Yantra : A yantra [ยันต์] can be grids, lines, numbers, characters or pictures that are written, tattooed, or engraved on a piece of fabric, skin, wood, metal, etc.

Yantra

Have you ever seen the intricate and mysterious tattoos on Angelina Jolie’s back? The actress traveled all the way to Thailand to get those holy graphics inked on her. A yantra [ยันต์] can be grids, lines, numbers, characters or pictures that are written, tattooed, or engraved on a piece of fabric, skin, wood, metal, etc. If the pattern is engraved on a curled metal sheet, we call it “takrut” [ตะกรุด], and if it is inked into the skin, we call it “yantra tattooing” or “sak yant” [สักยันต์]. The sacred yantras according to Thai beliefs influenced by Hinduism can be classified into 4 groups: 1) Square yantra referring to the four elements and the four continents, 2) Triangular yantra representing the Triple Gem in Buddhism, or the Three Gods or the Trimurti, 3) Circle yantra referring to Brahma, and 4) Image yantra, which can take various designs and meanings.

The text in the yantra is composed with ancient Khmer characters, which were widely used by the ancient peoples of the region, and is an abbreviated version of sacred incantations. In the past, people tattooed yantras to boost their morale and confidence, prove their faith, and create miracles. Yantras tattooed on different parts of the body would then be sanctified by enchanters, but the tattooees themselves must also have faith and respect in the incantations and morality. In the end, the yantra will only strengthen the morale of those who truly believe in it.

Information by:

https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/th/culture_heritage/9-quintessential-thai-amulets/