Rituals and
Spells:
Thai boxers are
prone to believe in magic spells, and the occult in the believe that
such ploys could stop the opponent who would be too puzzled to fight.
Fighters are known to have gone as far as to recite spells in graveyards
particularly those reputed to be haunted, so as to facilitate
meditation, strength, courage and increase readiness to face a
man.
In general, students
of Thai boxing are usually initiated into a camp via an initiation
ceremony. The chosen day is usually Thursday, (Thursday is
considered the day of the god of arts and skills). The student
would bring flowers, incense sticks, candles, towels and a water
container to the teachers house. He would also bring with him 6
twenty-five Satang coins and 6 pieces of white cotton cloth. Depending
on the amount of students who are to be initiated, a small feast is
prepared, with pork, duck, and chicken with other foods and
fruits.
The teacher would
pick up either a glove or the sacred cotton laurel and raise it above
his head, then the students to be initiated would bow to the teacher
three times and put out his arm to be held by the teacher while holding
the glove or laurel. Both the teacher and the student should be holding
the article while the teacher begins to incite the blessing of
knowledge; "Buddhang Prasit Dhammang Prasit Sangkang Prasit,
Narayana is Chao Prasit Pawantute" (Meaning the one
who confers knowledge).
When the teacher
releases the hands of the student, then holds the article above his head
to pay respect to Rama, where he bows three times, he then faces the
teacher and bows three more times towards him. The teacher then makes
the following blessing;
"Siddhi
Kijang, Siddhi Kammang, Siddhi Techo, Chaiyo Nijang, Chaiya Siddhi
Pawantute"
If there is pork or
duck etc., then the teacher will take a knife and slice a piece offering
this to the student, while reciting "This object is given by
Narayana to all his pupils so that they could be powerful and enjoy
lasting happiness". The student makes another sign of respect and
eats the piece of meat. There is always a large container of holy water
and a statute of Buddha which is placed in the middle to bear witness to
the ceremony. Holy water is sprinkled on the student and the teacher
would offer the student the wearing of the holy cotton laurel which is
governed with the following spell;
"Om Sri
Siddhi Deja Chana Satru Na, Ma, Pa, Ta" You see me. Your
mind should be gloomy, worried, without sense Namo Buddhaya makes you
captivated, believing that I am Ong Promma Chaiya Siddhi
Pawantume".
One of the spells
used by King Naresuan during his march against the Burmese, is often
used in this ceremony; "Pra Chao 5 Pra Ong" (Five
Gods) Namo Buddhaya.; "Na Yan Bot
Songkram ( Na the region of the war),
Ma Tid tam Satru (Ma follow
the enemy), Bud Tor Su Pai Rin,
(Bud fight the foes), Cha Sin Pol
Krai (Dha conquer all forces),
Ya Chok Chai Chana (Ya
glorious victory).
When fighting at
close quarters King Naresuan used the following spell in engaging the
enemy in battle.
"Na Dej
Rukran (Na, might invades),
Ma Tao Harn Fan Fad (Ma,
courage in striking), Pa Pikat Home Huek
(Pa, destroy without fear), Ta Prab Suek
Toi Tod (Ta, repel the
enemy)."
