Khmer monks’ sacred tattoos.............."Sacred"….

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I took this series in November and December about the Khmer monks’ Yantra tattoos. It wasn’t an easy subject, because the “monks are not models”. They are religious living in asceticism, either alone or with any number of monks, whilst always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose. They participate in all formal village festivals, marriages, and funerals. As a foreigner (Barang) living in Cambodia, quite often have chance to meet with Buddhist monks. I have a great respect for and with whom I've friends with for a long time. When I came up with the idea to take photos of the tattooed monks I chose one who became my fixer and helped to explain what I want to do and why. Most of the monks were shy and some of course declined my request. The project has finally started. We’re not even worked hard, but really had a good time. We chat and giggled a lot. I hardly finished shooting the project at the middle of December, when the 4Faces Gallery Café in Siem Reap offered an exhibition opportunity. The grand opening was held on the 2^nd of January. 7 monks joined to the busy reception.

Note: …all the monks were soldier in the past. Some of them were fighting against the Khmer Rouge, other were served at the Thai border. None of them were injured while others were killed in the same combat. One of them stepped on a landmine during the Pol Pot regime. He said, thanks for the power of Yantra tattoos on his legs, the landmine didn’t explode. Later he was meditating for 5 years in the Bokor Mountain. Without exception all the monks believe in the magic power of these tattoos. Since they became monks, they find the power and faith in Buddha.

Yantra Tattoos

Two elements make up a tattoo; a geometric pattern, yoan (yantra in Sanskrit) and Vedic chants, muon (mantras in Sanskrit). The practice, rooted in pre-history, has gradually integrated elements of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Both the tattoo design and the consecration ritual are complex and esoteric. The process is an initiation. The relationship between tattoo artist and person being tattooed is that of master (kroo or adjar) and disciple, a relationship that continues throughout both their lives. The symbols the master uses, copied from his masters, are always close at hand for reference, and are specifically chosen to fit the disciple’s personality. Despite strong belief that these formulae are from the Angkorean period, neither the muon (chants), nor the youn (geometric designs), have ever been discovered in temples of this era.

Most are very specific. One gives immunity from arrows (and bullets), another bestows invisibility should one’s weapon be lost. A further design, na, prevents the wearer being crushed by elephants. There is even a design that improves gamblers luck. It is also believed protective tattoos give the ability foresee misfortune. A common muon is associated with Hakhnuman (monkey god of strength and loyalty, also known as Hanuman). It makes Hakhnuman, the son of the winds, the disciple’s ally, enhancing his agility and strength. This muon is an example of religious assimilation, as the three syllable Hindu muon also represents the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha (the three aspects of Thervarda Buddhism).

Click here to see the photos slide show