While some get tattoos just for show, many of Fo Guang Hang's clients are businessmen looking to use the powers of sak yant to change their fortunes in the wake of the global recession, Heng said.

Hardy, however, says the tattoo — the fighter’s favourite — is a Tibetan Buddhist prayer written in Sanskrit. “It’s basically just like a prayer for focus,” Hardy said.

Emily Coughlin, of Pittsfield, looked peaceful Thursday as Norbu did her sacred tattoo, a design representing her unique Tibetan astrology chart and mantra. In addition to the actual sketching of the ...