in South East Asia rely on Amulets and Tattoos during a time of War

            The sacred and protective “Sak Yant” tattoos or amulets are commonly worn by the monks, women, and lay-men in Southeastern parts of Asia. Additionally, these Buddhist amulets and tattoos are very important because of their protective power and ability to protect their wearers against harm and negative forces (MacFarlane, 2019). The Buddhist tattoos and amulets usually comprise of images and texts that are sacred and blessed by the monks. The Buddhist warriors or soldiers extensively used the tattoos and the magical amulets during a time of War since they entrusted their bodies to the magical powers of the amulets and the “Sak Yant” tattoos for protection (MacFarlane, 2019). Due to this fact, the warriors in Southeast Asia were referred to as “ghost warriors or soldiers” also “Taharn Phee” because they understood that the tattoos granted them enough visibility and protection against their enemies during a time of War (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013).

The sacred tattoos were completed by the traditional monks using the Thailand bamboo using magical ink that was prepared and ordained to protect the soldiers and warriors against danger and external challenges during a time of War when they went to the battlefield. Ideally, the authors (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013), believed that the sacred “Sak Yant” tattoos might also be viewed as being amulets that were permanent due to their protective quality and nature that is prevalent in the soldiers in Southeast Asia. The tattoos and magical amulets were also believed to have the power to free up the Buddhist soldiers from the expectations and spirits of their ancestors (MacFarlane, 2019). This is why the Buddhist soldiers in southeast Asia relied on the tattoos and amulets for protection and to help them succeed during times of War. The authors (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013), also pointed out that the sacred tattoos were not made to be permanent because they were done by a monk using the help of holy oil that bestows protection on the body of the wearers even when they are not visible using the naked eye (MacFarlane, 2019).

The key or main function of the “Sak Yant” tattoos and the amulets is unique upon the societies they evolved from. However, it is obvious that the most common function of the amulet was to offer protection and prosperity against the spiritual and physical vulnerabilities of mankind. Due to the weaknesses of humans, the tattoos and the magical amulets were vital in offering protection and safeguarding the wearers (Buddhist soldiers during a time of War) by giving them more supernatural power that transcends beyond their abilities (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013). For instance, the amulets for potency or fertility were usually meant to protect the vulnerable individuals in the general society.

Despite the various advancement in medical and science treatments, most Buddhists still sought the intervention of fertility amulets and tattoos to protect them against their own weaknesses. Therefore, despite all of these, the amulets reflect the traits of the individual societies where they evolved from, and the amulets have focused on adapting the new requirements and needs of the societies (MacFarlane, 2019). However, despite the fact that amulets represent where they were sourced from, the general function of the tattoos and the Buddhist amulets is to offer protection, prosperity, success, and give the Buddhists supernatural powers in fighting against their individual and external challenges (MacFarlane, 2019).

4.2. Transformation of the Buddhism Amulets and Yank Tattoos

It is prudent to state that one of the vividly noticeable aspects of black magic in Southeast Asia is the tattoos and magical amulets. This is mainly because Buddhists in Southeast Asia religiously believe that the tattoos and the magical amulets provide them with protection and good luck charms. However, some of the amulets are very small, and it is possible for the Buddhists to carry them or wear them all at one particular instance without anyone noticing them (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013). The transformation of the Buddhist amulets and the Yank tattoos is attributed to the widespread media and the increased desires of modern consumers who seek the powers and magical capabilities of these items (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013).

This has resulted in a drastic increase in trade and tourism in the southeastern parts of Asia as most firms have ventured into the widespread production and sales of various amulets and tattoos to interested consumers because of its ability to provide the users with magical powers (Scoontravanich, 2013). Therefore from the traditional Buddhists soldiers using the tattoos and the amulets for protection and strength during a time of War, the needs of the consumers have shifted with modern consumers being influenced by the media to travel to southeast Asia to seek the magical potency and powers of these items. Therefore, nations like Thailand have greatly benefited from the mass production of the magical amulets as millions of tourists usually flock to the temples in Southeast Asia to receive the magical amulets and the “Sak Yant” tattoos (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013).

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION:

This paper has focused on evaluating the  Buddhist magical amulets and “Sak Yant” tattoos in Southeast Asia. Ideally, this paper has focused on evaluating why the soldiers and warriors relied on these items during the time of War. To provide answers to the research questions, this research conducted a comprehensive literature review that aimed at understanding the origin of the amulets and tattoos, their function, and how they have transformed in modern society (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2013). The origin of the magical amulets and the “Sak Yant” tattoos is uniquely rooted in the spread and evolution of Buddhism in Southeast Asia (Scoontravanich, 2013). Ideally, the above research has revealed how the amulets and the tattoos play a vital and integral function in the lives of many Buddhist individuals within society.

As a major role or function, the Buddhist amulets and tattoos were used by the warriors and soldiers in Southeast Asia for protection and shielding them against the enemy during times of War. Due to their magical and sacred nature of the Buddhists amulets and tattoos, the locals in Southeast Asia have widely accepted the items as an integral part of their culture and traditional practice that range from its ability to protect the wearer to their healing capabilities (Scoontravanich, 2013). The research study has revealed that the Buddhists warriors relied on the amulets and magical tattoos for protection and shielding them against the enemies during a time of wars.

CHAPTER SEVEN: REFERENCES:

7.1. Primary Sources:

Baker, C., & Phongpaichit, P. (2013). Protection and Power in Siam: From Khun Chang Khun Phaen to the Buddha Amulet. Southeast Asian Studies, 2(2), 215-242.

Charney, M. (2004). Southeast Asian Warfare, 1300-1900. Brill.

Cook, J. (2007). Tattoos, corporeality, and the self: dissolving borders in a Thai monastery. Cambridge Anthropology, 20-35.

Conway, S. (2007). Shan Expressions of Power and Protection. The Secrets of Southeast Asian Textiles.

de la Perrière, B. B. (2017). Ritual Tattooing and the Creation of New Buddhist Identities: An Inquiry into the Initiation Process in a Burmese Organization of Exorcists. Religion and Society, 8(1), 129-144.

Hansen, A. R. (2007). How to behave: Buddhism and modernity in colonial Cambodia, 1860-1930. University of Hawaii Press.

May, A. M. (2014). Sak Yant: The transition from Indic yantras to Thai” magical” Buddhist tattoos. The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

MacFarlane, M. (2019). Tattoos in East Asia: Conforming to Individualism.

MacFarlane, M. (2019). Tattoos in East Asia: Conforming to Individualism.

McDANIEL, J. U. S. T. I. N. (2014). The material turn: an introduction to Thai sources for the study of Buddhist Amulets. In Material Culture and Asian Religions (pp. 155-168). Routledge.

Ruth, R. A. (2018). War and Society in Southeast Asia. In The Routledge History of Global War and Society (pp. 20-31). Routledge.

Soontravanich, C. (2013). The regionalization of local Buddhist saints: amulets, crime and violence in post–World War II Thai society. SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 28(2), 179-215.

7.2. Secondary Sources:

Bamboo Tattoo Kuta Bali., (October, 6^th 2016). Background of Sak Yant Tattoo History. Retrieved from https://web.facebook.com/bambootattoobali/posts/background-of-sak-yant-tattoo-history-the-four-elements-all-across-the-world-in-/316841998708092/?_rdc=1&_rdr

Sak Yant Thailand., (n.d.). What is a Sak Yant Tattoo? A brief history of Traditional Thai Tattoo. Retrieved from https://www.sakyantthailand.com/what-is-sak-yant-tattoo/

Sak Yant Chiang Mai., (n.d.). What is a Sak Yant Tattoo? Learn about the Traditional Thai Bamboo Tattoo. Retrieved from https://www.sakyantchiangmai.com/what-is-a-sak-yant-tattoo/

Sak Yant Chiang Mai., (n.d.). What is a Sak Yant Tattoo? Learn about the Traditional Thai Bamboo Tattoo. Retrieved from https://www.sakyantchiangmai.com/what-is-a-sak-yant-tattoo