Presented by Dark Mofo and Salamanca Arts Centre.
An INVISIBLE HOUSE event, curated by Brendan Walls
for Dark Mofo 2018
Submit your skin (and soul)
to a sacred tattoo
from a monk and master
of traditional Thai Sak Yant (or ‘magic tattoo’).
As you discuss your life with Ajarn Ohr, he’ll provide you with spiritual counsel and tattoo your body with an ancient design using a large needle (traditionally, this was done with a sharpened bamboo stick). Ohr will create a tattoo that’s right for you – a talismanic mark to guide you through life, drawing on magical knowledge, symbols and texts of Buddhism, Animism and sacred geometry.
EVENT DATES:
Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 June 2018
+
Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 June 2018
OFFICIAL OPENING EVENT:
Thursday 14 June 2018, 2:00pm – 7:00pm
DAILY OPENING HOURS:
Friday 15 – Sunday 17 June 2018, 11:00am – 7:00pm daily
Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 June 2018, 11:00am – 7:00pm daily
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!
COST: $400 + Booking Fee
STRICTLY 18+ | Bookings Essential
By purchasing this ticket / booking in for this tattoo, I agree to, and acknowledge, the following Terms and Conditions:
– I am aged 18 years or over;
– I acknowledge that this is sak yant tattooing and a modern tattoo gun will not be used;
– I agree to answer a short health questionnaire upon arrival to my session;
– I am submitting myself to what the tattooist wants to tattoo on me, in collaboration and conversation with me;
– I may be watched by an audience;
– If I am late, my spot will be forfeited and I will not be granted a refund unless applicable under Australian Consumer Law;
– I accept the Terms and Conditions listed in Mona’s Privacy Policy;
– I declare that the above details are my own and understand that I am not permitted to register on behalf of another participant;
– I give permission for Dark Mofo to photograph the event for documentation and promotional purposes;
– I understand that Dark Mofo reserves the right to refuse participation if I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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On Sak Yant
Sak Yant masters are known by various respectful names such as Master or Ajarn, sometimes spelled Ajahn. The word Ajarn means teacher or mentor. Some Ajarns do not do sacred Sak Yant tattooing but instead teach Buddhism, meditation, or even do special healing massage.
Some Masters of Sak Yant gained their expertise at a famous temple such as Wat Bang Phra which has long been known for its Sak Yant tattoos. While others may not have been a monk at such a temple, but may have gained their knowledge and sacred skills by apprenticeship to their father or through Abisheka, a sacred Buddhist initiation that passes wisdom and knowledge directly through the lineage of Master to Disciple.
It takes many years of training and study to become a good Sak Yant Master. Sak Yant sacred Thai traditional tattoos have many elements within them, ancient magical knowledge, Buddhism, Animism, ancient symbols and text, and Sacred geometry all intertwined into the creation and blessing of them.
Some tattoo studios offer Sak Yant tattoos done in the studio by a tattoo artist who has been trained in the design of them, but they do not usually offer the blessing by the Master or the infusion of the blessings into the design. Nothing quite compares with the life changing experience of having a real Sak Yant sacred bamboo tattoo done by a really skilled master, who learned those skills over the years from his own father or his Sak Yant Master.
On Ajarn Ohr
Ajarn Ohr is one of best Sak Yant Thai Bamboo tattooist in the world. He works from a sacred space known as a Sam Nak. Ajarn Ohr has four disciples. This is his first time in Australia.
On the unique experience of Sak Yant for Dark Mofo by his translator Paeng.
Bangkok Ink brings the renowned Ajarn Ohr from Thailand to perform the traditional Thai Sak Yant tattoos and blessings. The thai word Sak Yant literally translates to magic tattoo. These ancient, spiritual tattoos and rituals are well known throughout south east asia. Their magical properties bring the wearer benefits such as good health and prosperity. Some even believe they can protect the wearer from physical harm! These days many receive these tattoos to help them enjoy more success and overcome difficult times in their lives. Of course many will get them for their beauty and the experience alone.
Usually available only in Thailand, this phenomenon is coming for a short time during Dark Mofo. A chance to see a master at work in an ancient and still relevant practice of spirituality and belief!
Images courtesy of Bangkok Ink Tattoo Studio