The bamboo-needle geometric tattoos given by monks and Brahmin masters carry specific spiritual meanings.
'Sak' means to tap or tattoo; 'Yant' comes from Sanskrit 'yantra' (sacred geometric diagram) — each design contains mantras and geometric forms with specific protective or empowering meanings.
The most common design — five rows of sacred script; each line confers different protection: luck, charm, protection from harm, success, and charisma.
Eight directional Yant in a circular arrangement — protection in all directions; often chosen for travellers.
Recipients are traditionally given a set of rules to follow (no drinking, no certain foods, respectful behaviour) — these 'katha' maintain the tattoo's power according to tradition.
Angelina Jolie brought Western attention to Sak Yant — she received hers from Luang Pi Nunn, a famous master at Wat Bang Phra.
