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Lanna’s Legendary Talismans

In our world of modern technology many ancient traditions and beliefs are fading as people fill their lives with the latest gadgets, and consider older things, such as traditional beliefs or ways of life, as out-of-date. However, traditional objects, or leftover things from the past, tell their own story - that of where we came from.

Talismans are a good example of such objects of the past - a time when superstition dominated people’s lives. Many people see them as nonsense, or a fantasy that belongs to an uneducated superstitious past. But beyond that, a talisman is evidence of our past, and for some, a present, ancestral belief system.

Many collectors keep talismans and amulets because they collect antiques; very few know the origin and significance of each piece. Assistant Professor Wiluck Sripasang, a lecturer at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) is one such expert in the Lanna world and talismans are one of his areas of expertise.

“I have studied Lanna talismans for over 50 years. Lanna for me doesn’t just cover the eight provinces in Northern Thailand but also includes the Tai Yai in the Shan States and the Tai Lue in Luang Prabang, among others. The talisman in Lanna is known as khanan or kranan (krueng rang in Central Thai).”

The reason Lanna culture boasts a wide variety of talismans and superstitious objects is because in the past – before Buddhism reached the region – the Lanna people respected the spirits of nature. The deities included all the protecting spirits in houses, cities and forests. Later, when Buddhism spread throughout Lanna society, people regarded those who respected gods or spirits as pagan.

However, there is still a lot of mixing between the old beliefs and Buddhism. Talismans symbolize the beliefs and principles of the Lanna people. To roughly categorize talismans in Lanna culture, they can be divided into two types: the first is for protection and the second for charms and attractiveness. There are some talismans that have both qualities. For example, yantra, a piece of cloth with a charm written on it, can be for protection and to make people fall in love with you. The original purpose of a talisman often changes over time and can be distorted by an individual’s point of view. So, the written version of the talisman’s story is found in some manuscripts and is therefore more reliable.

Most talismans were created by ajarns (teachers, experts) or ruesi (hermits) who practiced magic and incantations. Some are also created by nature: for example, a tiger’s tooth. Most Buddhist monks hold themselves apart from this field in order to distance themselves from a bad reputation that might be considered contrary to Buddhist belief and practice.

Assistant Professor Wiluck Sripasang went on to explain: “In every era, it’s believed that a talisman was made to offer comfort and for you to strongly trust in. No matter who or what you are, you can strongly believe in it. However, many people also have a talisman collection, not only because they believe in its power but also as antique-lovers. Personally, I see the talisman as a comfort to the heart before we had religion. People in the past believed in nature, trees and the things surrounding them. You can see it in the movie ‘Avatar’. It conveys the strong belief in trees and nature.

“I was born in the countryside where life is closely connected to religion and traditional beliefs. I had a chance to learn many things about the old belief systems together with religious teachings. I think it is very useful for your life to know your ancestral beliefs and background. You should know where you come from and how your ancestors’ beliefs fitted in with the changing world.”

There are quite complicated restrictions for anyone who wants to own a talisman. Basically, the owner must adhere to the five Buddhist commandments, that one should not steal, kill - any life - not lie, not commit adultery and not drink alcohol.

“Some talismans do not have to be created by experts. Long ago, when a soldier went to war, he used to tie a piece of his mother’s tube skirt to his wrist or neck as a comfort and connection between family members. But many have misused the talisman. They think it can save them from harm and so live their lives carelessly.”

Aj. Wiluck has a huge collection of Lanna talismans but claims: “I use them for teaching. I collected every piece to show my students and I think it’s my job to carry on this belief. I want to be a bridge connecting people and the beliefs of two generations. It’s important to know your background. How could you develop your country without knowing anything about its history or background? If a building needs a brick to build, so a nation also needs all its stories.”

Asst. Prof. Wiluck’s favourite pieces

1. Yantra (piece of cloth with written incantation): Wiluck’s favorite piece has a picture of a horse and a bull making love to a woman.

2. Kwai-Thanu (fighting Buffalo)

3. Tonnasit (animal’s teeth or horn)

4. Takrud (a stick made of buffalo skin)

5. Inn (molded figure of two persons hugging each other): a symbol of love

A Charmed Life

Tee Phranakorn
Amulet shop owner

“I collect everything: talismans, Buddha amulets or books. If something is not too expensive, I keep it to provide myself with spiritual comfort. I always carry one talisman with me every day, each day changing it to suit my feelings. There’s no need to care if other people say you are ignorant. Do it if you believe in it. I believe in it and never do bad things to others. That’s why I think it (carrying or wearing an amulet) is fine.”

Vorachen Kumpeera
The Director of Lanna Talisman Club

He calls himself Chen Chiang Mai, and he’s a talisman guru who has written several books about these fascinating objects.

“There are many aspects relating to Lanna talismans. I want to preserve this knowledge, otherwise it will disappear in the business of our changing modern world. The Lanna Talisman Club aims to preserve and carry forward this knowledge to the younger generation. Right now we have 20 members and we make a magazine to promote the talisman stories. I am the editor and my partners help write the features. I’ve studied talismans from when I was 16, and now I’m 32. It’s been a long time I’ve lived with it. My grandfather and father also studied this subject. My grandfather was a doctor who cured patients with local nostrums and he strongly believed in the talisman; many of the pieces in my collections are from my grandfather. People in the past did not usually hang a Buddha amulet around their necks. Buddha images deserve to be well placed at home.

“My first talisman was the Rahu; it’s become a rare item now. To make a talisman is not easy. One has to recite incantations over an object and if he (the reciter) doesn’t have strong magical power, it might cause bad reverse effects. If you make a talisman well, the owner’s life will be fortunate; but if not, it gives the opposite result.

“I agree that it’s about encouragement. However some talismans can cure disease. For example in the past when the hospital was too far for some families to get to, some talismans had herbal qualities (as they were made of natural materials) and could be used instead of medicine. There’s nothing wrong if you want to learn about it, and I’m willing to answer all and any questions.”

Wing Meedej
President of Fahmai Community Credit Union Cooperative

“It’s a matter of personal taste. I have collected them as a hobby, nothing special. The many amulets I have are both fake and real. I think they give spiritual comfort to the owner and I hope to see the custom of using them continuing in Thai society.”

Koraphat Kengwattana
Carving artist

“I like to collect amulets of the pairee pinas series, because I like the name,” (which literally means ‘enemy defeated’). “I believe these amulets can protect me from harm. However, the most important thing is the owner must behave well, or nothing positive will happen. When I first started wearing amulets, I didn’t notice anything happening, but after six months, praying and meditating, I could see many good things happening in my life. Don’t say we are credulous. If what I’m saying is not true, why do so many people still believe in amulets today?”

Supeera Sriphirom
Retired

“There are several factors involved in collecting amulets or talismans; they can be effective just as well for business as for pleasure. My favorite amulet is a Buddha amulet of Luang Bu Tim,” (luang bu or luang por are terms used for venerable monks). “I believe in the Buddha’s metta karuna (‘loving kindness’). Some amulets are valued at more than a million baht. If the Buddha’s metta karuna doesn’t exist or can’t be proved, why should that much money be paid for an amulet? It’s true that talismans give spiritual comfort and when we have them, we feel safe and secure. I think our beliefs will continue for centuries, as they have already for thousands of years.”

Tidarat Jaraspankul
Chevrolet showroom officer

“Everybody needs spiritual comfort. I’ve seen many people wearing more than one Buddha amulet around their necks. I don’t keep an amulet on me all the time. With or without is fine. I have seen palad kik,” (small wooden penis images) “and takrud,” (a stick made of buffalo skin) “but I don’t know much about these talismans. The young generation doesn’t really care or know about these beliefs. If we don’t preserve them, I think in the future the customs connected with them will vanish.”

Text : Mario
Images : Karin