Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister received a Daruma Doll from the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple during his visit to Japan.

• The Daruma is a Japanese doll, traditionally made out of papier-mache, often gifted or placed in homes, offices, and temples.
• It is considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture.
• Origin – Takasaki City in Gunma.
• Associated with the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, a centre of Daruma culture.
• Shape – It is a round, hollow, weighted at the bottom without arms or legs.
• Colour – It varies greatly in colour and design depending on region and artist.
• It is most commonly available in red.
• They also appear in various colours and each carries specific meanings.
  • Red – Good fortune and Prosperity
  • White – Love and Harmony
  • Gold – Wealth and Success
  • Green – Health and Fitness.

• Symbolism – It represents the popular Japanese proverb ‘Nana korobi ya oki,’ meaning fall seven times, get up eight.
• It symbolises the power of resilience and perseverance.
• Traditional Connection – It is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, founder of Zen Buddhism, called Daruma Daishi in Japan.
• Goal-Setting Practice – People colour one eye of the doll before setting a personal goal with the intention of achieving it.
• The other eye remains blank until the goal is fulfilled. It serves as a constant reminder to take action toward achieving your goal.

Reference

The Indian Express| Daruma Doll