The relationship between Buddhist and animist amulets in contemporary Thailand: PHRA KHRUEANG and KHRUEANG RANG

This research focuses on the practice of buddhist and animist amulets in contemporary thailand, so called phra khrueang and khrueang rang in thai. Phra khrueang and khrueang rang are presented in response to demonstrate the relationship between buddhist and animist amulets, and thus between buddhism and animism, which have been influenced by the heightened process of religious syncretism. The study argues that there is no clear separation between the religiosity of the amulets moving from ‘purely’ animist amulets to ‘purely’ buddhist buddha images, thai religiosity flows uninterrupted in a changing yet interconnected spectrum as in the visible light spectrum.

Thai Buddha Protection Amulets

Share: the practice of worshiping amulets and sacred objects has been taking root in the thai society since ancient times. In addition to supernatural beliefs, each amulet is a reflection of the thai way of life deeply intertwined with agriculture, familial tie, gratitude, history, and influences from other religions and countries. In this article you will learn about nine amulets from thailand that are popular among thais and foreigners alike. Buddha amulet (phra khrueang) [song-pra. Com] buddha amulets [พระเครื่อง] are small buddha images but they can also feature images of monks, maestros, the bodhisattvas, and other gods. Thais believe that these amulets will protect them from danger, make them invincible, and bring good luck.

Increase or decrease font size for easier reading : a+ a- พระเคื่รอง or "phra kreuang" are buddhist holy amulets. Buddha holy amulet is a lucrative business in thailand. Made of stone, pottery or metal, temples use them to remind followers of the buddha's teachings and to commemorate deceased monks. Sales eventually became a key source of income. There are specialised markets to buy them. Prices can be very high (up to one million baht) for high sacred amulets. Chinese, hong kong and singapore people are also interested in amulets business but thailand still remains the best place for that kind of business. There are even persons collecting them.

As soon as i boarded my first plane to bangkok, i noticed something different right away about the other passengers filing past me. Around almost everyone’s neck hung at least one pendant that was clearly special. Some had small gold buddhas while other people had large chains with five or more medallions stationed along it like some over zealous rap star. I finally asked someone about the proliferation of this jewelry and they explained that these were buddhist amulets worn to protect the bearer during their travels. As i’ve continued to experience more and more of southeast asia, i have found many buddhists with amulets but no group has ever embraced them with as much zeal as the thais.

Specialist guide narongchai toain (right) welcomes visitors to his home to teach them how to make amulets. – © michael turtle an essential part of buddhism in thailand are the buddha amulets, also known as votive tablets. These small amulets – usually with images of buddha or monks – are considered to be powerful objects that can bring good luck and protection. Normally they are given to worshippers after they have made a donation or an offering, but there are many places that sell them as well. In thailand, the votive tablets were often placed in stupas as they were constructed.

Buddha Amulets - Blessed items.

Luang por’s buddha amulets became renowned and popular not only among amulet collectors but for people from all walks of life. Some people would like to know how luang por blessed his buddha amulets. Actually, luang por’s buddha amulets, starting from series 1 and all other special series, which were produced since world war ii, were produced per luang por’s order. So, wat paknam’s buddha amulets were not antiques discovered from time capsules buried in a sacred place. Luang por assigned kru treetar to supervise the buddhist nuns who attained and did not attain dhammakaya to press the buddha amulets with molds. The buddha amulets were made from dried jasmine and luang por’s hairs.

Buddha amulets in Thailand

Since ancient times, wearing an amulet was supposed to endow the owner with either a protective quality, or would herald the coming of good luck and fortune. These days, when high-profile chinese celebrities have turned to wearing an amulet as a fashion statement, the market in china, whether the wearers are "believers" or not, has taken off. And nothing is more on-trend right now than thai buddha amulets. A buddha amulet is called plah keang in its local language. It's said that once upon a time, there was a renowned monk in thailand, who was invited by the king to go to the disaster area when a deadly drought afflicted the nation.

History of Buddha amulets

For centuries, many tibetan buddhists have believed that carrying tibetan amulets, such as buddha images or other religious signs gives them luck and protection, and will never leave home without it. The tibetan pendants are made from stirling silver or tibetan silver & gemstones like turquoise, coral. Gemstones have always been known for their vibrant beauty. Throughout history they have been hailed as a gift from the gods, praised as a sacred talisman and desired as a sign of prosperity. It is said that the visual appeal of a gemstone is only part of its greater truth. Our pendants come in various colors and types, and add an eclectic twist to every outfit.