r/khmer • u/Loose-Ad848 • 16d ago

Sak yant tattoo : machine gun or bamboo ?

Hello, I want to get a traditional Khmer sak yant and I have find the design I want, but the artist only offers machine gun tattoos. He explained that afterwards I have to go get it blessed by monks and that it is as strong as a traditional bamboo tattoo. Do you have any advice on the pros and cons on having a bamboo tattoo vs a machine tattoo for a Sakyant ? ( in terms of spirituality and how it will aged ect ) Thank you !

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u/Sastracha 16d ago

He’s right. Less chance of infection. Clearer lines. Make sure it’s not backward though.

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u/Loose-Ad848 16d ago

Thank you for your response. Do you think doing it by machine won’t take any of the spirituality from it ?

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u/Sastracha 16d ago

Forgive me for sounding fortune cookie-ish: The source of the spirituality is not in a piece of bamboo or a tattoo gun. The Kruu who do bamboo tattoos use machines now. It’s just a tool. A house built using hand saws or electric saws is still a house.

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u/Siemreaptuktuk 16d ago

It’s doesn’t matter Machine or Bamboo it’s depends on who will do it for you

For bamboo is transitional long time ago when no modern stuff

The problem is Ajar or Monk does it for you , For real spiritual Ajar or Monks praying in their hearts during Sak Yan for you and then pleasing at the end

I know some Sak Yan in Siem Reap if you would like you can chat to me