Silas: blessed as a Sak Yant master in Thailand
Read the story of Silas: how he was trained and blessed as an official Sak Yant master in Chiang Mai and brought the ancient tradition to Europe.
From the Netherlands to Thailand: the calling
Silas grew up in the Netherlands with a deep fascination for Asian cultures and spirituality. From a young age, he felt an irresistible pull towards Thailand — not as a tourist, but as someone seeking to understand the soul of the country. After years of self-study, he packed his bags and moved to Chiang Mai, the spiritual heart of Northern Thailand.
What began as a quest for personal growth quickly became a life-changing journey. In Thailand, Silas met experienced Sak Yant masters who introduced him to the ancient tradition of sacred tattoos.
The blessing: Wai Khru ceremony
The most defining moment in Silas' journey was the Wai Khru ceremony — a sacred blessing ritual that has been performed in the Thai tradition for centuries. During this ceremony, Silas received the official blessing from his Ajarn (master) to perform Sak Yant tattoos himself.
The Wai Khru is not a formality. It is a deeply spiritual moment where the student kneels before his master, brings offerings, and recites sacred mantras. The master then blows prayers and blessings over the student, sealing the spiritual transmission.
This blessing means that Silas has not only learned the technical skills, but also carries the spiritual knowledge and responsibility to apply Sak Yant tattoos in the proper, respectful way.
Training under certified Ajarns
Silas trained for years under multiple certified Ajarns in Chiang Mai. His training covered not only the technical aspects of hand-poke tattooing, but also the deep spiritual tradition behind it:
Yantra design: Learning to draw and understand the sacred geometric patterns and Khom script that form each Sak Yant design.
Mantras and prayers: Reciting the correct Pali mantras during the tattooing process to activate the Sak Yant with spiritual power.
Mai Sak (needle technique): Mastering the traditional bamboo and steel needles used for hand-poking Sak Yant tattoos — a skill that requires years of practice.
Spiritual ethics: Understanding the responsibility a Sak Yant master carries. Not every Yant is suitable for every person — the master must make the right choice based on individual needs.
Why the blessing matters
In Thai tradition, a Sak Yant without a blessing is merely a tattoo — beautiful to look at, but without spiritual power. The blessing from a certified Ajarn is what gives a Sak Yant its protective and empowering properties.
Through his official blessing, Silas can offer the complete Sak Yant experience: not just a beautiful tattoo, but also the accompanying mantras, prayers, and spiritual protection. Every session at Sakyan begins with a short prayer and ends with a blessing — exactly as it should be according to Thai tradition.
Sakyan: bridging Thailand and Europe
With Sakyan, Silas brings the authentic Sak Yant tradition to the Netherlands and Europe. From his studio in Breda, he offers an authentic sacred experience rooted in the Thai Sak Yant tradition. Every design is applied with respect for the tradition, using the techniques and rituals he learned in Chiang Mai.
Silas is one of the few officially blessed Sak Yant masters in Europe. This guarantees that at Sakyan you get an authentic experience — not an imitation, but the real tradition.
Whether you come for the spiritual meaning, the unique aesthetics, or both — at Sakyan you are in the trusted hands of a master who respects and honors the tradition.
Want to know more about Sak Yant?
Would you like to receive a Sak Yant from Silas in Breda? Browse the available designs and read more about what Sak Yant is, the meaning of the Hah Taew and how to book an appointment.
→ Also read: what is Sak Yant – origin, meaning and spiritual power explained.
Frequently asked questions about Sakyan
Where is Sakyan located?
Sakyan is located in Breda, the Netherlands. Silas receives clients by appointment; the exact address is shared after your appointment is confirmed.
Does Silas speak multiple languages?
Silas speaks fluent Dutch and English. Sessions for German or French-speaking clients are possible; the working language is then generally English.
Can anyone receive a Sak Yant at Sakyan?
Everyone who respects the spiritual tradition and comes with a sincere intention is welcome. There is no religious requirement. Silas discusses your intention beforehand and advises which design is most suitable.
