Austin became a Buddhist yesterday, Wednesday, September 1, 2010. There was a ceremony, or ritual, at the temple (not sure how the monks would refer to it) confirming his commitment to Buddha. After this, he received three Sak-Yants on his back. He said, "I got kaew yod below my neck, ha taew on my left shoulder and i got a big hanuman in the middle of my back." Sak-Yants are sacred tattoos which bring powerful protection and strength to the bearers. The tattoos must be blessed by a monk, and one must live by the Master's set of rules, or the power of the tattoo is lost. Each Master or Teacher (Ajan) has their own set of rules, along with the Eightfold path to enlightenment.
Here is an example of some rules:
Do Not speak inauspiciously to or of your; Mother , Father or master (Kroo).
Do not commit evil deeds.
Devotees of the same master are forbidden to fight or compete with each other - they should consider each other members of the same family and cherish each other.
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs.
Do not make special claims of having protective powers because of your yant or amulets.
Do not think that the power of the yant will protect you if you intend to use those powers for bad deeds.
Austin spent over nine hours at the temple on Sunday in preparation for Wednesday's ceremony. Part of the prep was receiving an "invisible" tattoo. Sesame oil is spread onto the back and and it feels more like it's being scratched into the skin Austin said. Afterward, the monk picked up six or so of the sticks that were burning, and Sai told him, "Stamina, stamina." Austin's heart started beating a little harder--he thought maybe they would press the burning tips into his skin...? No, the monk took the twigs and lightly brushed the tips back and forth across Austin's back as he blew on them. The ashes stuck to his oiled skin, and then the monk rubbed them over his back. There was chanting and prayer, the lights were dim with many candles burning. About five other monks looked on. It was a very moving experience for Austin, he said he felt happy.
Well, I am going to post this for now, and later I'll add anything I've forgotten.
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