Yak
Yak with Yantra Field
A crowned Yak with fangs holding a round yantra field before him in both hands, with a row of unalome spires on either side and curved lines of Khom script below.
✦Meaning & Background
A Yak, the giant guardian of the Thai tradition, with a tall tiered crown, round eyes and fangs, holds a round yantra field before him in claw-like hands. The field holds lettered squares around an ornate central sign, a row of six unalome spires rises on either side and curved lines of Khom script run below. Here the guardian literally carries the yantra in front of him, like a shield.
✦More about this design
The Yak is the giant guardian you meet at Thai temple gates, with a fierce face, fangs and a tall crown. In the best known version on the site the face fills almost the whole design, surrounded by loose syllables and spires. This drawing shows more of the giant: his heavy arms with ornate armbands and claw-like hands that hold something. What he holds is a round yantra field. Rows of lettered squares run along the top and bottom, with an ornate sign at the centre and a small spire to its left and right. Such a field of syllables in fixed squares is an old form within the yantra tradition, one you also see in the Paed Tidt with syllable grid. What sets this design apart is that the guardian carries the yantra out in front of him, like a shield. Six unalome spires rise on either side, and curved lines of Khom script run below. This design is wide and symmetrical, so it sits well on the upper back or across the shoulder blades. Browse all Sak Yant designs, read about all Sak Yant symbols or book an appointment.
✦Frequently asked questions
What is a Yak?
The Yak is the giant guardian of the Thai tradition, often seen at temple gates. In the Sak Yant tradition he stands for vigilance and for keeping misfortune out.
What is the Yak holding?
A round yantra field with rows of lettered squares and an ornate sign at the centre. He carries it in front of him, like a shield.
How does this differ from the other Yak on the site?
In the giant guardian the face fills the whole design. Here you also see his arms and hands, with the syllable field at the centre.
