The chief priest of Daruma-ji temple gifted a Daruma Doll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Japan , The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman with significant cultural, historical and spiritual meaning. It is based on Bodhidharma, the 5th-century Indian monk who founded Zen Buddhism. He is known for his intense meditation practice, which, according to legend, caused his limbs to wither and fall off. This is reflected in the doll’s rounded shape without limbs.
The name “Daruma” comes from the Sanskrit word “Dharma” which means cosmic law or duty. The doll’s design and meaning promote perseverance, resilience and good luck, making it a popular item for motivation and goal-setting.
Daruma doll
- The Daruma is a Japanese papier-mâché doll inspired by Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism.
- It symbolizes perseverance, resilience and good luck.
- Under the Goal-Setting ritual, one eye is painted when a goal is set; the second eye is filled in upon achievement representing commitment and determination.
- Its rounded base ensures it always rights itself when tipped, embodying the proverb means “Fall seven times, stand up eight” a metaphor for never giving up.
Relations with india
The Daruma doll comes from the story of Bodhidharma, who traveled from India to China. He practiced meditation for nine years while facing a wall, which inspired the doll’s design of no limbs and blank eyes. This story conveys self-sacrifice, spiritual determination, and enlightenment. The Daruma thus connects Indian Buddhist philosophy with Japanese cultural practices, symbolizing lasting perseverance and spiritual focus.
- The Daruma doll symbolizes the intense meditation of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram revered in Japan as Daruma Daishi.
- He is believed to have meditated for nine years, facing a wall with folded limbs hence the doll’s limbless, rounded form and blank eyes.
- Bodhidharma’s journey took him from India to Henan Province, China where he meditated in a cave.
- The Daruma’s name derives from the Sanskrit word “Dharma” underscoring its Indian roots
Symbolism and Design
The Daruma doll is usually made of papier-mâché and painted in bright colors, most often red, which symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The doll’s round, weighted base ensures it always stands up when tilted. This reflects the saying “Fall seven times, stand up eight” which encourages resilience and recovery from setbacks.
Its face has stylized eyebrows that look like cranes and cheek hair that resembles turtles, both symbols of longevity in Japan. The eyes are initially left blank; the owner colors in one eye when setting a goal and fills in the other upon achievement. This represents focus and perseverance…
Cultural and Spiritual Importance
Daruma dolls are closely related to Zen Buddhist traditions and are often used as motivational tools or good luck charms. Many are bought at the Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Gunma, known for its Daruma production. The dolls are thought to help people reach goals such as health, academic success, or prosperity by encouraging determination. Once a goal is met or after a year, the dolls are traditionally returned to their temple to be ceremonially burned. This signifies renewal and the continuation of one’s vows..visit here
” the Daruma doll is a strong cultural symbol of resilience, spiritual focus, and motivation. It is rooted in Buddhist legend and has become a widely recognized Japanese custom for achieving personal goals and bringing good fortune ” for more such news link yourself here www.eminentnews.com
