Thailand Amulets FAQ – Questions and Answers about Thai Amulets and their Worshiping Methods.
Thai Amulets have a myriad of Kata for Chanting, specific Offerings and Rituals for paying Reverence and Praying to them. Sometimes people have doubts about the methods of worship or offerings, and need them clearing up. This page will attempt to answer some of the most common and also rare questions about Thai Amulets and how to worship them properly. We shall add new answers to the list of questions about Thai Amulet in this Info Page as time passes, so please check back regularly to see updates.
Thai amulets are a diverse group of objects that can be classified into a number of different categories, including Buddhist, Brahman, animist, and necromantic.
- Buddhist amulets are the most common type of Thai amulet. They are typically made from metal, wood, or stone and are inscribed with Buddhist images or symbols. These amulets are believed to bring good luck, protection, and spiritual blessings to their wearers.
- Brahman amulets are similar to Buddhist amulets, but they are inscribed with Hindu images or symbols. These amulets are believed to be more powerful than Buddhist amulets and are often used by people who practice both white, grey and black magic or other occult arts.
- Animist amulets are made from natural materials, such as bones, teeth, or feathers. They are believed to contain the spirits of animals or plants and are used to protect the wearer from harm or to bring good luck.
- Necromantic amulets are the most rare and dangerous type of Thai amulet. They are made from the bones or body parts of the dead and are believed to contain the power of the deceased person. These amulets are often used for black magic or to harm others.
The use of Thai amulets is a complex and fascinating subject. There is a great deal of information available about these objects, but it is important to be careful about the sources of this information. Some websites and dealers may sell fake or counterfeit amulets, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase.
Powers of Amulets
What does the term ‘Maha Sanaeh’ mean?
“Maha Sanaeh” is a Thai term commonly used in the context of love, attraction, and charm. It is often associated with amulets, herbs, or rituals believed to enhance one’s charisma, sexual appeal, or romantic prospects. The term “Maha Sanaeh” can be translated as “great charm” or “great attraction” and is sometimes also spelled as “Maha Saney” or “Maha Saneh”.
What does ‘Metta Maha Niyom’ mean?
“Metta Maha Niyom” is a phrase from the Thai language that translates to “great kindness and popularity” or “great loving-kindness and good fortune.” It is a commonly used phrase in Thai Buddhist amulet culture, where amulets are often inscribed with this phrase to convey the blessings of loving-kindness, mercy charm, and good fortune to the wearer.
What does “Kong Grapan Chadtri” mean?
“Kong Grapan Chadtri” is a term used in Thai Buddhist amulet culture, and it refers to a type of amulet that is believed to provide protection against physical harm, such as accidents or attacks. The term “Kong Grapan” means invincibility, while “Chadtri” means victory. Together, they signify the amulet’s ability to protect and provide safety to the wearer.
Does the amulet come with Box? If no Box, is it Fake?
Thai Amulets Price and Power;
Q = “I see some amulets available in different Sacred Metals – are the more expensive ones, such as ‘Nava Loha’ more Powerful? If not, why are they More Expensive?”
A = Nava Loha normally has a rich element of gold and silver mixed in, which is one of the main reasons for this metal usually being the most expensive of editions which produce amulet in various sacred metals. The silver serves to harden the metal and the gold serves to increase luster, sheen, and also to offer a more luxurious version for those who wish to make a larger donation and receive a higher quality metal for their amulet.
As far as power goes, sometimes there may be a difference between a more expensive metal and a less expensive one, but often not. It is more of a question of whether a devotee wishes to help the temple by purchasing a more expensive amulet and in return also get a more valuable collectible amulet that in addition will increase in value and rarity as time passes (this is always the case with high end models of any edition of Thai amulets).
If the amulet does not have a box, is it fake? or real? How can I know?
What is the Best Kind of Case/Frame for amulets?
The recommendable choice of encasement of an amulet is different in every case, but there are some general inclinations and habits followed by Thai People, which may prove to offer some insights which may help you in deciding on which kind of frame or casing is best for your amulet. The best way to choose your case is to know what you are aiming for; This is solved by our special Formula, which we call ‘The Three Ls’
The Three Ls Formula for Knowing what you Want from Your Amulets by deciding what your Priorities are first
Firstly you need to set your priority. Which of the following factors is most important? which comes first?;
- Looks?
- Long Lasting?
- Live Magical Power?
Use the above formula to help you in deciding what Looks (Aesthetic Looks), Lasts (Care and Maintenance), or Lives (Magic Power Awakened) Best to Your Needs.
After You have decided Your Priorities, you can then consider the various Option sand weigh up the pros and Cons according to the Three Ls Formula. Before we do this, we should state the various Option s for Encasing an amulet;
Cord Wrapping; – Ancient Style, still preferred by Many, who believe in the Olden Times Belief that the amulet must touch the bare skin. It is less than a century that amulets been encased, before which, people would wrap the amulet in a cloth or with cords, and wear against the skin, so that the Sacred Muan sarn within the amulet lends benefits including healing ad prevent illness. A very classic and recommendable way of maximizing potential Magical and Healing and Protective effects of the amulet, with the disadvantage being that the amulet is subject to extra wear and tear and wont maintain its newness. For Ancient Amulets, this is a very nice and fitting option if you have the Faith of the Olden Times people and see it fit to maintain this belief and tradition.
Waterproof Casing; A transparent Acrylic Bubble-Like casing that prevents water from coming into contact with the amulet, and allows a 360 degree view of all sides of the amulet.This type of casing is Recommendable for Powder Amulets of lower value, and definitely a clear choice for metal Loi Ongk statuettes and smaller Takrut scroll spells. In addition, some of the powerful aromatic Maha Sanaeh type amulets, whose aromatic qualities are well preserved by Waterproof Casing, are also a type of amulet which can benefit from encasement ion Waterproof Casing. In Thailand, waterproof Casing is becoming the Normal Choice for almost all amulets. This is however, not due to the fact that it is always better, rather, that the new Era amulets, almost always have different shaped border-edges even the classic Pim such as Pra Somdej Buddha Image Votive Tablets, and Rian Sema Monk Coins.
Because of the large array of new and original amulet designs, which is the current trend in the continuing and developing History of Thai Amulets, the Stainless Steel casing of Old which we have come to know and recognize, is no longer efficiently viable, for indeed it is true, that nowadays, only one in ten Sema coins fit the pre-fabricated Stainless Steel frames, which assume the same small set of different shape and size ‘Pim’ that the 2540 Era was used to. It is therefore not possible for Stainless Steel amulet frame manufacturers to make perfectly fitting shaped frames for the amulets of the Modern Era. Only the Eternal Classics, such as the Pra Luang Por Tuad Tao Reed, Pra Pid Ta, and Pra Somdej Wat Rakang amulets, still fit in the frames that are available.
I recommend Waterproof Acrylic Sealed Transparent Casing for Powder Amulets of lower price, those with very aromatic ingredients (such as Lay Master Love Charms. I also advise Waterproof Casing for Amulets, which are easily damaged by water (soft, new powder amulets that have not had enough years to dry properly). It takes a couple of years or more for an amulet to dry completely, after which, the older it gets, the harder and less porous it becomes and impermeable to water.
Stainless Steel Frames; Stainless steel frames are available in various styles and price ranges, but all of them are relatively economical, and look good. Classic method. Can use for metal or powder amulets. If powder amulets, and you don’t take care that the amulet does not receive any shocks due to hitting against hard surfaces. Any kind of Physical Shock can break the transparent face and/or the powder amulet itself. repeated accidental shocks will finally fracture the amulet. Bowing on the floor in temples, it is advisable to remove ones amulets before doing so, or to make sure they do not hit the floor when you bow.
Micron (Gold Plate); Gold Plated Micron casing is subject to the same rules and recommendations as Stainless Steel casing. The difference being that the surface of the casing is coated in a thin layer of Real Gold. These kind of cases look very luxurious at a very affordable price, but the gold plating wears off in time (maybe 3 years if worn often, faster if not cared for), and is thus an option that is for people who lie to interchange their amulets and switch cases once in a while.
Solid Gold, and Solid Silver casing; These are of course the top option, and is not limited to Extremely expensive amulets Only; The Truth is, that in Thailand, it can often be seen that a person spends five times the price of the amulet on a gold case with diamond studded edges, or a silver case with enameled patterns. It is all a question of Values, for example, it can be seen to be logical, that if you have great Faith and reverence for the Image of Buddha, or any other Chosen deity Image, then it is only fitting to encase the Image in a valuable and worthy frame. There are ready made standard size Gold and Silver frames with transparent windows either one sided (front face only with closed back face), or two sided.
The Silver Versions are available with Glazed Colored Enamels and Filigrain patterns, and the Gold ones are available with or without diamonds or other precious stones.
Waterproof or Non-Waterproof? – Factory or Custom Casing?
When we talk about Gold and Silver Casing, we must also reveal that the standard manufactured models are mostly not entirely waterproof, like the stainless steel cases. But with hand made commissioned Gold or Silver encasement, it is possible and also indeed advisable, to first encase the amulet in waterproof acrylic casing, and then have the Gold Artisan fashion a Fancy Gold frame around the border-edges of the waterproof casing. This results in a waterproof luxury case for your amulet which both protects it and frames it with the metal of Kings.
Exceptions to this Rule;
I do not advise encasement in Acrylic Waterproof for Ancient Powder Amulets that are of Historic Importance, or are acceptable for Competition, or Valued by Collectors despite the advantages, because if it were ever to be shown in competition, or need to be removed, it would be endangered during removal and could receive damage. It is therefore much better to encase it in a stainless steel or silver, or even gold frame casing. You should also be as careful with it, as an amulet of this caliber and Sacred value deserves. Water is much less damaging to Pra Gru hiding place amulets of this type anyway, for they obtain their texture and consistency from moisture and dryness in the enclosed chamber, and are thus already well dried and adapted to environmental changes.
A non-waterproof case is thus still a safe enclosure for this kind of amulet, and does not endanger the amulet when attempting to remove it from the case frame. I thus advise stainless steel, silver or gold casing for this amulet, not waterproof, its value is too high to advise acrylic waterproof, which is difficult to open and remove without the proper tools, and could cause you to break the amulet due to excessive force.
Thai Amulets – Questions about Offerings
Q = “If you don’t have the right drink for the Nang Kwak, can you offer any red drink ?also do you need to offer every day, and change it every day?”
A = Any kind of Red Drink or even a Drink that is not Red, if given in a heart-felt manner, and well meant, is better and more likely to produce a result, than to offer the officially allocated Drink, but done mindlessly and without true Generosity in the Heart.
Think about it; The Thai Red Drink (Sala Syrup and Red Fanta), only exist since perhaps 80 years or so, but Nang Kwak has been given offerings since thousands of years.
So what did they Offer before Red Sala syrup and Red Fanta was invented?
They gave whatever was considered to be an offering worthy to pay reverence. They Gave what they themselves considered to be a preferred drink or sweetmeat. If You watch your Heart when you give your last evening packet of chocolate cookies to your chosen Deity, be it Nang Kwak or any other, open the packet, so they will go soft overnight (maybe not!) knowing that you are renouncing that little indulgence..
What if you have something you would really love to enjoy eating, and there is the last one left, and you take it and offer it to Nang Kwak and really mean it when you say ‘I would like to offer this to you please may you enjoy … etc’.
This is the best way to make Offerings and Pay Reverence.
In Thailand, we say ‘Yoo Tee Jai’ meaning ‘It is what is in Your Heart that Matters most’
A Fable of the Buddha (‘Fable’ meaning it is not important if it really happened or not, because the Moral of the story is the important thing);
The Buddha was once offered a bowl of sand by a little boy, for the boy was a beggar boy and had nothing. But he took some sand and closed his eyes and said ‘this is gold, and although i am poor and needy, if i had this bowl of gold for real now, i would offer it to Lord Buddha, in reverence of the Faith i have in his teachings’
In that moment, the Buddha appeared and said, that all the rich men who have ten millions of Ghodas of Gold and give 5 Million or so, is nowhere near the Generosity that was truly meant and intended in the heart of this little Beggar Boy.
Q = I have heard thet Lek Lai makes you Bulletproof. Is this Really True? Can you Guarantee this to Me?
A = All Lek Lai in the Store is Authentic. The Bulletproof matter is something We have not tested and do not wish to because;
1. It’s forbidden to test, must keep for a real case of needing protection.
2. its a matter of Faith too. Miracles happen, but not every time with every person.
So, One should Realize that, when a Bulletproof, or other Miraculous Event happens, it does not mean that this will happen for everybody. For this reason, We can not, and do not wish to guarantee such a thing and would be fools if We did, leavinig Ourselves open to Possible Criticism.
People are very assuming in general, and so when someone has Experienced a Lifesaving Miracle with Lek Lai, or indeed any Amulet of a Great Master, then people assume and create Legends, saying that all these amulets are able to do this or that (all of them for everybody). But sometimes, the Person whose life was saved, may have more Faith than someone else, and for this reason it may work for one Person and not another.
It is an ignorant assumption to think that if someone was saved because of a St. Christopher amulet his Mum gave him, that all St. Christopher amulets will always do the same for everybody.
The Great Ruesi Master of the Christians, Jesus of Nazareth stated, “If a Man has as much Faith as a Grain of Mustard, he could Move Mountains“. Faith is the Same as Samadhi (full one Pointed Concentration and Focus). It is essentially this Focus and One Pointed Unwavering Faith in the Amulet, or Master who made it, which empowers the Miracle events more than any other Factor. Of course the Deva or Magical forces and properties of the Muan Sarn ingredients and the Empowerments given by the Master make a difference, but without Intense Faith, these Aspects of Power are less likely to cause a real Miracle.
Q = Can i Put a Wealthy Making Buddha Amulet in my Wallet or my Pocket to attract Riches?
A = A Thai Buddhist would not put a Buddha Image in the Pocket, unless it is the top pocket, because, conditioned to Thai Dogma, it would be Inauspicious and Disrespectful. From a Non-Conditioned Viewpoint However, all things arise within our own minds. All of our Perceptions, Beliefs and Dogmas, Fears and Joys. If a technique of Practice, or Ritual Method appeals to Your Personal World View, and it feels Auspicious to do so, and Your heart means well with no Defilement and utmost respect, then this is what matters.
What matters more than Ritual, is How much or how well meant Your Bucha method and Practice is. So feel free to do what your Heart tells You. But if you are a stickler for ritual, and sticking to the ‘official method’ is of Importance, and would obstruct your peace of mind if not adhered to, then place the Buddha on a high place, or on the dashboard of car, altar, or if in wallet must keep in top pocket, not at waist level. There are however Many Wealth bringer Amulets, Magical Charms and Yantra Cloths (Pha Yant) which are not Buddha Image and intended to wear on Key Chain or in the Pocket, which can be used for this Purpose.
Miscellaneous Questions;
Why do Phra Kring Buddha Amulets have a bead ratttle?
The reason for this rattle sound, made by a sacred bead of Chanuan Muan Sarn or other Relic, is that it is the Name of the medicine Buddha resounding as you pass along your way, Healing and Blessing You with Safety, Health, Prosperity, Metta for Auspicous Friendly Loving Kindness.
Kata Chanting
Q = I don’t know the particular Kata for my Amulet to Chant – What can i do?
A = We have written an Article on this Topic which you can read here;
What are Thai Buddhist Guru Monks?
Thai Buddhist guru monks are highly respected spiritual leaders who have achieved a high level of enlightenment. They are often sought out for their wisdom and guidance, and their amulets are believed to be powerful sources of protection and good luck.
What are Thai Buddhist amulets?
Thai Buddhist amulets are small objects that are worn or kept on the person as a way to connect with the power of the guru monk who blessed them. They are typically made from materials such as metal, wood, or stone, and they may be inscribed with images or symbols of the Buddha, other Buddhist deities, or the guru monk himself.
Who are some of the most famous Thai Buddhist guru monks?
Some of the most famous Thai Buddhist guru monks include:
- Luang Phor Thuad (1762-1825): He is considered one of the most powerful Thai guru monks of all time. His amulets are said to bring great luck and protection.
- Luang Phor Khoon (1884-1978): He is known for his powerful meditation techniques and his ability to heal the sick. His amulets are said to bring good health and prosperity.
- Luang Phor Moon (1923-2015): He is known for his simple lifestyle and his emphasis on compassion. His amulets are said to bring good fortune and happiness.
- Luang Phor Ngern (1889-1956): He is known for his strict discipline and his mastery of the occult arts. His amulets are said to be very powerful and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as protection, wealth, and success.
- Luang Phor Somdej Toh (1788-1872): He is considered one of the most important figures in Thai Buddhism. His amulets are said to be very powerful and are highly sought after by collectors.
How do Thai Buddhist guru monks bless amulets?
Thai Buddhist guru monks bless amulets through a variety of rituals and ceremonies. These rituals typically involve chanting mantras, burning incense, and offering prayers. The goal of these rituals is to transfer the guru monk’s spiritual power to the amulet, making it a powerful source of protection and good luck.
What are the benefits of wearing a Thai Buddhist amulet?
There are many different beliefs about the benefits of wearing a Thai Buddhist amulet. Some people believe that they can bring good luck, protection, and prosperity. Others believe that they can help to improve one’s health, relationships, and career. Ultimately, the benefits of wearing a Thai Buddhist amulet are up to the individual to decide.
Is it important to be a Buddhist to wear a Thai Buddhist amulet?
No, it is not necessary to be a Buddhist to wear a Thai Buddhist amulet. However, it is important to respect the beliefs of the people who created and blessed the amulet. If you are not a Buddhist, it is best to do some research and learn about the beliefs of the guru monk who blessed the amulet before you decide to wear it.