Product Description
Buddha Amulet 2
Material: Brass
Style: Thailand
Size: Height 3 cm, Width 1.75 cm
Order Number: MHSBA2
Theravada Buddhism was introduced to Thailand from Sri Lanka in the 13th century and plays an important part in Thai culture with numerous temples, Buddha images and monks.
Every Buddha image is treated with great reverence. They range from a few centimetres in height to massive statues. The most common images are made of bronze, but other materials, such as clay, teak, sandalwood, ivory, lead, copper, silver and gold are used.
Nearly every Thai has an amulet on their body worn for protection. Collecting and trading amulets in Thailand is a big business. The most popular are small images of the Buddha to ward off evil and black magic.
Although laymen are not excluded from making amulets, they are normally made by older monks. Their power derives from the identity and sanctity of the maker, ideally a highly revered Buddhist monk. Rituals are held at various stages in the making of the amulet the times of which are determined by Brahman astrologers.
In addition, the amulet ought to be sacralised to ensure protection for the person wearing it. The usual sacralisation ritual is called pluk sek: taking the amulet in both hands the monk brings it to his mouth and murmurs a short Pali formula. When he utters the last syllable of the spell he may blow sharply on it. Or he may draw a simple geometrical drawing (yan) over the amulet with his right index finger or with a pencil while saying the Pali words. The recipient should press the amulet against his forehead as a gesture of appreciation.
One side is a revered monk and the other is a sacred symbol called a yantra, which is a geometric or largely abstract pattern, originating in India. They are conduits for cosmic energies, made effective by incantations, meditation and trances. They are written in an ancient Khmer script called Khom. The design on this amulet promises universal protection and represents the Five Buddhas, four past Buddhas and the Buddha of the future.
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