Do you fear invisible things and perilous situations? Thai amulets are believed to help you. Since antiquity, faith and belief have been essential parts of human beings of all races and languages. Consequently, several forms of amulets have been devised to give support to worshipers. In many times, when people dreaded unseen things or were in a dangerous situation, they would conceive of amulets they had great faith in. They then would acquire the sense of right and wrong and became unwavering to tackle with obstacles and dangers. Their strong resolve facilitated them to succeed. Accordingly, people of different periods preferred to have amulets as their spiritual protectors.
Since human beings right now have a religion as their guidance in life, symbols of their former faith and belief were developed to be more artistic and handy. Particularly, most Thai people would carry with them tiny Buddha images to enhance their spirit and render their happiness and prosperity. Today, Thai amulets such as Buddha images are pretty well-liked among the Thais and Chinese in Southeast Asia. They generally consider them as an ancient venerated substance. Amulet collectors and believers hold the strong belief that they might work for them as well as could bring hope and peacefulness.
You can see boys and men in Thailand wearing the Buddha image on a cord of chain around their neck. These sacred objects are said to protect them against diseases, witchcrafts and accidents. When a boy becomes mature these objects with their caring power become ever more important in his life. The Buddha images vary in size. Their height may be as small as 2 centimeters but can extend to 8 centimeters, while their width may range from 1 to 5 centimeters. The Buddha images can be cast from metal or carved out of a piece of wood and ivory but the most common traditional ones are those created from a blend of different ingredients, pressed in a mould and baked.
The manufacture of tiny Buddha images or Thai amulets is mostly done by older monks. To make a pressed or printed image, a monk needs, aside from the mould, a recipe, the right ingredients, the holy script, the magical drawings and considerable knowledge of spells. For history buffs and historians, it is rather sad to hear that one of the common ingredients of printed image is the ash derived from burning the oldest handwritten sacred book of the monastery. All the genuine Thai amulets had been blessed before releasing out from the temples. There is no need to bless them again.
Some more Thai amulets supposed to guard wearers from misfortune and ill luck include “pharyan” or holy cloth and “leklai” or fluid metal. Pharyan is usually hung or affixed inside Thai houses to drive out evils and wickedness. Hung in front of the shop, it is believed to bring prosper to the business. Leklai meanwhile is probably one of the most famous holy substances in Thailand. It is believed that this substance can release magic power in various ways but for the most part in shielding worshippers against dangers and expelling hazardous enemies or animals. Even today, there are not many people who can actually describe the properties of this consecrated object in more details.
The metal medallions which illustrate the head of a revered person on one side and often some blessed ancient writing on the other are also as celebrated as Buddha images. Among the well-known medallions are those with the face of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V, but even more well-known are those with a monk who is extensively recognized for his magical power. These medallions are made by commercial companies on order from the organizing committee of a fund-raising ritual. Thai amulets are typically given as gifts among friends, family and those who travel a lot. Many people around the world who wear Thai amulets have good benefits and experience.
The most renowned amulet market in Bangkok is located on Tha Phrachan Road, near the Grand Palace. Amulet collectors and even the monks always come here to rent, trade and watch different amulets. In Thai we do not call it buy, we call it rent. Inside the market, there are innumerable kinds and shapes of Buddha images for you to choose from. Many people spend a day here to get only one amulet they yearn for. Buying a Buddha amulet is a personal thing. Do not shop by price. Opt for an amulet by your personal feeling toward the amulet and let your heart be the judge.
In Thailand, there are many substances that cannot be explained by the laws of science. Nonetheless, some people have strong faith in their protective power. The fact that we cannot witness or cannot prove the existence of something does not signify it is not real. Supernatural phenomena or amulets are what people are curious about but cannot wholeheartedly deny. But whatever their significance and properties, Thai amulets have insightful meanings and act as a spiritual guide for worshipers and wearers.
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