Ink Of Devotion
Lines of ink, written in faith,
prayers pressed into skin,
a covenant of protection and belief.
Each stroke, a silent vow.
Each symbol, a sentinel watching over the bearer’s path.
In quiet chambers and sunlit temple grounds,
devotion takes form.
Sacred patterns emerge,
guided by hands that carry generations of knowledge.
Each mark is a passage,
each design a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
Amid saffron robes and solemn rituals, time slows.
A gesture, a glance, a moment of stillness,
these are the movements of faith,
as enduring as the ink itself.
This is a portrait of faith inscribed in ink,
a journey into the unseen threads that bind spirit to body,
past to present, disciple to destiny.
Roots
Every journey begins with origins.
“Roots” represents the monk’s background, family, culture, and early influences that set the foundation for their path.
Memories
Before fully embracing a new way of life, one carries experiences and lessons from the past.
These memories shape their understanding and their desire to seek a higher truth.
Path
After recognizing the past, the monk consciously chooses the spiritual journey—committing to walking the Buddhist path toward enlightenment.
Faith
The decision to follow this path requires belief.
“Faith” signifies trust in the teachings of the Buddha, the discipline, and the process of transformation.
Reverence
As faith deepens, so does respect for the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), monks, and spiritual traditions.
“Reverence” is the monk’s growing devotion and humility toward the practice.
Spirit
Through discipline and reverence, the monk strengthens their connection with the spiritual realm, experiencing a deeper sense of self and awareness of the divine.
Shields
As spiritual understanding grows, challenges arise—internal doubts, temptations, and external distractions.
“Shield” represents the monk’s ability to guard their mind and soul through discipline.
Protection
Beyond personal defense, the monk starts radiating protection—both for themselves and for others—through wisdom, compassion, and blessings.
They become a source of guidance.
Awakening
The ultimate goal: enlightenment. “Awakening” represents the monk’s transcendence beyond suffering, attachment, and illusion, reaching a state of inner peace and true understanding.
Beyond
Stillness reveals what the eye cannot. The ink fades, but devotion lingers, rooted in spirit, reaching beyond form.
This series began with a single photograph I took in 2011, an image that stayed with me, growing in meaning over the years. That moment, captured in time, became the seed of inspiration, leading me to explore the profound connection between Buddhist devotion and Sak Yant tattoos, sacred markings imbued with spiritual protection, discipline, and enlightenment.
Sak Yant tattoos are not merely ink on skin; they are blessings, prayers, and a testament to the journey of faith. Each stroke carries centuries of tradition, each symbol a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. Through this series, I sought to document not just the art itself but the essence of the monks who wear them, their path, their sacrifices, their unwavering belief.
Buddhism teaches that life is a journey, a continuous evolution toward wisdom and enlightenment. In these images, I aim to reflect that path—the solitude, the strength, the devotion, and the deep sense of purpose that defines those who walk it.
From a single image in 2011 to this ongoing exploration, “INK OF DEVOTION” is my tribute to the sacred, the unseen, and the eternal.
GUARDA ANCHE:
Naga & Buddha
“Si diceva che i Naga fossero divinità custodi del mondo.
Si diceva anche che la parola “Naga”…”
.
Angkor part 2: TEMPLES
“Dicono che la cultura Khmer fosse grandiosa….”
.
Kingdom of Wonder
.
Myanmar
.