Yant Khom
Four Vertical Mantra Lines
Four vertical lines of Khom script, each closed off with an unalome spiral at the top and bottom.
✦Meaning & Background
Four vertical lines of Khom script, each closed off at top and bottom with an unalome spiral. Where the well known Hah Taew has five, here there are four. The vertical build lets the mantra run with the body instead of across it.
✦More about this design
The Hah Taew with five lines is the best known mantra design in the tradition. This design works the same way but counts four lines, each closed off with an unalome spiral at top and bottom. It comes from the Cambodian branch of the same tradition, where Sak Yant has its origin. Vertical lines read differently on the body than a wide design. They follow the length of a forearm, the ribs or the spine, which makes them quieter than a figure turning around a centre. You see the same build in the lotus with a vertical mantra and in the five mantra lines with naga. A design of script alone is restrained: it does not shout, but it carries the full katha. Browse all Sak Yant designs, read about all Sak Yant symbols or book an appointment.
✦Frequently asked questions
Why four lines and not five?
The well known Hah Taew has five lines, but the number is not fixed. The tradition holds variants with four, five or more lines.
Where does a vertical mantra design fit?
On the forearm, along the ribs, on the spine or on the calf. Anywhere the body has a clear lengthwise direction.
Why does the drawing say Cambodia?
The design comes from the Cambodian branch of the tradition. Sak Yant has its roots in the Khmer empire, of which present day Cambodia was the heart.
