Khan Nam Montr with Phra Nak Prok (Buddha Protected by Snakes)
Material: Brass
Origin: Thailand
Height: 36 cm
Code: TS-024
Nam Montr is the name given to holy water, or empowered water through prayers. Nam Montr is kept and empowered in a special receptacle called a ‘Khan Nam Montr’, which takes different forms, specialized purposes, and artistic interpretations. For this exhibit, the vessel has an inscription of Buddha Skayamuni in bhumisparsha mudra on each of the six-petals. The cover of the vessel is a Phra Nak Prok which means a statue of the Buddha protected by snakes.
The Khan Nam Montr is used for meditative empowerment methods as well as incantation and prayer as a method of transference of power. Kasina staring, candle magic, and the use of added ingredients and sacred objects immersed in the holy prayer water are used skilful means to “amplify” the power of the holy prayer water. The blessed water is used to spray on devotees and any objects considered worthy of blessing.
The Khan Nam Montr is also usable as an ‘Apo’ Kasina meditation object. Apo Kasina is the practice of absorption staring of the water element both externalized and internalized (alternately), to attain both inner awakening of powers and realizations, purification of inner vision, and elemental control over mind and matter. The practice of prayer chanting to empower the holy water in combination with the psychic empowerment of Kasina staring and the kundalini awakening which arises from the Kasina practice, serve to increase the extent of the empowerment.