FAQ About Thai Amulets
An amulet is an object usually worn and considered to have the powers of protection; it is the same as a talisman or takrut. In Thailand, things are made from white, yellow, or red cloth, paper, gold, copper, or zinc parchment foiled with specific protective magic words or number combinations written on it and rolled up and inserted in small metal or acrylic plastic tube containers. These sacred objects would have to be treated with respect, for they continue bestowing their blessings upon the wearer and protecting them from evil spirits, harm, and danger. Many wearers have great faith in the protective ability of such objects, which they wear close to their hearts. For blessing and protection, Thailand is probably the first choice for all sources of amulets and talismans. It has been many generations in history since the charms were made by famous Thai guru monks who chanted and gave the power of help and protection. If you are a believer, you might have encountered some of these experiences in your lifetime.
FAQ About Thai Amulets
Amulets from Thailand were created many centuries ago and considered by cultures around the world to protect some form of evil spirit and as a good luck charm for believers. They are still available at present. In the old days, Buddha amulets in Thailand were purely hand-made at the time and have been renowned worldwide for their powers of protection. Due to the high demand, most of the amulet is made of mold pressed into a figurine image of the Buddha, great monks, or famous saints and then chanted and blessed with a spell by guru monks in the temple at a certain period. It has been said that people are wearing these amulets as pendants to protect themselves from harm, obstacles, and disaster, as well as for better health. Often, we hear people wearing them have experienced overcoming obstacles in business or their careers and avoiding severe accidents or injuries. It can repel bad luck and evil spirits surrounding the house or workplace. It is known that Thai amulets have been rented (sold) for centuries and handed down over generations to people who believe in their power.
Many people who have started to wear an amulet will usually ask. Which types of charms are right for me? What are the dos and don’ts when wearing an amulet? In the following, we provide some information and explanations to correct some of the most common mistakes and misunderstandings about carrying Buddhist amulets.
Questions and topics that are most often asked:
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1. What should I do before wearing the amulet?Wash your hands before taking the amulets to wear, and follow the following steps: • Make your mind calm and focus your faith on the amulet’s • Put your amulets on your palm and press both hands together. • Then chant the Katha slowly, as stated below with the text in bold: The translation of the meaning is: I pay homage to the Blessed One. The one who is free from defilements and perfectly enlightened by himself. The chanting verse means we are now paying respect to the Lord Buddha, who has done the great goodness. Then request your language for his help. I, your name, invite the Lord Buddha and Guru Monks to bless me and protect me from harm, danger and bring me luck and fulfill me with my wishes. One should encourage practicing this: Invite the Lord Buddha, Guru Monks, and his blessings to be with you before wearing your amulets. Hold your amulets in your palm in the Praying position and start reciting the following: Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sam Buddhassa (x 3) and recite the following: Puttang Aratananang, Tammang Aratananang, Sangkang Aratananang, Puttang Prasittimae, Tammang Prasittimae, Sangkang Prasittimae (x 3) The meaning of this Katha is: May Lord Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, or Triple Gems, bless my entire request successfully. And then wear the chain of amulets around your neck or put it in your handbag.
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2. Is there any restriction when wearing the amulet?Yes, there are some general guidelines for wearing Thai amulets to show respect for their Buddhist significance. Amulets are seen as sacred objects in Thai culture. It's considered respectful to remove them before activities that might be seen as impure. such as during immoral activity or inappropriate behavior. Additionally, some people choose to remove them during sexual relations. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear the amulet with a sincere and respectful attitude.
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3. What should I do when taking the hanging amulets off our necks?Wash your hands with clean water before taking off the amulets from your neck. This shows respect for the sacred object. Then hold the amulet in your cupped palms, similar to a prayer position. This demonstrates respect for its sacred nature. You can take a moment to silently thank the amulet or deities associated with it for their protection. Place the amulet in a clean and elevated location. This could be a small altar at home, a jewelry box, or a dedicated pouch. Avoid placing it on the floor or in unclean areas.
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4. Where is the place to put the amulet?• Do not put the amulet on top of your bed unless there is no sexual activity. • If you want to keep them in your bedroom, avoid placing them at the foot of your bed, where your feet might point towards them during sleep. Some people choose to keep their amulets close by on a nightstand, as long as it's not directly at the foot of the bed. Otherwise, consider placing them on a higher shelf or drawer in your room. • Do not leave your amulets in an improper place, like on the floor or inside your trouser pockets, or hang them lower than your waist. The best place is to keep your amulets in a clean and respectful location.
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5. Do we need to re-bless our amulet after some time?No, it’s not necessary. But is it okay to let the monks make a prayer of blessing over the amulet’s for purification, or do you have any idea that having the brief blessings on the amulet’s could recharge its power? Usually, we see people taking off their amulets and letting the monks chant and bless when they go to the Thai temple on their holiday to pay respects to the monks. The brief blessing is usually a general blessing for all amulets and not for the particular amulet itself. The monk or archan who creates the amulets will only have the unique knowledge to bless the amulets that they create. When one visits the temple, I believe that no monk will ask for your amulets for blessing “unless you hand them to them,” or they will only bless you and sprinkle holy water on you to bring you luck. However, if your amulet has come into contact with someone else's, it might be beneficial for you to take a ritual bath to purify the amulet over a lit up candle or incense smoke.
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6. Does an amulet lose its power after wearing for some time?No, of course not! While wearing your amulet, you need to remain focused on your purpose for carrying it. Your energy and intent are vital to the success of the amulet. The combination of personal and universal energies will create spiritual power, making the amulet more useful. An amulet is most powerful when you wear it with a clear purpose in mind. The more you focus on what you want the amulet to help you with, the stronger its effect will be. This is because your own energy and intentions combine with a kind of universal energy to create a special kind of power that makes the amulet more effective. The way we think about ourselves shapes how our lives turn out. If you believe in your heart that you will always be poor, for instance, you'll develop a way of thinking about money that keeps you stuck in poverty. This way of thinking, called poverty consciousness, might make you miss opportunities to earn more money and can also hold you back from reaching your goals.
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7. Is it possible to wear several amulets at the same time?Yes, wear the amulets if that feels right for you. Most people in Thailand wear odd numbers, like one, three, or five. You can even combine different amulets without worry. They won't fight or cause problems. While some prefer odd numbers on the neck for balance purposes, it's not a strict rule, as long as one feels comfortable. For example, if you are wearing two Phra Khun Paen from two different temples, their powers won't fight against each other. The protective effect of an amulet will not negate the impact of Metta (loving kindness). However, legends say Phra Khun Paen and Khun Chang were fierce rivals in love, so it's best to avoid wearing amulets associated with them both at the same time.
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8. Can I put the amulet in my trouser pockets?Here are a few general answers: The way you wear an amulet can actually affect its power! Different amulets have different jobs, like bringing good luck or protection from harm. Because of this, how you wear an amulet can change depending on its purpose. Here's a general idea: It's always best to check if there's a specific way to wear your particular amulet. All Buddha images should always be worn higher than the waistline as a mark of respect. This includes Takrut that has a Buddha image on it, even if the image cannot be seen clearly because of the nature of the Takrut talisman. Takrut are sacred scrolls. (Monks bless these thin sheets of gold, silver, or bronze inscribed with mystical symbols, then roll them into tubes.) The placement of your amulet can influence its effectiveness! Traditionally, Phra Rahu amulets are worn at the back of the body. There's a belief that Phra Rahu, associated with protection, guards you from harm and negative energy coming from behind, like surprise attacks or bad magic. In contrast, some amulets like Phra Ngang can be kept in your pocket. The key point is that there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Different amulets may have specific placement recommendations to optimize their benefits. If you're unsure about the proper way to wear your amulet, it's always best to consult the seller, the temple you acquired it from, or the person who created it. They'll be able to provide the most accurate guidance on how to wear it to unlock its full potential.
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9. Can I wear an amulet while going to the toilet?It is often heard that if you are wearing a Thai amulet, you cannot go to the toilet. Many people felt that a toilet was a dirty place for the amulets used for urination. Some people remove their amulets before they enter the toilet. Going to the toilet in nature does not mean that it is an unclean or dirty place. Don't worry too much about wearing your amulet perfectly! Even Lord Buddha used the toilet during his lifetime, just like everyone else. Monks need to use the bathroom too! The most important thing is to wear your amulet with confidence and belief in its power. As long as your intentions are clear, you don't need to stress about every detail of how you wear it.
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10. Can a lady wear Phra Khun Pean amulet?Yes, a lady can wear a Phra Khun Pean amulet as long as she respects and believes in its power. It is important to have faith in the amulet for it to be effective in providing protection and blessings. There is no prejudice by the holy monks and masters when they are making and consecrating the amulets. For the Phra Khun Paen amulet, legend has it that Khun Paen was a brave and charming Thai warrior who stole the hearts of many ladies during that time. In the past, masters created amulets with the image of Phra Khun Paen on them and hoped that they would imbue the wearer with courage on the battlefield, which the amulets provided. Naturally, ladies will be so impressed by the heroic deeds and will flock to them. This is how it gets started. After some time, some of the masters make and consecrate the Phra Khun Paen amulets, intending to make them an amulet for Loving-kindness (Metta) charm.
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11. Can a lady wear amulet when her period comes?Yes, you can wear it; just treat it with due respect. Before wearing the chain or holding the amulets, always wash your hand when you are wearing or taking them off. Taking care of your amulet is important, but it's okay if your period gets in the way! Just wash your hands well after handling your sanitary products. If you feel uncomfortable wearing the amulet while on your period, you can keep it safely in your purse or handbag. The amulet's protection will still be with you. Remember, the strongest power comes from your own beliefs. The more faith and trust you have in your amulet, the stronger its energy will be to protect and bless you.
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12. Is an expensive amulet better than a cheaper one?Forget expensive amulets! Many inexpensive amulets are just as powerful. It's all about the creator. A skilled, spiritual guru blesses the amulet with rituals and chants, inviting Buddhas and deities, making it holy and strong, not the price tag. Price doesn't matter for amulet power! Many are strong, even if they are cheap. If you would like to collect the newly-made amulets, you should know some of these questions: which monk or archan created them, from which temple, who is invited to perform the blessing ritual ceremony, and what is the purpose of creating the amulet. In the past, amulets were gifts to supporters for their help in developing the temple.
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13. Can I wear an amulet visiting Maternity Ward or Mortuary?In Chinese Taoism, there's a tradition of not wearing amulets in places like maternity wards. This is because childbirth can involve blood, which some believe clashes with the spiritual energy of the amulet. Similarly, they avoid wearing amulets in mortuaries, as it's a place associated with endings. In Taoist tradition, some believe carrying certain amulets with spiritual inscriptions might limit you from entering specific places. This seems counterintuitive, right? After all, people wear amulets for peace and protection from bad luck. The idea is that these amulets work best in certain environments. If restrictions were too many, it wouldn't make much sense to wear them! Especially in the hospital maternity ward and mortuary, where there are countless numbers of spirits, devotees have high chances of afflicting the spirits and suffering misfortune. So wearing the sacred amulet is to seek protection under such circumstances. If the devotees maintain their faithfulness and beliefs, the spiritual effect of the amulet will always be with them.
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14. May I consume beef when wearing amulet?In Thailand, monks traditionally collect alms each morning. Theravada Buddhism, the primary school of Hinayana Buddhism practiced there, does not have a mandatory vegetarian diet. This is because monks rely on the generosity of laypeople, who may offer food containing meat. If the relevant monk does not like the foods from the devotees, they have to offer them to the others. Many monks in Thailand consume meat, unlike the Chinese Taoists and Buddhists in Southeast Asia, who decline to accept it. In a bygone era, a community in India, revered by followers of Bodhisattva Guan Yin, faced economic hardship. Their livelihood heavily relied on cows, which were essential for the family's survival. These cows served a dual purpose: they provided milk, helped with farm work, and even pulled carts. However, there was a problem: they used ropes through the cows' noses to upload them. onto trucks. This worried people because, in many Buddhist traditions, cows are seen as almost holy and deserve to be treated kindly. Cows hold a special place in Buddhism! They're seen as kind and generous animals, providing milk and raising calves for many years; their lifespan can be around 20 years. They should be treated well and not given hard labor. Because of this deep respect, many Buddhists choose a vegetarian diet, especially avoiding beef. It's a way to show appreciation for the cow's contributions.
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15. May I consume star Fruits when wearing amulet?The centuries-old tradition of Cambodian mystical hand tattoos is believed to grant magical powers. Still, the tradition appears to be fading as this increases in today’s modern society. In the past, people believed that the tattoos would bring them luck or fame; soldiers primarily used them to evade enemy fire or repel bullets. Some people believe that the star fruit is the heart of the Buddha and cannot be consumed in the event of any offense to the Buddha. That's not true! It's important to note that this is a specific belief and doesn't apply to everyone. The idea behind it is that these foods might somehow interfere with the magic spells. And by the way, the star fruit is not, in fact, the Buddha's heart. In Thailand, some people with magical tattoos believe eating star fruit might weaken their magical powers. Spiritual teachers have passed down this custom and advise avoiding particular foods, like star fruit, to maintain these magical abilities. It's important to note that this is a specific belief and doesn't apply to everyone. Regular folks without magical tattoos can enjoy star fruit without worry!
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16. May I walk beneath hanging clothes wearing the amulet?There are different beliefs about this. Some people might avoid it based on their own traditions or superstitions. Nowadays, numbers of high-rise building owners who rely on drying clothes in high rise buildings are seen everywhere. What matters most is the origin of that belief for the individual, not whether it's objectively true or false. Even in the luxury apartments, you’ll see the residents hanging their laundry outdoors from their balconies to their rear windows, and these have steadily decreased over the years. Almost among the Chinese people, they would find the ladies underwear hanging up for drying besides the high rise building to be the most taboo. This is based on the belief that walking under women's drying clothes can weaken a sacred amulet. The idea is that the clothes might be dirty and stained, and that uncleanliness can drain the amulet's power. Of course, in our world of high-rise buildings, the same goes for narrow alleys or walking at night. It is easy to accidentally walk under someone's laundry. It is not always avoidable! Try to avoid hanging clothes; if you unintentionally walk past with a lack of care under the hanging clothes, all you need to do is hold the amulet and apologize from your heart; apologize for having walked beneath the clothes. If you had noticed and deliberately walked under them, it is a wrongful act that is disrespectful to the holy amulet.
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17. Why are some amulets so expensive?Each batch of amulets produced by the temple has a limited amount made, and the original mold for producing that batch of amulets will be destroyed after the ceremony to prevent fake reproductions of similar amulets in the market without engaging in a blessing ritual ceremony. As time passes, the amulets gain popularity, get older, or a shortage occurs when there is excess demand for the public and they become more rare and precious due to the limited amount produced, making them harder to find, which people started to look for. This will naturally cause the price of amulets to increase in the market based on their availability.
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18. Do I have to chant Katha over my amulet?Yes, if you are told to do so with their provided Katha. If the amulet Katha is not with you, or if you have the amulet in your possession but lack the specific Katha. Before you go out of the house, hold the amulets with both hands pressing together in a praying position, slightly touch your forehead, and chant the following Mantra with full faith and trust. You will be blessed. Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sam Buddhassa (3 times) and recite the following: Puttang Aratananang, Tammang Aratananang, Sangkang Aratananang, Puttang Prasittimae, Tammang Prasittimae, Sangkang Prasittimae (3 times).