Ruk Yom, Great Fortune, Great Charm/Kindness (Metta), by Archan Piyasit of Piyasit Baramee Sanctuary, Chiang Mai Province 2553 (2010 C.E.)
The Rak Yom is a spiritual amulet from Thai beliefs. Rak Yom are two small wooden dolls made from sandalwood oil. The wood used to make Rak Yom is from a tree that died in a mysterious/natural way, which means it died on its own, often referred to as a "Tai Phrai" tree. The Rak doll is carved from Dok Mongkut wood, also known as Rak wood. The Yom doll is carved from Thai Mayom wood. These names come from the wood's names; "Rak" means "love," and "Yom" means "popular."
Thai people believe that a Rak Yom amulet will protect the home, warn of danger, and bring the owner good luck, fortune, career success, compassion, and fulfillment. People who have a Rak Yom say their work goes smoothly, their finances improve, and they experience good luck more often. Some people can even sense the spirits of the Rak Yom in their homes. The Rak Yom are a type of Kuman Thong, which are revered spiritual entities in Thai animism and folk beliefs.
While Kuman Thong are often single figures, the Rak Yom are a pair of spirits, almost always depicted as young boys. The name itself, "Rak Yom," is a blend of the words for "love" and "popularity."The story of how they are created is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and a belief in the spiritual power of nature. They are said to be the spirits of two young boys, often brothers, who died young. Their spirits are invited to reside within the carved wooden figures.
Once carved, the figures are placed in a bottle of sacred oil, often infused with herbs and powerful spiritual components. The master performs a ritual, using incantations and prayers to invite the spirits of the two boys to inhabit the dolls. The belief is that these two spirits, working together, are stronger and more effective than either alone. People who keep Rak Yom treat them like members of their family. They are given offerings of sweets, toys, and drinks to keep them happy.
In return, the spirits are believed to protect the home from negative energy and evil spirits. They are said to warn their owner of danger and bring them good luck in business, gambling, and personal relationships. Many people report a feeling of having as though they have a guardian, or even sensing the presence of spirits in their homes. The relationship between the owner and their Rak Yom is a bond of mutual respect, where the owner cares for the spirits, and the spirits, in turn, look out for their owner.
How to use: You can wrap this bottle and carry the Rak Yom with you wherever you go. You can also place the Rak Yom on a table at home. When you want something, chant the incantation and ask for a blessing from the Rak Yom.
Katha of Rak Yom video link: Click here.
中文版本：点击此处。
