Got an update - I've spent all afternoon trying to translate two of them myself (numbers 3 and 4 in the picture) by typing out each character in Thai unicode to see if the internet could translate it. Had some funny results! Here is my attempt at typing out the Thai characters on number 3: กองทุนการ...

Thanks for the tip. I've found quite a lot of info on tattoos with similar designs, Sak Yants. But I haven't found these particular designs or if they have any meaning.

It's the writing I'm interested in mostly. Hopefully someone who can read it will be willing to help.

Does anyone know what the writing says on these amulets? http://i.imgur.com/xG7xl.jpg Also, any info about the symbols and shapes on the back would be great. Anybody know of a good resource for learning about things like this? I haven't been able to find anything useful by myself. Thanks very much.

Thanks retrofuturist.

Thanks for the advice and info everyone. After reading your posts I get the impression that it doesn't really matter if I join in or not, which was my main worry – I really didn't want to seem like I was being rude or disrespectful to the other people there. It makes a lot more sense to me now that ...

ahh I see. Wat Buddhapadipa looks very nice though.

Tell me to mind my own business if you like, but why did you stop going? And do you live near there? Only ask because I live so close to it, in Midhurst.

And I just looked up 'Bienvenue' - Merci beaucoup!

I take it you've been there PeterB. Do you visit regularly?

(Wasn't sure where to put this thread, hopefully this is the right place.) I went to my local monastery to listen to a Dhamma talk for the first time last night. I've been a very solitary practitioner for the last 5 years so there were a few things which were very new to me and took me by surprise, ...

Thanks Ben.

Yes it is Nicro, how'd you guess?
The name means 'mind of non-attachment' in pali. Its a really nice place hidden away in the woods.

And thanks bodom.

I'm not French, just thought it would make a change from the usual 'hello' title. :tongue: Been studying and practising Buddhism for about 5 years but have only just recently begun visiting my local monastery and I have a few questions about that which hopefully someone here can help with. Also been...