Virtual Lecture Series: Sak Yant: Sacred Tattoo Art

Thai Buddhist magical tattoos called Sak Yant are based on ancient Indic yantras that are considered powerful forms meant to ward off negative influences. These tattoos incorporate elements of Hindu, Animist, and Buddhist traditions. In this way, the ideas behind and practices of Sak Yant mirror broader changes in the modern religious context of Thailand.

This lecture will provide a basic understanding of the function of Buddhism in Southeast Asia, display the various designs and meanings of Sak Yant, and demonstrate the role Sak Yant tattoos play in contemporary merit making in Thailand.

A link to the Zoom meeting will be made available on the William Rolland website on the day of the lecture.