Sacred Amulet News – Tiger Stripe Takrut Yantra Amulet by Luang Pho Soot of Wat Kalong

Luang Pho Soot Siridharo, former abbot of Wat Kalong in Samut Sakhon province, was an exceptionally accomplished Buddhist scholar and amulet master. Originally named Soot Sattayatang, he was born on May 8, 1886, in Phon Phrai District, Roi Et province. He ordained as a novice at age 16 at Wat Klang in Phon Phrai under Phra Kru Mao as his preceptor, and received full ordination at age 20 on June 20, 1922.

After his ordination, he undertook forest pilgrimages throughout various regions, eventually settling at Wat Kalong in Samut Sakhon where local residents invited him to spend the Buddhist Lent. During his travels, he studied under numerous renowned teachers, including Luang Pho Rung Tissaro of Wat Tha Krabue in Samut Sakhon and Luang Pho Kong Thammachoto of Wat Bang Kaphom in Samut Songkhram. He developed expertise in Lao and Khmer languages, knowledge essential for surviving the harsh journey through the dense northeastern forests.

Luang Pho Soot became widely revered for his extraordinary Buddhist scholarship and eventually achieved great fame as the spiritual teacher of a notorious bandit leader, whom he allegedly protected through sacred amulets. He also became the original master of the takrut (sacred inscribed scroll) yantra, particularly famous for its protective qualities promoting spiritual stability and perseverance.

Luang Pho Soot explained the takrut yantra's significance: "The takrut represents resilience and endurance. As a child, I was fascinated by the Takrut sport. After injuring myself attempting it, I conceived the idea of creating a beautiful yantra script unique to this form. I observed children playing with takrut in Wat Kalong's courtyard and drew designs based on the weaving patterns, perfecting them over time. The key principle was combining beauty with durability and strength—representing human resilience and perseverance. A takrut withstands countless impacts without breaking, yet those who strike it find themselves in pain. This embodies life's philosophy: perseverance combined with artistry."

His design artistry in the takrut yantra was exceptional, featuring elegant Khmer script calligraphy and exquisitely beautiful patterns. He achieved ecclesiastical rank in 1947 as a First Class Ecclesiastical Certificate holder, advanced to Second Class in 1968, and received royal promotion to First Class in 1974, retaining his title Phra Kru Samut Tham Sunthon. He passed away peacefully on August 14, 1983, at age 81.

Luang Pho Soot created numerous revered sacred objects, most notably the takrut yantra with protective and stabilizing spiritual properties. In 1974, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday celebration, he commissioned the creation of the renowned "Tiger Stripe" amulet medal (Liam Suea Phan). This oval-shaped amulet features a meditating Buddha figure in full lotus position on one side, with distinctive side designs completing the composition.